The National University of Ireland (NUI) invites applications for the NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentships 2026, a prestigious and long-established funding scheme supporting doctoral research with a strong international dimension. Established in 1910, the scheme aims to promote academic excellence, global research collaboration, and the development of future scholarly leaders connected to the NUI system.
Overview of the Travelling Doctoral Studentship Scheme
In 2026, four full Travelling Doctoral Studentships will be awarded across a broad range of disciplines. The scheme supports doctoral research in:
- Humanities and Social Sciences, including:
- Arts
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business
- Law
- Psychology
- Sciences and Engineering, including:
- Natural and life sciences
- Engineering and architecture
- Agricultural science
- Computing science
- Food science
- Veterinary, medical, and health sciences
To commemorate 100 years of partnership between NUI and the French Embassy in Ireland, one award will be designated as the NUI–French Embassy in Ireland Travelling Doctoral Studentship. Eligible projects may include research travel to France, collaboration with French research laboratories, French studies, or doctoral programmes hosted at French higher education institutions.
Duration and Financial Value
A full Travelling Doctoral Studentship is tenable for up to four years.
Funding value includes:
- Maximum total value of €132,000
- Annual funding of up to €33,000, comprising:
- €25,000 stipend
- Up to €8,000 contribution towards tuition fees (upon submission of receipts)
- Payments made in quarterly instalments
Where recipients hold substantial alternative funding, NUI may limit the award to travel support of up to €4,000 per annum.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Travelling Doctoral Studentship Scheme is designed to:
- Encourage graduates within the NUI system to pursue doctoral research
- Enable doctoral research to be undertaken at leading international institutions
- Foster international research partnerships through substantial overseas research periods
- Attract highly trained scholars back to strengthen the NUI academic community
The NUI–French Embassy Studentship further aims to strengthen academic and cultural links between Ireland and France.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduate of an NUI constituent university, linked college, or recognised college
- Alternatively:
- Be a first-year doctoral student in an NUI institution, or
- Hold an offer of admission to a doctoral programme at an NUI institution
- Hold:
- An honours bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8), or
- An ordinary bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 7) plus a relevant master’s degree (NFQ Level 9)
- Have achieved a minimum of Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (2.1) or equivalent
- Be in the first year of doctoral studies at the time of application
- Submit two confidential academic referee reports
- Apply no more than twice
- Not be a previous recipient of an NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship or NUI E.J. Phelan Fellowship
Full-time permanent staff of higher education institutions are not eligible.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application by email, including:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal, detailing:
- Topic, scope, methodology, and significance
- Preliminary literature review
- Research location and international dimension
- Duration and collaborators, where applicable
- Abstract (max. 200 words) with up to five keywords
- Curriculum Vitae (academic or narrative format)
- Certified academic transcripts
- Two academic referee reports, submitted directly by referees
- Summary of changes (for repeat applicants only)
- Proof of doctoral programme acceptance (for non-NUI degree holders)
All documents must be submitted as PDF files, compressed into a single zip file (maximum 20MB).
Selection Process
Applications undergo a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process:
- Initial eligibility screening by the NUI Awards Team
- Independent assessment of research proposals by subject specialists
- Shortlisting of candidates for interview
- Interviews conducted by panels representing NUI institutions
- Final recommendations submitted to the NUI Senate, whose decision is final
Applicants are assessed on research quality, originality, feasibility, international relevance, and communication skills.
Key Dates and Submission Details
- Application deadline: Friday, 6 March 2026
- Applications must be submitted to: [email protected]
- Email subject line must clearly state the award being applied for
