The Irish Research Council (IRC) Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship provides outstanding students with the opportunity to direct their own research at the early-career stage, working with a supervisor, in their chosen area of interest. The Programme is highly competitive, with an average success rate of 18% over the past five years. All applications received under the IRC programmes are assessed by independent international reviewers, and on a competitive basis. Awards under the IRC Programme are intended to support suitably qualified research master’s and doctoral candidates pursuing, or intending to pursue, full-time research in any discipline. Unsuccessful applicants are permitted to apply twice to each of the Irish Research Council’s postgraduate programmes.
An applicant who is a new entrant to the postgraduate degree for which they are seeking funding is entitled to apply for funding for the full duration of the degree. For applicants who have already completed part of the postgraduate degree for which they are seeking funding, the duration of funding to be awarded, if successful, is dependent on the type of degree being pursued and the date of first registration.
Other support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. The Student Grant Scheme supports eligible postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education. Budget 2021 provided for enhanced postgraduate supports from the 2021/22 academic year including the fee grant amount rising from €2,000 to €3,500 and the income threshold for eligibility for these grants increasing from €31,500, now €54,240. This is an initial step in meeting part of the Government’s commitments regarding SUSI grant support. This increase will allay some of the costs for postgraduate study and give greater certainty for students in terms of supports.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Office in the third level institution attended, and is administered on a confidential discretionary basis.
The postgraduate office within the higher education institution would also be able to advise on funding supports.
