Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025 | Study in Ireland

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The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is a prestigious and competitive scholarship scheme that aims to support the development of a new generation of researchers and scholars. This program is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and managed by the Council.

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is unique in the Irish research landscape and complements other channels for funded postgraduate education in the Irish ecosystem. Among its features are:

• individual, prestigious awards for excellent research in the name of the applicant;
• an objective selection process using international, independent expert peer review;
• funding across all disciplines, from archaeology to zoology; and
• awards for bottom-up, non-directed research, with the exception of those funded by our strategic funding partners.

Eligibility Criteria

• All applicants will be required to complete and pass a preliminary eligibility quiz on the online application system prior to accessing an application form.
• Eligible Countries: All World Countries
• There is no age limit for applicants to be eligible for either programme type.
• All applicants must be affiliated with an eligible Irish higher education institution or research-performing organisation.
• Applications will only be accepted in either the Irish or English language.
• Applicants must not have had two previous unsuccessful applications to the relevant programme, including to strategic partner themes. This applies regardless of whether the applicant has changed their host institution or research topic since a previous submission.
• The Irish Research Council is not in a position to award funding for research activity under any of the following prohibited areas –
  • human cloning for reproductive purposes;
  • genetic modification of human beings that could make such changes heritable (with the exception of research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads, which may be funded);
  • creation of human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Benefits

• These awards will support suitably qualified research master’s and doctoral candidates pursuing, or intending to pursue, full-time research in any discipline. 
• The duration of a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship ranges from one to four years depending on the type of degree being pursued and the date of first registration (where relevant).
• The value of the scholarship will be up to a maximum of EUR 31,000 or INR 28 Lakhs per annum in any approved year and will consist of the following –

• a stipend of EUR 22,000 or INR 20 Lakhs per annum;
• a contribution to fees, including non-EU fees, up to a maximum of EUR 5,750 or INR 5.4 Lakhs per annum; and
• eligible direct research expenses of EUR 3,250 or INR 3.1 Lakhs per annum.

How to apply?

• In the first instance, potential applicants should contact the research office in the proposed host institution for information and clarification on the call. It is highly recommended that applicants contact the office well in advance of submitting an application.
• Complete the online application form.
• Prior to creating an application, applicants should contact and discuss the research project with the proposed academic supervisor or mentor as relevant. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to inform the proposed academic supervisor or mentor of their nomination. This should be done well in advance of completing the online application. 
• Official link – https://research.ie/funding/goipg/?f= 
• Link to apply – https://irishresearch.smartsimple.ie/s_Login.jsp 

Key dates

Parameter	Dates
Call open	29 August 2024
FAQ deadline	16:00 (Irish time) 03 October 2024
Applicant deadline	16:00 (Irish time) 10 October 2024
Supervisor /Mentor deadline	16:00 (Irish time) 17 October 2024
Research office endorsement deadline	16:00 (Irish time) 24 October 2024
Call outcome	End of April 2025
Award start date	1 September 2025

Conclusion

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is an exceptional opportunity for talented students to pursue advanced research and academic excellence in one of Europe’s most dynamic and innovative countries.

With its generous funding, emphasis on original research, and commitment to academic and professional development, this scholarship is an invaluable stepping stone for aspiring scholars and researchers.

If you are passionate about your field of study and eager to make a meaningful impact through research, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme could be the key to unlocking your academic and professional potential.

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