Applications are now open for the Fully Funded 2026 Hardiman PhD Scholarships (stipend of €25,000 per annum)

Ednah Carrick December 15, 2025

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Closing Date: 6 February 2026

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded 2026 Hardiman PhD Scholarships (stipend of €25,000 per annum)

The 2026 Hardiman PhD Scholarships applications are now open

University of Galway champions the role of foundational, curiosity-driven research in expanding its understanding of the world and inspiring innovation. University of Galway research community is engaged in global challenges, national priorities, and regional needs. Together, the university embrace an interdisciplinary and engaged approach, across a broad range of disciplines, and deliver impact through international collaboration. The research leverages the unique character of its place, coalescing around four pillars, through which it delivers University of Galway’s distinctive research impact.

Who are these scholarships for?

Students starting their PhD on the 1st September 2026. The Hardiman PhD Scholarships are fully funded for four years, with a stipend of €25,000 p.a. plus tuition fee covered. High-achieving individuals, with drive and passion, who have an appetite for the research world and creativity, who thrive on intellectual excitement, and who will positively impact and shape the future for all in University of Galway society. Using your creative energy, your PhD journey at the University of Galway will be alive with possibilities and opportunities.

The Scholarships offer opportunities for suitably qualified individuals to pursue a Structured PhD on any of its wide range of programmes.

Eligibility

Successful applicants will be expected to have a first or upper second class honours primary degree or equivalent.
Applications will not be accepted from persons currently registered as PhD students or who previously were awarded a PhD.
English Language Requirements: Please view section on webpagehttps://www.universityofgalway.ie/global-galway/studyinireland/entryrequirements/

How to Apply

Applicants must read the Applicant’s Guide prior to completing the application form.

1. Find a Supervisor

Applicants must nominate one supervisor. Click here to find a supervisor. A supervisor form must be submitted by proposed supervisor by 6 February 2026 (17:00 Irish Time)

2. Application

Submit a complete application by 6 February 2026 (17:00 Irish Time). Applications accepted in English or Irish only.

3. Academic References

Two references that indicate your academic suitability & potential to undertake postgraduate research must be received by 6 February 2026 (17:00 Irish Time).

Assessment Process

Assessment Process is based on the quality and excellence of the applicant.
Applications will not be assessed if they are incomplete i.e. an incomplete application form, a completed supervisor form and/or two academic reference forms are not supplied, or received after the advertised closing date.
Applicants with a Disability, who are applying for a Hardiman PhD Scholarship and who also tick in Q10 of the application form that they wish to be considered for “at least one Hardiman PhD Scholarship will be awarded to a candidate with a disability who meets the determining criterion” are required to provide verification of their disability as part of the Hardiman application process, by the advertised closing date.
Completed applications will be assessed by a panel of assessors.
The panel will consist of a number of assessors with experience of similar review processes.
All applications will be assessed by at least three assessors from different backgrounds.
The applications will be assessed under four main headings which reflect the main sections of the application process.
Assessors will consider all four elements of the application and allocate scores as follows: