DCU Opens Applications for Sustainable Aviation PhD Scholarships Under the SAGES Programme

We are pleased to share an exciting new opportunity that may be of interest to you or your professional network. Applications are now open for three fully funded PhD scholarships under the Sustainable Aviation & Green Energy Scholars (SAGES) Programme, part of the national Innovate for Ireland initiative funded by Avolon and Research Ireland.

Unique among international scholarship programmes, Innovate for Ireland supports advanced doctoral research focused on sustainability and innovation. As part of this initiative, the Sustainable Aviation Hub at the DCU Institute for Business & Society invites applications for PhD scholarships dedicated to advancing the future of sustainable aviation.

Co-led by Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin, the SAGES Programme integrates expertise in aviation policy, finance, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Scholars will contribute to developing meaningful solutions for aviation decarbonisation through rigorous academic research, stakeholder engagement, and applied analysis.

Research Areas Include:

• Market-Based Measures in Aviation
• Operational & Infrastructure Efficiencies for Emissions Reduction
• Social Sustainability in Aviation-Dependent Regions

Scholarship Value

The Sustainable Aviation PhD Scholarship includes:

• An annual stipend of €31,000 per annum (for up to four years)
• Payment of PhD fees (for up to four years)
• Equipment costs up to €2,000
• Conference participation up to €1,500 per annum

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should typically have:

• Applicants must meet the PhD eligibility criteria of DCU: DCU PhD Eligibility Criteria. Typically, applicants should hold an honours master’s degree (taught or by research). Students in the final year of a master’s programme may also apply.
• This scholarship is exclusively for full-time PhD study based at DCU for the duration of the award.
• Successful candidates are expected to start shortly after 2nd of March 2026 and before the 1st of October 2026.
• Applicants must disclose any additional stipend or external sources of funding. DCU Business School scholars receiving the annual stipend of €31,000 are generally not permitted to concurrently hold scholarships or educational grants.
• International applicants intending to travel to Ireland must meet visa requirements prior to the commencement of the scholarship. Payments cannot be processed until the applicant has arrived in Ireland, set up a bank account, and applied for a PPS number.

How to Apply

Submit your application and research proposal to: dcubsresearch@dcu.ie

Learn more:
https://business.dcu.ie/scholarships/sustainable-aviation-scholarship/

Application Deadline:

• Call Opens: November 14th 2025
• Deadline: Applications must be received by 12:00 PM noon GMT, Monday 5th January 2026.
• Interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter.

We encourage you to share this opportunity within your professional circles or consider applying yourself if it aligns with your future academic and career goals. This programme offers a unique chance to contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable aviation at both national and global levels.