Important changes to Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (GOIPG) Scheme

Research Ireland has informed SETU of important changes to the GOI Postgraduate Scholarship (GOIPG) scheme, effective from the 2026 call (opening August 2025). These changes will significantly affect eligibility and supervisor engagement.

These changes will have particular implications for how we support and prepare applicants.

Summary of Key Changes

New entrants only:

• From 2026, the GOIPG will be open exclusively to new entrants to a research degree (Master’s or PhD).
• Students already enrolled in a postgraduate programme at the time of application will no longer be eligible.

One supervisor per applicant:

• Academic supervisors may only support one applicant per call.

Next Steps for SETU Researchers

• SETU Research, Innovation and Impact will make every effort to engage interested undergraduate students ahead of the call opening. However, outreach may be challenging due to the timing within the academic calendar.
• If possible, engage early with final-year undergraduate students (entering their final year, and graduating in 2026) who may be interested in pursuing funded research at SETU when the call opens on August 28th.
• Research and Graduate Studies Offices will offer training and guidance sessions from September 2025 to support applicants and supervisors at the start of the new academic year.

Key dates

Despite the short-notice changes introduced by Research Ireland, this call presents a valuable opportunity for prospective students to commence a research-focused postgraduate career. It also offers supervisors the chance to strengthen their research portfolio by supporting a high-calibre student in securing a nationally prestigious and competitive award.

Further details regarding institutional supports and guidance will be shared by the Research Support and/or Graduate Studies offices in due course.