PhD in Ireland: Everything You Need to Know

Ireland has become one of the top destinations for doctoral research and is widely known for its globally recognized universities, government support for innovation, and excellent career opportunities after graduation. Around 7,000 Indian students were studying at Irish institutions by 2024, and a significant share of them have aimed for PhD and study in Ireland opportunities. 

With a strong emphasis on innovation and a growing demand for researchers, Ireland provides the perfect environment for both academic and professional growth. 

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about doing your PhD in Ireland: eligibility, how to apply, costs, scholarships, top universities, and career prospects after graduation. 

Why should you do a PhD in Ireland?  

Ireland has established itself as one of the best destinations in the world for doctoral research, welcoming students from all over the world, and with leading universities, industry-led research and globally recognized degrees, a PhD in Ireland is beneficial both academically and in future career pathways.  

Here are some reasons why, Ireland, could be the best choice:  

• Higher pay for PhD holders: PhD graduates in Ireland earn more than others. Right after graduation, they make a median of €755 a week, compared to €515 for a master’s graduate and €430 for someone with just an honours degree. Ten years later, PhD holders earn about €1,360 per week. 
• Better job opportunities: Nearly 90% of PhD graduates find work within nine months of finishing their degree. 
• Strong salaries overall: In 2023, almost 73% of PhD graduates earned above €40,000 per year, while around 15% earned more than €80,000 annually. 
• Skills valued by employers: Employers in Ireland highlight that PhD graduates bring advanced thinking, strong analysis, leadership, and communication skills, which make them valuable team members. 
• Research-focused environment: Ireland ranks 8th in the world for research publications per 1,000 people and continues to invest heavily in research and development. 
• Economic impact: Irish universities contribute nearly €9 billion every year to the national economy, and each PhD graduate adds about €220,000 in lifetime benefit compared to lower qualifications. 

How to Apply for a PhD in Ireland? 

Applying for a PhD in Ireland is a step-by-step process. The application process is relatively simple with Irish universities, but it does require careful planning. Knowing what is required beforehand will save you precious time and headache when making your application. 

Let’s go step by step and explore the full process. 

Step 1: Choose your research area and university 

• Ireland has a strong research in science, technology, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.  
• Look for ongoing research projects to see if they align with your interests. 

Step 2: Find a potential supervisor 

• Browse faculty pages of the university for professors in your field. 
• Email them with your CV and a short outline of your research idea. 

Step 3: Prepare a strong research proposal 

• Prepare a well-structured research proposal typically in 1,500–2,500 words. 
• You should include research questions, aims, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance. 

Step 4: Check eligibility and requirements 

• A relevant master’s degree (2:1 or equivalent) is usually required but in some cases, a strong bachelor’s degree may be accepted. 
• English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are mandatory for non-native speakers. 
• Always review specific department requirements on the university website. 

Step 6: Submit your application online 

• Upload documents like academic transcripts, references, research proposal, CV, and English test scores on the university's official portal. 

Step 7: Interview and offer letter 

• Some programs may call you for an interview (virtual or in-person). 
• If you are selected, you’ll receive a conditional or unconditional offer. 
• Once you accept the letter, you can begin with the visa and funding arrangements. 

Tip: Make sure to make a strong application and approve it by a supervisor. Most universities won’t process your application without supervisor approval. 

Suggested Read: Ireland Student Visa Guide 2025: Process, Documents, Timeline & FAQs 

What are the eligibility requirements for PhD admission in Ireland? 

Before applying to PhD programs in Ireland, it is important to know that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a given PhD program. If you’re planning to pursue a PhD in Ireland, it’s important to meet both the academic and general admission requirements. 

While each university sets its own criteria, here are the common eligibility requirements most applicants must fulfill: 

1. Educational Qualifications:  

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is the standard requirement. 
• Exceptionally strong candidates with only a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree may be admitted directly into a structured PhD program. 

2. Research Proposal 

• Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal that aligns with the department’s expertise. 
• The proposal should clearly define your research question, objectives, and methodology. 

3. Academic Performance 

• A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) is usually expected. 
• Strong academic background in the chosen field is essential. 

4. English Language Proficiency Tests (for international students) 

• IELTS 
• TOEFL iBT 
• PTE Academic 

5. Work/Research Experience (if applicable) 

• This is not always mandatory, but previous research projects, published papers, or relevant industry experience can significantly help to strengthen your application.  

6. References 

• Usually, two academic references are required to understand your research abilities and academic potential for a PhD program. 

What documents are required to apply for a PhD in Ireland? 

When applying for a PhD in Ireland, universities will ask for a set of academic and supporting documents to assess your eligibility. Having these ready in advance will make your application process smoother. Let’s take a look them: 

• Academic transcripts & degree certificates 
• A copy of the passport 
• Research proposal  
• Resume/CV 
• Personal statement / Statement of purpose 
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test scores – if applicable. 
• Letters of recommendation  
• Supervisor approval/consent email (if required by the university) 

What Are the English Proficiency Test Requirements for a PhD in Ireland? 

Demonstrating your English proficiency is essential for international students to pursue a PhD in Ireland.  

Below are the widely accepted tests, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Duolingo, along with the typical minimum scores required for PhD programs in Ireland. 

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS (Academic)	6.5 overall, no band < 6.0
TOEFL iBT	88–90+ overall
PTE Academic	63 overall, no section < 59
Duolingo (DET)	110–120 overall (varies by university)

Top Universities for PhD in Ireland    

Choosing the right university is very essential when pursuing a PhD in Ireland. Knowing the top universities helps you identify programs that align with your research interests and career goals.   

Here is a quick overview of the top universities offering PhD programs in Ireland: 

University	QS World Rankings 2026	PhD Fields
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	75	Humanities, Engineering, Life Sciences
University College Dublin (UCD)	118	Business, Computer Science, Medicine
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)	284	Science, Engineering, Social Sciences
Maynooth University	771-780	Data Science, Psychology, History
Dublin City University (DCU)	410	Business, Education, Engineering
University College Cork (UCC)	246	Medicine, Law, Environmental Studies

Cost of PhD in Ireland   

Pursuing a PhD in Ireland is an investment in your academic and professional future. The Tuition fees vary depending on your university, field of study, and whether you’re an EU/EEA or non-EU student. On average, international students can expect to pay between €6,000 and €15,000 per year (6,12,000 INR and 15,31,140 INR). 

Here’s a clear breakdown of tuition fees for the top universities for PhD programs in Ireland: 

University	EU/EEA Students (per year)	Non-EU/International Students (per year)
University College Dublin (UCD)	€6,000   (Rs.6,12,774)	€13,000 – €20,000   (Rs.13,27,105 – Rs. 20,41,700)
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)	€5,500  (Rs. 5,61,814)	€13,750 – €18,000 (Rs. 14,03,668 – Rs. 18,38,106)
Maynooth University	€6,000   (Rs. 6,12,774)	€15,000 – €17,000 (Rs.15,31,755 – Rs.17,35,989)
Dublin City University (DCU)	€6,200   (Rs. 5,43,475)	€13,000 – €17,000  (Rs.13,27,105 – Rs 17,35,989)
University College Cork (UCC)	€5,500 – €6,500   (Rs. 5,61,814 – Rs 6,63,728)	€13,000 – €17,000  (Rs.13,27,105 – Rs 17,35,989)

Note:  Amounts mentioned above are approximate and may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.  

Are there any additional living costs for a PhD in Ireland?  

Apart from tuition, students pursuing a PhD in Ireland must also consider research-related expenses and everyday living costs. 

Here is a cost breakdown which can help you manage your expenses effectively:  

Expenses	Average Monthly Cost
Accommodation	€600 – €1,200 (Rs.61,300 – Rs.122,600)
Food & Groceries	€200 – €400 (Rs. 20,400 – Rs.40,800)
Transport	€50 – €120 (Rs. 5,100 – Rs.12,200)
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.)	€100 – €150   (Rs. 10,200 – Rs.15,300)
Health Insurance	€500 – €1,000 per year (Rs. 51,000 – Rs.102,000)
Miscellaneous (books, leisure, etc.)	€100 – €200  (Rs.10,200 – Rs. 20,400)

Note:  Amounts mentioned above are approximate and may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates. 

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Ireland: A Complete Guide 

Scholarships for PhD in Ireland for Indian Students   

Ireland offers generous and highly competitive scholarships to support international PhD candidates. Every year thousands of Indian students apply for scholarships for a PhD in Ireland.  

These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living costs, and research funds. Below is an overview of the scholarships offered by the government and various universities in Ireland: 

Scholarship Name	Provided by	Scholarship description	Eligibility
Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)	Government of Ireland	€10,000 stipend + full tuition waiver for 1 year	Outstanding academic and research profile
Irish Research Council (IRC) – Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship	Irish Research Council	Annual stipend (€19,000), tuition fee support (up to €5,750), research expenses	Open to international students applying for research master’s or PhD
IRC – Enterprise Partnership Scheme	Irish Research Council + Industry Partner	Stipend (€19,000/year), tuition fees, research expenses	Joint supervision between academia & industry partner
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) – Centers for Research Training (CRT)	Science Foundation Ireland	Stipend (€18,500+), fees, training, industry collaboration	Students in STEM fields (Data, ICT, AI, etc.)
UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship	University College Dublin	Fee waivers + academic development support	High-achieving students pursuing postgraduate  /PhD
Trinity College Dublin – Provost’s PhD Project Awards	Trinity College Dublin	Tuition + annual stipend (varies)	PhD applicants with strong research proposals
Hardiman PhD Scholarships	University of Galway (NUIG)	€19,000/year stipend + tuition for 4 years	Available for structured PhD programs

What Are the Career Opportunities After a PhD in Ireland? 

A PhD in Ireland opens doors to a rewarding career across multiple sectors, adding credibility to one’s academic standing. Many sectors highly regard and appreciate research backgrounds and leverage them for advancement in Ireland and globally.  

Ireland offers competitive salaries and a thriving job market for PhD holders. Many industries highly value research expertise, making a PhD in Ireland an advantage in both academia and industry. 

Careers	Description	Opportunities in Ireland	Average Salary Range (per year)
Academia & Research	Teaching, postdoctoral research, academic roles	Universities & research institutes	€35,000 – €55,000 (Postdoc) / €60,000+ (Lecturer)
Industry R&D	Innovation roles in pharma, biotech, engineering, IT	Companies like Pfizer, Intel, Google	€45,000 – €80,000
Data & Analytics	Applying research & analytical skills to big data	Finance, consulting, IT firms	€50,000 – €85,000
Public Policy & Government Jobs	Policy research, think tanks, public sector	Govt. agencies & NGOs	€40,000 – €70,000
Consultancy	Offering niche expertise to businesses	Management consulting firms	€55,000 – €90,000
Entrepreneurship	Startups and research-driven ventures	Ireland’s startup ecosystem	Income varies (€0 – €100k+)

Tip: Ireland also offers the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which makes it easier for PhD graduates and highly qualifies professionals to stay and work in Ireland for a long-term.  

Also Read: Jobs in Ireland for Indians: A Complete Guide for 2025  

Conclusion  

Pursuing a PhD in Ireland offers access to top universities, innovative research opportunities, and a globally recognized academics. With the right preparation, you can make the most of Ireland’s strong academic environment and its welcoming student community. 

Planning early is essential. Focus on eligibility requirements, prepare for English proficiency tests, and align your research interests with the right supervisor to strengthen your application. A PhD is not just a degree; it’s an investment in your academic and professional future. 

Still unsure about applying for a PhD in Ireland or feeling overwhelmed with the process? upGrad can support you every step of the way. Book your free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts and get personalized guidance for your PhD journey.