🎓 What It Is
A fully funded postgraduate scholarship (Master’s or PhD) for outstanding students from any country and any discipline — from Arts to Science, Nursing, Engineering, Tech, etc.
It’s one of Ireland’s most prestigious and competitive scholarships, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education and managed by Research Ireland.
💰 What You Get (per year)
- €25,000 stipend for living expenses
- Up to €5,750 for tuition fees
- €3,250 for research costs
- Extra €4,000 for non-EU students if their fees are higher
💡 Total package: Up to €34,000 per year
👩🏽🎓 Who Can Apply
✅ Open to Irish and international students (including Nigerians)
✅ For those starting or in the first year of a Master’s or PhD in an Irish university
✅ Must have a strong academic background
✅ Research topic can be from any field
✅ Supervisor can only sponsor one applicant per call
📅 Key Dates (2026 Call)
- Call Opens: 11 Sept 2025
- FAQs Close: 16 Oct 2025
- Application Deadline: 23 Oct 2025
- Supervisor/Mentor Deadline: 6 Nov 2025
- Research Office Deadline: 13 Nov 2025
- Results: April 2026
- Start Date: 1 Sept 2026
Why It’s Great for Nigerians Planning to “Japa”
- Covers tuition, living costs, and research funding — no need for proof of funds.
- Provides a student visa to study in Ireland.
- Ireland has a post-study work visa (2 years for postgrads).
- Excellent route for career growth, research experience, and permanent residency.
📂 How to Apply
- Visit 👉 www.researchireland.ie/funding/government-ireland-postgraduate
- Download:
- Call Document (2026)
- Application Form (sample)
- Supervisor Form
- Online Guide
- Prepare your research proposal early and contact a potential Irish supervisor.
⚠️ Tips
- Start preparing months in advance — it’s highly competitive (≈ 18% success rate).
- A strong research proposal, good references, and clear motivation are key.
- Choose a supervisor whose research aligns with your topic.
Quick Summary
Scholarship: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Host: Irish universities / research institutions
Level: Master’s & PhD
Funding: Fully funded (€25,000 stipend + fees + research costs)
Deadline: October 2025
Start Date: September 2026
Website: researchireland.ie/funding/government-ireland-postgraduate
