2024 IRC Government of Ireland Postgrad Scholarship Scheme

The 2024 Irish Research Council Government of Ireland (GOI) scheme is currently open with a closing date for applications (to be submitted via the online system) of 4pm Irish time on Thursday 12th October 2023.

Latest FAQs - 28.9.23

The following should be read in advance of applying:

IRC 2024 General Application Feedback document for advice on the application process.
Applicant's guide to the online application system
Call Document
Evaluation Criteria: Applicants are assessed under 4 headings - Appendix 6 Call Document -and should familiarise themselves fully with this evaluation criteria before applying: Applicant (40%); Project (40); Training and Career Development (10%); Environment (10%)

Applicants whose Primary Supervisor needs to be added to the online application system should email the Graduate Studies Office at: scholarships.graduatestudies@dcu.ie

As part of the application, a Supervisor reference is needed - there are no Referees or Referee submissions.

The name of a Secondary Supervisor can be included by an applicant but this Secondary Supervisor does not need to be registered by DCU in advance. This Secondary Supervisor can also contribute to the Supervisor form.

The TORA submission deadline for supervisors is Thursday 5th October 2023 - Tora details for Supervisor

What the scholarship offers:

Awardees receive an annual package of up to €28,000 per annum comprising of:

A scholarship stipend of €19,000 per annum
Fee contribution of €5,505 (STEM) or €4905 (AHSS) per annum - depending on the HEI
Research expenses of €3,250 per annum

Deadlines

Deadline for FAQs -Thursday 5th October 2023 (4pm Irish time) - send to scholarships.graduatestudies@dcu.ie
Deadline for applications -Thursday 12th October 2023 (4pm Irish time)
Deadline for supervisor forms -Thursday 19th October 2023 (4pm Irish time)
Deadline for research office endorsement -Thursday 26th October 2023 (4pm Irish time).

Results are expected to be announced in April 2024. Official start date is 1st September 2024.

Supporting documentation for staff is available on the GSO's Staff Resources page.

IRC's feedback documents from previous schemes:

Note the following important information:

GENDER SHOULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED in your application form; any form submitted on your behalf (ie. supervisor form); or on any supplementary materials you decide to upload eg. bibliography. As such, applications must be anonymous and free from pronouns or other words which would identify the applicant’s identity and gender eg. applicants should use ‘the applicant’.
GANTT charts are not compulsory and applicants can submit their application without including one.
The name of the Primary Supervisor you use in the eligibility quiz and the online application must be exactly the same. Also, you must include a Primary Supervisor at Eligibility Quiz stage - ie. you can't leave this blank.
Primary Supervisors cannot create or submit their reference form until after the applicant has submitted their application.
Applications are accepted in any discipline from new entrants and continuing research students.
For supporting information on the call email scholarhips.graduatestudies@dcu.ie

Strategic funding partners

Applicants can only apply under one 'theme' ie. under the main GOI call or under a Strategic Funding Partner (SFP). Those who apply under a SFP will also have their application considered for a GOI award. Strategic Funding Partner awards:

Advice for applicants (from IRC Call Document)

Pioneering proposals addressing new and emerging fields of research or those introducing creative, innovative approaches are welcomed
Proposals of an interdisciplinary nature are also encouraged as it is recognised that advancing fundamental understanding is achieved by integrating information, techniques, tools and perspectives from two or more disciplines
Appendix 5 of the Call Document includes Guidance on the Sex/Gender Dimension Statement

To confirm:

Applicants to the GOI scheme will have a Primary Supervisor (and can add one Secondary Supervisor). The Secondary Supervisor does not need to be registered on the Smartsimple system. There are no Referees in the 2024 call.