The Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 offers exceptional opportunities for early-career researchers to advance their work at leading higher education institutions in Ireland. Funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and managed by Research Ireland, this fellowship provides individual, prestigious awards across all academic disciplines. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme empowers scholars to pursue pioneering research projects for 1 or 2 years. Successful fellows will receive a competitive salary, research expenses, and full institutional support, making it one of the most prestigious postdoctoral opportunities in Europe.

About Research Ireland

Research Ireland is the primary funding agency for research in Ireland, supporting academic innovation across diverse fields. Known for its transparent peer-review selection process, it funds thousands of researchers annually, enhancing Ireland’s role as a hub of international excellence in research. With its commitment to bottom-up, non-directed research funding, it encourages scholars to propose innovative, interdisciplinary, and high-impact projects.

Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 Overview

Details	Information
Name	Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
Host	Higher Education Institutions in Ireland
Funded By	Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Managed by Research Ireland)
Duration	1–2 years
Eligible Fields	All disciplines (from archaeology to zoology)
Fellowship Type	Fully funded postdoctoral fellowship
Benefits	Salary, research expenses, and employer contribution
Deadline	23rd October 2025
Start Date	1st September 2026
Host Country	Ireland

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows under the Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 will receive:

• Annual salary set at €47,273 in the first year and €47,880 in the second year
• Employer’s PRSI contribution
• €5,000 annual research allowance for direct research expenses
• Opportunity to conduct independent, innovative, and interdisciplinary research
• Access to world-class Irish higher education institutions and research networks
• A prestigious award that strengthens academic careers globally

Eligibility Criteria (2026 Updates)

Applicants must:

1. Hold a PhD or expect to have one by the award start date.
2. Have authored or co-authored at least one peer-reviewed publication (journal article or peer-reviewed conference paper accepted for publication).
3. Alternatively, provide demonstrable equivalent intellectual property output (e.g., patents, significant research outputs).
4. Apply with the support of a host institution in Ireland.
5. Note: Academic mentors cannot support more than one applicant in the 2026 call.

Application Process

The application process involves several steps:

• Visit the official application portal.
• Review the call documentation carefully.
• You then have to find an eligible Irish higher education institution, after which, you must secure a research mentor.
• Prepare a detailed research proposal, highlighting originality, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with publication eligibility requirements.
• Please make sure to submit your application before the deadline hits.
• Await peer-review evaluation and results (outcomes expected by April 2026).

Key Dates

• Call Opens: 11th September 2025
• FAQ Deadline: 16th October 2025
• Applicant Deadline: 23rd October 2025
• Mentor Deadline: 6th November 2025
• Research Office Endorsement: 13th November 2025
• Results Announced: End of April 2026
• Fellowship Start: 1st September 2026

Comparison with Similar Fellowships

Fellowship	Host Country	Duration	Benefits
Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026	Ireland	1–2 years	Salary, PRSI, €5,000 research expenses
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships	EU (Multiple Countries)	1–2 years	Living allowance, mobility allowance, research costs
Humboldt Research Fellowship	Germany	6–24 months	Monthly stipend, research expenses, travel allowance
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	Canada	2 years	CAD $70,000/year

FAQs About Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

1. Who funds this program?
   The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is basically the main funder, and Research Ireland is managing the whole program
2. Can international researchers apply?
   Yes, researchers from all nationalities are eligible, provided they secure a host institution in Ireland.
3. What disciplines are supported?
   All fields of research, from archaeology to zoology, are eligible.
4. Do applicants need prior publications?
   Yes, applicants must have at least one peer-reviewed publication or equivalent research output.
5. What is the duration of the fellowship?
   This fellowship is oging to last for at least 1–2 years, and this depends on the proposal.
6. Can proposals be interdisciplinary?
   Yes, interdisciplinary and pioneering proposals are highly encouraged.
7. Is the fellowship renewable after two years?
   No, the fellowship is awarded for a fixed duration of 1–2 years only.
8. Can one mentor support multiple candidates?
   No, each mentor can support only one applicant in the 2026 call.
9. When will I get the results for Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
   You’ll receive your results by April 2026.
10. When does the fellowship start?
    The fellowship begins on 1st September 2026.

Important Notes

• Applications must strictly follow the Research Ireland guidelines.
• Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
• Applicants should start identifying potential mentors early to strengthen their applications.

The Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is a golden chance for researchers to expand their academic careers in Ireland. With full funding, a generous salary, and global recognition, this fellowship is designed to empower the next generation of innovators. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your proposal and apply before the deadline. APPLY NOW.

Stay updated with the latest scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities worldwide. Subscribe to our updates and never miss an opportunity that could shape your academic journey.