The Hardiman PhD Scholarships at the University of Galway are fully funded, four-year awards for exceptional students pursuing doctoral research. These prestigious scholarships are designed to attract the highest-achieving students to Galway and support curiosity-driven research that addresses global challenges.
The scholarships are open to candidates in all disciplines offered by the university, including Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Law, Engineering, Science, and Medicine. The program is named in honor of James Hardiman, the university’s first librarian, and supports the next generation of research leaders.
Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded four-year PhD scholarship.
- Stipend: An annual stipend of €22,000.
- Tuition Waiver: Full coverage of PhD tuition fees for four years.
- Research Support: Access to university resources and support for research activities.
- Structured PhD: Participation in a structured PhD program that includes transferable skills training and professional development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must have a first or upper-second class honors bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Research Proposal: Must submit a strong, well-defined research proposal that aligns with the research priorities of the University of Galway.
- Supervisor Support: Must have secured the support of a PhD supervisor at the University of Galway before applying.
- Nationality: Open to both EU and non-EU candidates.
Application Process
Application Deadline: The application window typically closes in February of the intake year. The deadline for the 2026 cohort is expected to be in February 2026.
Applicants must first identify and contact a potential supervisor at the University of Galway. Once supervisor support is confirmed, the application is submitted through the university’s online portal.
Application Link:
For detailed guidelines, a list of potential supervisors, and the application portal, visit the official Hardiman Scholarships page.







