Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

Introduction

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious awards for international students who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in Ireland. Managed by Research Ireland and funded by the Irish Government, this scholarship provides full financial support for exceptional researchers across all academic disciplines.
Unlike many schemes that restrict applicants to specific areas, this program is bottom-up, meaning students can submit proposals in any research field, from arts and humanities to science and technology. The scholarship is known for its independent international peer review process, making it highly competitive and globally recognized.

Scholarship Offers

Recipients of the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship receive:
• Annual stipend of €25,000
• Tuition fee contribution up to €5,750 per year (including non-EU fees)
• An additional €4,000 fee support for non-EU students (if required)
• Research and direct costs of €3,250 per year
This amounts to a generous package of up to €34,000 per annum, making it one of the most fully funded postgraduate opportunities in Europe.

Who Can Apply

The scholarship is open to both EU and non-EU students, making it accessible to applicants worldwide. Pakistani students are fully eligible to apply, provided they:
• Have secured admission or are in the first year of a Master’s or PhD programme in a recognized Irish institution.
• Propose an original, high-quality research project.
• Work with a qualified Irish academic supervisor.
• Meet the academic and language requirements set by the host university.
This makes it a golden opportunity for talented Pakistani researchers to pursue world-class education and research in Ireland.

Important Dates for 2026 Intake

• Call opens: 11 September 2025
• FAQ deadline: 16 October 2025
• Application deadline: 23 October 2025 (16:00 Irish local time)
• Supervisor/Mentor submission: 6 November 2025
• Research office endorsement: 13 November 2025
• Results announced: April 2026
• Scholarship begins: 1 September 2026

Apply

Winning this scholarship not only funds your studies but also enhances your global research profile. With a strong success rate of around 18%, it is highly competitive, but being selected demonstrates academic excellence and research potential.
For Pakistani students, this is a chance to access world-renowned Irish universities, conduct cutting-edge research, and build strong international networks.

Conclusion

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious researchers from around the world, including Pakistan. If you aim to pursue a Master’s or PhD with full financial support, start preparing your proposal, secure a supervisor in Ireland, and apply within the deadlines.

Applynow