One of the most prominent scholarships for overseas students in Ireland is the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships 2026, which is offered in all subject areas. Participants in the program are acknowledged for exhibiting exceptional potential as future leaders in research. All nationalities are given equal opportunity through the Ireland Scholarship 2026. In order to maximize the value of researchers’ abilities, knowledge, and ability and provide the greatest possible benefit to society, Research Ireland (previously the Irish Research Council) collaborates with corporations, civil society organizations, and the government. The goal of this award is to develop candidates’ skills so they can better serve the community.

Ireland’s research environment, the Ireland Government Scholarship 2026 Program is distinct and enhances existing postgraduate funding sources. Students who accomplish exceptionally well in their research are given prestigious honors. It invests in innovative ideas and discovery research that tackle important community concerns, supporting a diverse range of outstanding individual researchers at different stages of their careers.

With the help of Government of Ireland Scholarships, students from all over the world can fully pay their postgraduate studies in Ireland. For students with outstanding academic records and a strong interest in research who are pursuing a full-time master’s or doctoral degree, the postgraduate grant is perfect. Over the past five years, the scholarship has had an average success rate of 18%, making it extremely competitive. The program’s main goal is to help applicants become well-rounded leaders and scholars.

This Irish fellowship is available to top universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy. Candidates from various fields can work together with others from different cultures and share ideas in this fantastic opportunity to help solve pressing community issues. In 2019, 1,193 postgraduate scholars received awards, and over 5,000 candidates have received funding for exceptional research to date.

Host Country:-

• Ireland

Funded By:

The Department of Education and Skills provides funding for the 2026 Ireland scholarships for international students, which are overseen by the Council of the Government of Ireland.

Degree Level:-

Doctorate degree (PhD)

Master’s by research

Duration:-

Master’s students who obtain the Ireland Scholarship will be supported over a two-year term.
PhD students who are awarded the Ireland Scholarship will be supported for a total of four years.

Eligibility Universities:-

University of Atlantic Technology
Marino Coláiste Mhuire
University of Dublin City
Dublin Dental Hospital Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies Dublin Institute of Technology Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology
Maynooth University’s Mary Immaculate Hospital
University of Munster Technological
The National College of Ireland’s National College of Art and Design

Galway RCSI, National University of Ireland Medical and Health Sciences University
Academy of the Royal Irish
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest University College Cork University College Dublin South East Technological University Royal Irish Academy of Music
Trinity College, University of Dublin
Limerick University

Benefits:-

The annual maximum value of the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is €34,000. It consists of:

A stipend of €25,000 per year to pay living expenses.
Up to €5,750 in annual tuition fees, including non-EU fees, were covered. If their fees are higher, non-EU students may request an additional €4,000 year; however, the student or their university is responsible for covering the remaining fee difference.
€3,250 annually for research costs, including travel, equipment, and other project-related expenditures.
Peer review by international, independent experts as a component of an impartial selection procedure
The candidates will have the opportunity to attend some of the top universities in the world in Ireland.

Eligibility Criteria:-

• To apply for the Ireland scholarship, candidates must be of any age.
• All applicants must complete and pass an eligibility assessment on the online application system before they may access an application form.
• Every applicant needs to be connected to one of the above-mentioned eligible universities.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in order to pursue a master’s degree, and a master’s degree in order to pursue a doctorate.
• Supervisors and academic referees must give the applicants glowing testimonials.
• Applicants must not have failed twice in the same program in order to be eligible. This holds true regardless of whether the applicant’s research topic or host institution has evolved since their last submission.
• Students can also apply while they wait for their results. They must, however, get temporary certifications from their home educational institutions.
• First-class or upper-second-class degrees are required of the applicants.
• andidates must not currently hold or have previously had an Irish Research Council fellowship in order to be considered for a research master’s or doctorate degree.
• Throughout their studies in Ireland, all applicants must have a primary supervisor who is both willing and able to provide guidance on their research projects.
• Appropriate ethical permission is required for research involving individuals or human material. Research that would cause the destruction of human embryos is not funded by the scholarship.

How To Apply:-

• Email applications and paper copies are not allowed; instead, you must apply online via the official application portal.
• Before you can access the application form, you must complete the eligibility quiz.
• Locate and get in touch with a supervisor at a university or research facility in Ireland that qualifies. They must support your research proposal, so talk to them about it.
• Get your paperwork ready, and confirm that your transcripts are official, signed, and stamped.
• Make sure your application is well-written and original; it cannot contain any plagiarism.
• Please only submit in English or Irish
• Register on the web portal, complete the application, and attach the necessary files.
• Make sure your referees and supervisor fill out the system forms on time.

Required documents:-

• filled out the online application (after passing the eligibility test)
• Research proposal
• An applicant’s profile or personal statement
• Plan for professional development and training
• Environment part (suitable for the host institution and supervisor)
• Statement of ethics (if appropriate)
• Statement on the Sex/Gender Dimension
• transcripts of record for each degree specified in the application
• Form of endorsement from the primary supervisor (filed online)
• Referee form or forms (online submission)
• Evidence of residency or nationality (if requested)
• Proof of a break in one’s career (if requesting eligibility adjustment)
• Final official transcripts, if any were pending at the time of application
• Letters of ethical approval (before beginning any research that needs approval

Official Link:-