Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 | Fully Funded PhD & MSc

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, managed by Research Ireland (Irish Research Council), is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities in Europe. It provides international students—including those from Pakistan and other non-EU countries—the chance to pursue PhD and Master’s level research across all disciplines.

This programme is highly competitive and designed for excellent students who wish to undertake innovative, bottom-up research projects in Ireland’s globally recognized universities and institutes.

Timeline for 2025/26 Intake

Call Opens: 11 September 2025
Application Deadline: 23 October 2025
Results Announcement: Spring 2026
Programme Start: Academic year 2026/2027

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

The scholarship is open to all nationalities, including non-EU students such as those from Pakistan, India, and other Global South countries.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be entering a new research programme (PhD or Master’s by Research) in Ireland OR already be in Year 1 of a PhD.
Hold an excellent Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (depending on the programme level).
Propose a bottom-up research project—this means students choose their own topic, supervisor, and host institution.
Be fluent in English, the main language of instruction and research in Ireland.

Fields of Study

One of the biggest advantages of this programme is that it is discipline-neutral. That means:

All academic fields are eligible – from science, engineering, and technology to arts, humanities, and social sciences.
The programme is researcher-driven, so you have the flexibility to propose your own innovative research idea.

Supervisor Requirement (Important)

You must have a supervisor in Ireland who agrees to host your research project.
This scholarship is “bottom-up”, meaning you propose your own idea, but a supervisor’s endorsement is mandatory.
You do not need a formal “acceptance letter”, but you must name your supervisor in the application, and they must confirm their support through the official Research Ireland system.
Best Practice: Contact potential supervisors well before September 2025 to discuss your research idea, align it with their expertise, and ensure they are willing to supervise you.
Without a supervisor’s confirmation, your application will not be considered complete.

Funding Package (Up to €34,000 per year)

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship provides generous financial support:

Annual Stipend: €25,000 for living expenses
Contribution to Fees: €5,750 (plus up to €4,000 extra for non-EU students to cover higher tuition costs)
Research Allowance: €3,250 per year for project-related expenses

This makes it one of the best-funded scholarships in Europe, ensuring you can focus fully on your research without financial stress.

Why Choose Ireland?

World-class research environment: Irish universities rank globally for innovation and academic excellence.
Internationally recognized PhD degree: Enhances career opportunities worldwide.
Growing job market: Ireland has a booming tech, pharmaceutical, and research sector offering excellent post-study opportunities.
English-speaking country: Makes it easier for international students to adjust.
Welcoming culture: Ireland is known for its hospitality and safe environment.

Work & PR Opportunities in Ireland

During Study – Part-Time Work

International students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
During official holidays (summer/Christmas/Easter), students may work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
This right is automatically included in the student visa (Stamp 2).

After Graduation – Stay Back to Find a Job

Master’s graduates: Eligible for up to 2 years stay-back under the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G).
PhD graduates: Also eligible for 2 years stay-back (extendable in some cases).
During this period, graduates can work full-time and apply for work permits.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

After finding a job, graduates can switch from Stamp 1G (post-study) to Stamp 1 (Employment Permit).
The most common route is via the Critical Skills Employment Permit, available for high-demand professions in engineering, ICT, research, and healthcare.
After 5 years of legal residence in Ireland, students can apply for Long-Term Residency (similar to PR).
For Critical Skills workers, eligibility may come faster (sometimes after 2 years of employment).

✅ In summary: You can work part-time during study, get 2 years stay-back after graduation, and then move toward permanent residency through employment.

Application Process

Check Eligibility – Confirm that you qualify based on academic background and research stage.
Contact Potential Supervisors – Secure agreement from an Irish professor to supervise your project.
Prepare Documents – Draft a strong research proposal, academic CV, motivation statement, and secure recommendation letters.
Submit via Online Portal – Applications must be submitted through the official Research Ireland application system.
Wait for Results – Shortlisting and final selection take place in Spring 2026.

Required Documents

Research Proposal (innovative, bottom-up project)
Curriculum Vitae (academic-focused)
Motivation Letter / Personal Statement
Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Two Academic References
Supervisor Commitment (from Irish host institution)

Official Application Link

Applications will open in September 2025 on the official Research Ireland portal:
👉 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme – Research Ireland

How I Can Help You (MP CONSULTANT Services)

Applying for the Government of Ireland Scholarship requires precision, strong documents, and a competitive proposal. I can guide you through every step:

Profile Evaluation – Assessing eligibility & strengths
Research Proposal Writing – Drafting winning proposals tailored to Irish supervisors
Motivation Letter Guidance – Showcasing your passion & potential
Academic CV Enhancement – Highlighting research achievements
Complete Application Support – Ensuring all requirements are fulfilled
Supervisor Connection Tips – Guidance on contacting Irish professors

With my expertise, you will be better prepared to stand out in this competitive program.

For Assistance – Contact Me

📱 WhatsApp now: https://wa.me/923007519970
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📧 Email: mpconsultantservice@gmail.com

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Conclusion

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for ambitious students worldwide. With €34,000 per year in funding, part-time work rights, post-study stay options, and a clear path toward permanent residency, this programme offers much more than academic support—it is a gateway to a successful international career and future in Ireland.

Don’t miss the deadline – applications open on 11 September 2025 and close on 23 October 2025. Start preparing now and secure a supervisor early to maximize your chances!

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