The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025 is now open for applications, offering a prestigious opportunity for postgraduate researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
Funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and managed by the Irish Research Council, this programme is recognized as a cornerstone of Ireland’s research landscape.
It supports high-quality postgraduate education and research in diverse fields, providing an alternative to other national funding avenues.
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Key Features of the Programme
One of the defining elements of the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is its emphasis on individual excellence. Successful applicants receive funding for innovative research projects, judged on merit through an independent, international peer review process.
The programme accepts proposals from all disciplines, ranging from archaeology and the humanities to the natural sciences, like zoology. This inclusive approach ensures that researchers from various academic backgrounds have the chance to secure funding for their work.
A unique aspect of the programme is its encouragement of bottom-up, non-directed research. While there are partnerships with strategic funding bodies, the programme prioritizes the development of pioneering research proposals that explore emerging fields or propose new approaches to existing areas of study.
Proposals of an interdisciplinary nature are also highly encouraged, as combining methods, theories, and perspectives from different disciplines can advance fundamental understanding in innovative ways.
Scholarship Value
The programme offers substantial financial support, with a maximum annual scholarship value of €31,000. This amount is broken down into three main components:
- A stipend of €22,000 per year, which provides recipients with a generous living allowance during their studies.
- A contribution toward academic fees (including non-EU fees), up to a maximum of €5,750 per year. This ensures that both domestic and international students can benefit from the programme.
- Research expenses of €3,250 per annum, enabling scholars to cover the direct costs associated with their research, such as materials, travel, and equipment.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to applicants from all age groups, with no upper age limit. To be eligible, candidates must be affiliated with an Irish higher education institution or a research-performing organization. Importantly, applications are accepted in either English or Irish, promoting inclusivity in language use.
However, there are some restrictions. Applicants who have submitted two previous unsuccessful applications to the programme are ineligible to apply again, regardless of changes in their research institution or topic.
Application Process: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Prospective candidates must carefully review the call documentation to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The forms required for submission (applicant and supervisor forms) are available for review, although applications must be completed and submitted through the programme’s online system.
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme offers a valuable opportunity for postgraduate researchers aiming to contribute to their fields. With substantial financial backing and support for interdisciplinary and innovative research, the programme is an essential part of Ireland’s academic funding ecosystem.
Researchers interested in applying should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the October 10, 2024 deadline.
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