Hardiman PhD Scholarship 2026: Deadline, Eligibility, Benefits

The Hardiman PhD Scholarship is University of Galway's own flagship doctoral scholarship, open to applicants proposing a Structured PhD in any of the university's four colleges, with the exception of PhD programmes at the affiliated Burren College of Art. Candidates need a first class or upper second class honours primary degree or an equivalent qualification, and must not be currently registered as a PhD student anywhere or have previously been awarded a PhD. English language requirements follow the university's standard entry requirements for international applicants. The scholarship is fully funded for four years, covering a stipend of EUR 25,000 a year plus tuition fees, though it does not cover student levies or research consumables budgets, which the successful candidate's school or supervisor typically funds separately. The exact number of scholarships awarded is not fixed and depends on funding available to the university each year. Applicants must have identified a supervisor before applying, since the proposed supervisor is required to submit a supporting form by the same deadline as the candidate. For entry in September 2026, applications opened 1 December 2025 and closed 6 February 2026 at 5pm Irish time, with the supervisor form due by the same date; the system normally reopens in early December for the following year's intake.