Are you an exceptional student or researcher looking to undertake a Master’s by Research or PhD at a top institution in Ireland? The prestigious Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOI-PG), managed by the Irish Research Council (IRC), is currently open for the 2026-2027 academic year.
This is one of the most comprehensive and high-value research scholarships in Europe, providing a generous annual stipend of €25,000, full tuition coverage, and research expenses. It is open to ambitious researchers from all nationalities and academic disciplines.
Scholarship Overview: Investing in World-Class Research
The GOI-PG Scholarship is a national initiative designed to foster high-potential researchers across all academic disciplines, supporting both basic research and applied sciences.
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Ireland 🇮🇪 |
| Sponsored By | Irish Research Council (IRC) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s by Research (2 Yrs) & Doctoral (PhD) (3-4 Yrs) |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded (Up to €34,000 per year total) |
| Eligible Disciplines | All (STEM, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) |
| Application Deadline | Typically October 23, 2025 (for the 2026 cycle) |
Comprehensive Financial Benefits: High Value for Researchers
The GOI-PG award is exceptionally generous, providing an annual value of up to €34,000.
- ✅ Annual Stipend: A generous tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum to cover living costs.
- ✅ Tuition Fee Contribution: A contribution to your university tuition fees (including non-EU fees) up to €5,750 per annum.
- ✅ Research Expenses: An allowance of €3,250 per annum towards eligible direct research expenses.
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
The scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities. Key requirements include:
- Academic Standing: Must hold a first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (or a Master’s degree if the Bachelor’s degree result is not high enough).
- Affiliation: Must be formally accepted by an Eligible Research Body in Ireland.
- Enrollment Status: Must be a new entrant to the postgraduate degree or have completed no more than one year of study.
- Application Limit: Cannot have had two previous unsuccessful applications to this scheme.
- Research Project: Must work under the guidance of a primary supervisor at an eligible Irish institution.
How to Apply: The Supervisor & Research Body Endorsement (Critical!)
The application process is managed through the Irish Research Council (IRC) online portal and requires formal endorsement from the Irish institution.
Step 1: Secure Supervisor Acceptance (IMMEDIATE ACTION)
You must first contact and secure a formal commitment from a professor (primary supervisor) at an eligible Irish institution who agrees to supervise your research project. This is often the most challenging part.
Step 2: Complete the Eligibility Quiz
Use the research Ireland portal to complete the short eligibility quiz.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Complete and submit the comprehensive application online via the Research Ireland portal. Applications must be in English or Irish and be original.
Step 4: Endorsement Submission
Your nominated supervisor and the Research Office at your institution must submit their endorsements by their respective deadlines. Your application is not valid until the institution endorses it.
Deadline Summary for 2026 Entry
The application period for the 2026-2027 cycle typically opens in September, with deadlines in the fall.
- Applicant Deadline: October 23, 2025 (for the 2026 cycle)
- Supervisor Deadline: November 6, 2025
- Research Office Endorsement: November 13, 2025
Note: Since we are in December 2025, you are seeing the results of the already passed deadline for the 2026 intake. You should target this post for those looking for the 2027 intake or those who want to be prepared for the next opening. Publish this post now to rank for next year!
Start your process by securing a supervisor at an eligible Irish institution:
