The Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, a transformative study in Ireland initiative, invites international students to pursue master’s and PhD programs at leading institutions like Trinity College Dublin (#81, QS World University Rankings 2025), University College Dublin (UCD), and Royal Irish Academy. Funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science and managed by the Irish Research Council, this international scholarships Europe program fosters global research trailblazers across disciplines, from archaeology to zoology, computer science, public health, engineering, and social sciences. Scholars embark on a transformative academic journey, engaging in pioneering research to address global challenges.

The Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship empowers scholars to drive innovative research at world-class facilities, such as TCD’s CRANN Institute for nanotechnology or UCD’s Insight Centre for data analytics. Scholars collaborate with expert faculty on projects tackling climate change, digital innovation, health equity, and sustainable development, with 70% of alumni advancing to leadership roles in academia, industry, or policymaking. Launched as a national initiative, the program supports a diverse community of 1,400+ scholars annually, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and aligning with Ireland’s vision to lead global research under the new Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland agency. With a competitive 18% success rate over five years, it champions interdisciplinary research, integrating diverse methodologies to solve complex societal issues.

The scholarship champions global professional networks. Scholars join the Irish Research Council alumni network, connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders through conferences, seminars, and events like Dublin Tech Summit, Galway Science Festival, and Irish Research Summit. This inclusive framework supports diverse perspectives, with 55% of scholars from non-EU regions. Campus activities, such as AI hackathons, Cork Sustainability Challenges, or Dublin Literary Festival, enrich the research-driven experience, with 60% forming international professional ties. Ireland’s partnerships with European, Asian, and North American research networks enhance cross-border collaboration opportunities.

Studying in Ireland, scholars explore landmarks like Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, or Dublin’s Trinity Library, immersing in Celtic cultural vibrancy. Events like St. Patrick’s Festival, Galway International Arts Festival, or Belfast Film Festival deepen engagement. Irish campuses, equipped with advanced labs, digital libraries, and innovation hubs, support global academic excellence, with connectivity to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Ireland’s safe, welcoming cities (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complement academic pursuits, ideal for postgraduate studies.

Candidates must submit an online application, including a research proposal and academic transcripts, and affiliate with an eligible institution. An eligibility quiz is required before accessing the form. Join a global cohort to champion research innovation, embrace Irish cultural heritage, and redefine career horizons with the Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship!

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship:

Host Country:

•Ireland

Funded By:

•The Ireland scholarships for international students are funded by the Department of Education and Skills and managed by the Council, Government of Ireland

Degree level:

•Research master’s degree.
•Structured research master’s degree.
•Traditional doctoral degree.
•Structured doctoral degree.

Program Duration:

One to four years depending on the type of degree being pursued and the date of first registration (where applicable).

•Government of Ireland Research Master’s Degree Scholarship Duration: 1 Year.
•Government of Ireland Structured Research Master’s Scholarship Duration: 2 Years.
•Government of Ireland Traditional Doctoral Degree Scholarship Duration: 3 Years.
•Government of Ireland Structured Doctoral Scholarship Duration: 4 Years.

Eligible fields for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship:

•Engineering.
•Humanities and Arts.
•Business.
•Law.
•General Sciences.
•Natural Sciences.
•Health Sciences.
•Social Sciences.

Eligible Universities under the Government of Ireland Scholarship:

•Atlantic Technological University.
•Coláiste Mhuire Marino.
•Dublin City University.
•Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
•Dublin Dental Hospital.
•Dundalk Institute of Technology.
•Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology.
•Mary Immaculate College.
•Maynooth University.
•Munster Technological University.
•National College of Art and Design.
•National College of Ireland.
•National University of Ireland, Galway.
•RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
•Royal Irish Academy.
•Royal Irish Academy of Music.
•Southeast Technological University.
•Technological University Dublin.
•Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.
•University College Cork.
•University College Dublin.
•University of Dublin, Trinity College.
•University of Limerick.

Benefits of the Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship:

•The student will get a stipend of €22,000 per year.

•The scholarship will cover the tuition fee.

•The student will receive research expenses of €3,250 per year.

•Individual, significant rewards will be given to candidates in their own names for outstanding research.

•Global, independent expert peer evaluation as part of an objective selection process.

•The candidates will get to study at the world’s leading universities in Ireland.

•The scholarship also includes non-European Union fees for candidates which will be up to €5,750.

Eligibility Criteria of Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship:

1. The applicants can be of any age in order to apply for the Ireland scholarship.

2. Prior to accessing an application form, all applicants must take and pass an eligibility quiz on the online application system.

3. All applicants must be linked with an Eligible university listed above.

4. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree for pursuing a master’s and a master’s Degree for pursuing PhD Applications.

5. Applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English.

6. Academic referees and supervisors must provide positive reports of the applicants.

7. In order to be considered, applicants must not have failed twice in their previous applications for the same program. This is true whether the applicant’s host institution or research topic has changed since their last submission.

8. Students waiting for their Results can also apply. However, they must get provisional certificates from their home institutions.

9. The applicants must have first-class or upper-second-class degrees.

10. Applicants seeking a research master’s degree or a doctoral degree must not possess or have previously held an Irish Research Council scholarship.

11. All applicants must have a willing supervisor who can’t guide them on their research projects during their studies in Ireland.

12. The candidates who have research topics related to; humans, Human modification (except for cancer research), and the production of human embryos.

13. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Required Documents for the Government of Ireland Scholarships:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.

3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

11. Study Plan/Statement of Purpose.

12. Research Proposal.

13. Supervision details (if any).

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in April 2026!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.