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DAERA Postgraduate Studentships

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), funds a small number of full-time postgraduate studentships. These are 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).

The DAERA Postgraduate Studentship competition 2023 has now closed.

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 2022/ 23 the maintenance allowance for a research studentship is £17,668. Allowances for 2023 are to be confirmed. 

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. 

Research topic and terms and conditions

Your research proposal must address one of DAERA's research needs for 2023.  Before you apply for a 2023 Postgraduate Studentship, you must read the terms and conditions 2023/24.

The research needs 2023 and terms and conditions are available at:

  • DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2023: 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 2023: 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 Tuesday 21 February 2023.

Criteria based interviews will be held from 3 to 5 April 2023 at Dundonald House, Belfast or Greenmount campus.

Offers will be issued by May 2023 and studentships will start on 1 October 2023. Funding is provided for three years ending on 30 September 2026.

If you have any queries about DAERA Postgraduate Studentships email postgraduate@daera-ni.gov.uk

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Choices after you graduate

  • Applying for postgraduate study
  • Assured Skills Academies
  • Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology
  • Considering postgraduate study
  • DAERA Postgraduate Studentships
  • Department for the Economy Postgraduate Studentship scheme
  • Financing your postgraduate course
  • Life and work after graduation
  • Postgraduate awards
  • Teacher qualifications and registration

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