The glass-walled European Parliament Paul Henri-Spaak building facade in Brussels.

Ireland Annual round — applications typically open autumn and close around January–February for the following September start

University of Galway Hardiman PhD Scholarship

The Hardiman Research Scholarships are University of Galway's flagship doctoral awards, designed to attract outstanding students into its structured PhD programmes in identified research priority areas — including biomedical science, marine and climate research, data science, human rights and social sciences, and the medical humanities. The award typically covers full PhD fees plus an annual tax-free stipend (around €19,000) for up to four years, and includes structured research training. It is genuinely competitive and open to high-calibre applicants regardless of nationality, so Sri Lankan researchers with a strong Master's and a clear research direction can apply. The practical route is to identify a supervisor and a project aligned with a Hardiman theme, then apply in the annual round. Confirm the current stipend, eligible research areas, and deadline before applying.

University of Galway

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Stipend

≈ €19,000/year (tax-free)

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Fees

Full PhD Fees Covered

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Duration

Up to 4 Years

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Open to International Applicants

The Hardiman scholarships are open to outstanding applicants regardless of nationality, including Sri Lankan citizens. Selection is on academic and research excellence, not country of origin.

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Strong Academic Background

A high-quality Bachelor's and, usually, a strong Master's in a relevant discipline are expected. A clear, original research idea aligned with a Galway priority theme is essential.

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Research-Area Fit

Awards are concentrated in Galway's research priority areas. Your proposed project must fit one of the eligible themes and a Galway research group or institute.

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English Proficiency

Typically IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent for PhD admission. Sri Lankan applicants with an English-medium degree may qualify for a waiver where Galway accepts it — confirm for your school.

account_tree Application Process

Identify a project and supervisor

Explore Galway's Hardiman priority themes and research groups, and make contact with a prospective supervisor whose work matches your research interest.

Prepare your application

Develop a research proposal and assemble your CV, transcripts, degree certificates, references, and English evidence, working with your prospective supervisor where possible.

Apply in the annual round

Submit your Hardiman application through the central process by the January–February deadline. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.

Award and Irish study visa

Successful candidates receive a scholarship offer and PhD place. Apply for the Irish study visa with your offer, scholarship confirmation, and financial documents.

Why University of Galway?

University of Galway is a research-intensive Irish university on the Atlantic coast, with internationally recognised strengths in biomedical engineering, marine science, human rights, and data analytics. The Hardiman scholarships fully fund doctoral study, and Ireland offers a generous post-study stay-back permit for graduates entering the workforce.