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