Apply for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOIPG) 2026

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOIPG) is a highly competitive national initiative funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and administered by Research Ireland. It supports high-performing students pursuing full-time research (Master’s or PhD) across all disciplines—a powerful platform for early-career research leaders.

Key Features

• Highly competitive: Around 18% success rate over the past five years.
• Cross-disciplinary: Open to fields from archaeology to zoology. Interdisciplinary and innovative proposals welcomed.
• Merit-based: Peer-reviewed selection. Awards go to outstanding individual research plans demonstrating leadership potential.

Scholarship Benefits

Awardees receive up to €34,000 per year, broken down as follows:

• €25,000 annual stipend
• Up to €5,750 toward fees (non-EU students may receive an additional €4,000 fee contribution)
• €3,250 for direct research expenses (e.g., equipment, fieldwork, etc.)

Duration & Degree Coverage

• Master’s by research: 2 years of funding for new entrants
• PhD: Up to 4 years, full funding if entering the program after September 1, 2025
• Those in the first year of their degree may still apply and receive partial funding based on remaining duration
• Career breaks (e.g., parental or medical leave) are accounted for in eligibility timelines

Eligibility & Supervisor Requirements

• Applicants must be either starting a postgraduate research degree or in the first year of their degree. Prior registration before 1 Sept 2025 disqualifies direct funding eligibility.
• Primary supervisors must:
  • Be based at an eligible Irish research institution
  • Be permanent or contracted (≥50% FTE) with experience supervising postgraduate students
  • Support only one applicant as primary supervisor per round—others may serve as secondary supervisors.

Important Dates

• Call Opens: 11 September 2025 (12:00 Irish local time)
• Applicant Deadline: 23 October 2025, 16:00
• Supervisor Deadline: 6 November 2025, 16:00
• Research Office Endorsement Deadline: 13 November 2025, 16:00
• Results Announced: End of April 2026
• Award Begins: 1 September 2026

How to Apply

• Platform: Submit your application via the SmartSimple platform.
• Documents Required:
  • Application form (available as “Applicant” form)
  • Supervisor endorsement (via “Supervisor” form)
  • Research Office endorsement from your host institution
• Ensure your proposed research aligns with Ireland’s strategic thematic priorities, such as those defined by partners like the EPA, Met Éireann, and others.