Ireland Government Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Scholarships for Master & PhD
Are you seeking a fully funded scholarship for postgraduate research overseas? The Ireland Government Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOIPG) 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for high-achieving students worldwide. This competitive program funds full-time master’s or PhD research across all disciplines, providing generous stipends, tuition coverage, and research support.
In this post, we cover benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and tips to strengthen your application.
Key Features & Highlights
- Highly Selective & Merit-BasedOnly about 18 % of applicants succeed over recent cycles. Selection is based on peer review, innovative proposals, and leadership potential.
- Open to All DisciplinesWhether your focus is STEM, humanities, social sciences, health sciences, environmental studies, or interdisciplinary work, GOIPG welcomes diverse research proposals.
- Cross-disciplinary & InnovativeProposals that span fields or creatively integrate methods typically stand out — especially those aligned with national strategic priorities (e.g. climate, energy, sustainability).
Scholarship Benefits & Financial Coverage
Recipients of the GOIPG 2026 scholarship enjoy comprehensive financial support:
| Component | Amount / Coverage |
|---|---|
| Annual stipend | € 25,000 |
| Tuition / fees support | Up to € 5,750 (plus € 4,000 extra for non-EU applicants) |
| Research grant | € 3,250 (for equipment, fieldwork, consumables) |
| Total possible | ~ € 34,000 / year |
Master’s by research: Funded for 2 years
PhD: Up to 4 years of funding
If you are in your first year of the postgraduate degree, you may still be eligible on a pro-rated basis.
Career breaks (e.g. parental leave, medical leave) are considered when assessing eligibility windows.
Eligibility & Supervisor Requirements
Who can apply?
Must be entering a postgraduate research programme (Master’s or PhD), or currently in first year of one (if started after Sept 1, 2025).
Applicants already registered before 1 September 2025 are not eligible for full funding.
Supervisor & Institutional Conditions
Your primary supervisor must be located at an eligible Irish research institution.
They must have a permanent or ≥ 50 % FTE contract and demonstrated experience in supervising postgraduate students.
A supervisor may serve as primary supervisor to only one applicant per round; they may act as secondary supervisor for others.
Important Dates & Timeline
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 Start Date: 1 September 2026.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Register & submit on SmartSimple platform
Fill out the Applicant form
Request your Supervisor endorsement
Get Research Office / institutional endorsement
Upload all required supporting documents
Ensure your research aligns with Ireland’s strategic research priorities (e.g. environment, climate, data science, health, energy)
Submit before the deadline
Tip: Draft your proposal early, allow time for feedback, and ensure all parties (supervisor, research office) are ready to submit on time.
Application Tips & Strategies
Craft a clear, compelling research question and show its real-world impact
Demonstrate your readiness (publications, pilot work, coursework)
Align your proposal with Ireland’s national research priorities
Obtain a strong endorsement from a supervisor with a credible track record
Proofread carefully — clarity, structure, and error-free writing matter
Why GOIPG 2026 Is a High-Impact Opportunity
Full funding removes financial barriers
Exposure to Irish research ecosystem (world-class institutions, networks)
Global mobility & career foundation for early researchers
Prestige and credibility: a recognized national research scholarship