For many postgraduate students, pursuing research is a deeply rewarding experience but it often comes with financial challenges. Grants designed specifically for research students can make a significant difference, helping cover tuition, living expenses, travel, equipment, or project costs. As 2026 unfolds, a range of funding opportunities are available to support research at various stages, whether you're starting a PhD, working on a thesis, or conducting specialist projects.
Here are five of the most valuable grants that research students should know about this year.
The Irish Government funds research activity through national bodies that support postgraduate research across disciplines. These grants typically target areas of strategic importance, such as health, technology, sustainability and social sciences. Awards can help cover:
Tuition fees
Research-related expenses
Fieldwork or laboratory costs
These grants are competitive and often require submission of a research proposal linked to national priorities in science, innovation, or societal impact.
Most Irish universities and institutes of technology offer internal research scholarships for postgraduate students. These schemes are often aimed at PhD and MPhil candidates, and benefits can include:
Stipends or living allowances
Fee waivers
Research support funding
Eligibility criteria vary by institution and faculty, so it’s worth checking the postgraduate funding pages of universities you're considering. Many awards are tied to specific departments, so strong alignment between your research topic and faculty priorities can boost your chances.
Partnerships between academia and industry continue to grow in 2026, with companies investing in research that aligns with their strategic goals. These grants are often offered in fields such as:
Engineering and technology
Health sciences and biotechnology
Sustainable energy
Industry-linked funding can provide generous support and often includes access to professional networks, facilities, or mentorship. Collaboration with a company can strengthen both your academic profile and your future employment prospects.
Irish students and international candidates studying in Ireland can also access global research grants. Organisations such as the European Research Council (ERC), Horizon Europe, and various charitable foundations offer competitive funding for research that crosses borders or addresses global challenges. These programmes support:
Collaborative projects
Mobility and exchange
Multinational research teams
International grants can be highly competitive, but they often offer larger awards and can elevate your research profile on a global stage.
For research students approaching the end of their programmes, early career grants can help launch your postdoctoral work or bridge funding into the next phase of your academic journey. Specialist societies, discipline-specific associations, and professional bodies frequently provide:
Travel grants for conferences
Publication support
Short-term research fellowships
These awards help researchers gain visibility, spread their findings, and establish themselves in their field.
To improve your chances of securing research funding:
Start Early: Many grants have deadlines months before funding begins.
Tailor Your Proposal: Make sure your research summary aligns with the priorities of the funding body.
Seek Feedback: Supervisors or mentors can provide valuable insights on draft applications.
Read Criteria Closely: Each funder has specific rules about eligibility, output expectations, and budgeting.
Research grants can be a game changer both financially and professionally. By exploring all available options and aligning your proposal with the right opportunities, you can help ensure your research journey in 2026 is both supported and successful.
