Overview
Master’s by Research (2 years)
Doctoral (PhD) programs (4 years)
Description
Master’s by Research (2 years)
Doctoral (PhD) programs (4 years)
Program Structure:
• Research-intensive postgraduate degrees focused on original research contributions
• Full-time enrollment required for both programs
• Master's programs typically span 2 academic years with thesis submission
• PhD programs generally require 3-4 years of intensive doctoral research
• Flexible timelines may be available depending on individual research progress and disciplinary requirements
• Supervised research with dedicated academic supervisors throughout the program
Eligibility by Degree:
• Master's by Research: Bachelor's degree (honours level or equivalent) in a related field; strong academic record
• PhD: Master's degree or demonstrated research competency; exceptional academic background; research proposal alignment with university expertise
Eligibility
General Requirements:
Valid passport and ability to travel to Ireland
English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT 95+, IELTS 7.0, or equivalent)
Commitment to full-time research during program duration
Good health and ability to study in Ireland
For Master's by Research Applicants:
Bachelor's degree (honours) or equivalent qualification (minimum 2nd class honours or GPA 3.0/4.0)
Relevant academic background in proposed field of study
Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words) aligned with university research strengths
Academic references (minimum 2 from previous institutions)
Demonstrated interest in research and academic excellence
Portfolio of research/academic work (if available)
For PhD Applicants:
Master's degree in a related field OR Bachelor's degree with exceptional research credentials
Minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0 or equivalent
Strong research proposal (3,000-5,000 words) demonstrating originality and feasibility
Academic references (minimum 2-3 from previous supervisors/professors)
Evidence of research publications or academic contributions
Clear alignment with prospective supervisor's research interests
Demonstrated research potential and scholarly achievements
Selection Criteria (Merit-Based):
Academic excellence and previous achievements
Quality and originality of research proposal
Research potential and contribution to field
Communication and presentation skills
Motivation and commitment to research
Personal statement and motivation letter
Additional Information
Degree Level
Master’s by Research (2 years)
Doctoral (PhD) programs (4 years)
Program Structure:
• Research-intensive postgraduate degrees focused on original research contributions
• Full-time enrollment required for both programs
• Master's programs typically span 2 academic years with thesis submission
• PhD programs generally require 3-4 years of intensive doctoral research
• Flexible timelines may be available depending on individual research progress and disciplinary requirements
• Supervised research with dedicated academic supervisors throughout the program
Eligibility by Degree:
• Master's by Research: Bachelor's degree (honours level or equivalent) in a related field; strong academic record
• PhD: Master's degree or demonstrated research competency; exceptional academic background; research proposal alignment with university expertise
Available Subjects
All disciplines – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS)
Key Subject Areas:
• Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Biomedical, Software Engineering
• Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Neuroscience
• Technology: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology
• Mathematics: Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematical Physics
• Arts: Literature, History, Cultural Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Languages
• Humanities: Archaeology, Classics, History of Art, Media Studies, Cultural Heritage
• Social Sciences: Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Anthropology, Geography
• Medicine & Health: Biomedical Sciences, Medical Research, Public Health, Nursing Research
• Business & Management: Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, International Relations
• Agriculture: Agricultural Science, Food Science, Environmental Management, Forestry
• Law: Legal Studies, Constitutional Law, Commercial Law, International Law
• Education: Educational Research, Curriculum Development, Higher Education Studies
• Interdisciplinary research combining multiple fields is strongly encouraged and supported
Benefits
Financial Support:
Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program
Monthly living allowance (approximately €1,200-1,500 for Master's; €1,500-1,800 for PhD)
Research/travel grant (€500-1,000 annually for conference attendance and research activities)
Thesis/dissertation submission fees covered
Academic & Professional Support:
Access to world-class research facilities and laboratories
One-to-one supervision with leading researchers in your field
Participation in research seminars and academic workshops
Funding for professional development courses and training programs
International research collaboration opportunities
Student Life Benefits:
Access to university libraries and digital resources
Health insurance coverage during studies
Accommodation assistance and university housing priority
Career development and job placement support
Networking events and professional conferences
Student visa support and immigration assistance
Unique Opportunities:
Access to Ireland's vibrant research ecosystem
Collaboration with leading research institutions across Europe
Published research support and article processing charges covered
Postdoctoral research pathway opportunities
Eligible Nationalities
All Nationalities Eligible:
This scholarship is open to talented researchers from any country worldwide
Both international students and EU/Irish citizens are encouraged to apply
No restrictions based on nationality or immigration status
Priority Focus Countries (Non-Exhaustive):
All Asian countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia
All African nations
All European countries
All Americas (North, Central, and South America)
Middle East and Gulf countries
Oceania and Pacific nations
Regional Distribution:
Scholarships awarded aim for global diversity and representation
Special consideration given to underrepresented regions and countries
Partnership programs with specific countries may offer additional support opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements:
Valid passport and ability to travel to Ireland
English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT 95+, IELTS 7.0, or equivalent)
Commitment to full-time research during program duration
Good health and ability to study in Ireland
For Master's by Research Applicants:
Bachelor's degree (honours) or equivalent qualification (minimum 2nd class honours or GPA 3.0/4.0)
Relevant academic background in proposed field of study
Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words) aligned with university research strengths
Academic references (minimum 2 from previous institutions)
Demonstrated interest in research and academic excellence
Portfolio of research/academic work (if available)
For PhD Applicants:
Master's degree in a related field OR Bachelor's degree with exceptional research credentials
Minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0 or equivalent
Strong research proposal (3,000-5,000 words) demonstrating originality and feasibility
Academic references (minimum 2-3 from previous supervisors/professors)
Evidence of research publications or academic contributions
Clear alignment with prospective supervisor's research interests
Demonstrated research potential and scholarly achievements
Selection Criteria (Merit-Based):
Academic excellence and previous achievements
Quality and originality of research proposal
Research potential and contribution to field
Communication and presentation skills
Motivation and commitment to research
Personal statement and motivation letter
Application Procedure
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents CV/Resume (maximum 3 pages) Academic transcripts (certified copies) Bachelor's diploma or Master's certificate English language test results (if not from English-speaking institution) Research proposal (typed, formatted, proofread) 2-3 academic reference letters (sealed) Motivation statement (1 page explaining research interests) Portfolio of research work (publications, thesis abstract, etc. - if applicable) Step 2: Choose Your University & Supervisor Browse Irish universities offering your research area Visit university websites and research group pages Contact prospective supervisors directly to discuss research interests Confirm supervisor willingness to take you as student Review university-specific admission requirements Step 3: Online Application Create account on university's online portal Fill application form completely and accurately Upload all required documents (PDF format recommended) Ensure documents are clear and legible Double-check all information for accuracy Pay application fee (if required by university - typically €50-100) Step 4: Submit Application Submit before scholarship deadline (typically January-February for September intake) Receive confirmation email with application reference number Save all correspondence for future reference Prepare for potential requests for additional information Step 5: Application Review & Interview University assesses applications (4-6 week turnaround) Shortlisted candidates invited for interview Interview conducted via video call or in-person Questions focus on research interests, methodology, and motivation Decision communicated via email Step 6: Acceptance & Enrollment Receive formal offer letter Confirm acceptance and pay enrollment deposit (€300-500) Apply for student visa (if required) Complete pre-arrival formalities Arrange accommodation Register with university on arrival Timeline: Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 (typically) Interview Period: February-March Offers Released: April-May Program Start: September 2025
CV/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
Academic transcripts (certified copies)
Bachelor's diploma or Master's certificate
English language test results (if not from English-speaking institution)
Research proposal (typed, formatted, proofread)
2-3 academic reference letters (sealed)
Motivation statement (1 page explaining research interests)
Portfolio of research work (publications, thesis abstract, etc. - if applicable)
Browse Irish universities offering your research area
Visit university websites and research group pages
Contact prospective supervisors directly to discuss research interests
Confirm supervisor willingness to take you as student
Review university-specific admission requirements
Create account on university's online portal
Fill application form completely and accurately
Upload all required documents (PDF format recommended)
Ensure documents are clear and legible
Double-check all information for accuracy
Pay application fee (if required by university - typically €50-100)
Submit before scholarship deadline (typically January-February for September intake)
Receive confirmation email with application reference number
Save all correspondence for future reference
Prepare for potential requests for additional information
University assesses applications (4-6 week turnaround)
Shortlisted candidates invited for interview
Interview conducted via video call or in-person
Questions focus on research interests, methodology, and motivation
Decision communicated via email
Receive formal offer letter
Confirm acceptance and pay enrollment deposit (€300-500)
Apply for student visa (if required)
Complete pre-arrival formalities
Arrange accommodation
Register with university on arrival
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 (typically)
Interview Period: February-March
Offers Released: April-May
Program Start: September 2025
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship? The scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities. EU/EEA/UK/Ukraine applicants fall under Category 1, while international applicants fall under Category 2. Both categories are eligible, though the success rate for Category 2 applicants is lower
What degree levels are funded under Ireland Government Scholarship? The program funds Master’s by Research (up to 2 years) and PhD programs (up to 4 years). Applicants already enrolled may still be eligible if they have not completed more than one year of study
What subjects are covered under Ireland Government Scholarship? All academic disciplines are eligible. This includes STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as well as Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS). Interdisciplinary and innovative proposals are strongly encouraged
What financial support does the Ireland Government Scholarships provide? Each award is valued up to €34,000 per year, including a €25,000 stipend, up to €5,750 for tuition fees (with an additional €4,000 for non-EU students if required), and €3,250 for research expenses
How competitive is the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship? The program is highly competitive, with an average success rate of 18% over the past five years. Successful candidates are recognized as having world-class research potential
Everything You Need To Study Abroad
Explore the universities, programs and support behind studying in Ireland — all in one place.
Never Miss A Scholarship
Get new Ireland scholarships & deadlines in your inbox.
Searching Scholarships For You
on the best scholarships platform
Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Ireland Universities
Degree
Masters, PhD
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students, Domestic Students
Country
Ireland
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.