DAERA Postgraduate Studentships

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), funds full-time postgraduate studentships for a three year period of research leading to a PhD qualification at a university in the United Kingdom (UK) or Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Apply for a DAERA postgraduate studentship

The DAERA Postgraduate Studentship competition 2026 is now open.

Apply at:

Application for DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2026

The value of a DAERA postgraduate studentship

A full DAERA award includes the cost of approved fees as well as maintenance support. In academic year 2026/ 27 the anticipated maintenance allowance for a research studentship is £21,383.

DAERA pay fees directly to your university. Other expenses which may be covered are:

conference expenses if you are presenting your research
Research Training Support Grant – paid by DAERA to your study centre
overseas fieldwork – DAERA may contribute to costs where it is essential to your research programme

These awards are not affected by your parent’s income or your current income, but if you are receiving similar support from industry or a university, you may not be eligible for a studentship.

DAERA Research needs and terms and conditions

Your research proposal must address one of DAERA's research needs for 2026.

The research needs for 2026 and DEARA terms and conditions for 2026/ 27 are available at:

DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2026: Research Needs, Terms and Conditions

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for consideration for a DAERA studentship, you must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications. Further details can be found in the terms and conditions found here:

DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2026: Research Needs, Terms and Conditions

How to apply for a DAERA postgraduate studentship

When applying for a DAERA postgraduate studentship, you must include a unique research proposal supported by at least one supervisor from the proposed study centre.

You must also send an academic reference from the institution of your primary degree and the offer of a place at the proposed university, supporting your research proposal.

Applications must be submitted by midnight on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Criteria based interviews will be held from 30 March to 1 April 2026 at:

Clare House,
303 Airport Road West,
Belfast,
BT3 9ED.

If you have any queries about DAERA Postgraduate Studentships email:

postgraduate@daera-ni.gov.uk

Studentships will start on 1 October 2026. Funding is provided for three years and will end on 30 September 2029.

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