What the funding covers
- A stipend of €25,000 a year (2026 awards).
- A contribution to fees of up to €5,750 a year, with up to €4,000 more a year available for non-EU students' fees.
- €3,250 a year for eligible direct research costs.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Living costs | €25,000 a year stipend (2026 awards) |
| Fees, up to €5,750 a year — plus up to €4,000 more a year for non-EU students | The scholarship |
| Any non-EU fees above €9,750 a year | You or your university — ask whether it waives the difference |
| Research costs | €3,250 a year for eligible direct costs |
Who can apply
- Master's-by-research and PhD candidates of any nationality, with a supervisor at an eligible Irish research institution.
- Applicants are assessed on the candidate, the research project and the training environment.
Documents you will need
- A research project agreed with a supervisor at an eligible Irish institution — each supervisor can back only one applicant
- Your online application and research proposal, submitted when a call is open
- Your supervisor's section and your referees' letters, which they submit themselves
- Proof that you are starting a master's or PhD, or are in its first year
How to apply
- Agree a research project with a supervisor at an Irish university.
- Apply online through Research Ireland's portal when a call is open. The 2026 call closed on 23 October 2025.
- Your supervisor and referees submit their parts separately.
- Watch the Research Ireland funding page for the next call before you plan around it.
Before you apply: things to know
- No 2027 call had been announced on Research Ireland's page when we checked in September 2026, when a call would normally be open.
- Success rates have historically been low (under one in five), so apply for other funding too.
- The programme is now run by Research Ireland (Taighde Éireann), formerly the Irish Research Council.
Common questions
Is there a 2027 call?
Not yet announced on Research Ireland's page as of 25 September 2026. The 2026 call closed on 23 October 2025. For news, email postgrad@researchireland.ie or watch the funding page.
How competitive is it?
Very. Research Ireland reports an average success rate of 18% over the past five years, so apply for other funding at the same time.
I have already started my PhD. Can I apply?
Yes, if you are in your first year of registration. The programme is open to new entrants and to first-year registered master's and PhD students.
Related routes
Government of Ireland — International Education Scholarships
Closed · next ≈ Mar 12, 2027Details →
Canada Graduate Research Scholarships — Doctoral (formerly Vanier)
Due ≈ in 5 daysDetails →
Norwegian PhD Fellowships (salaried)
Rolling · open year-roundDetails →
DAAD Scholarships (nationwide)
Due ≈ in 6 daysDetails →
Sources
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.