DAERA 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 2022 is 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 2021/ 22 the maintenance allowance for a research studentship is £15,609. Allowances for 2022 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 2022. Before you apply for a 2022 Postgraduate Studentship, you must read the terms and conditions 2022/23.
The research needs 2022 and terms and conditions are available at:
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 2022: Research Needs, Terms and Conditions
How to apply for a DAERA postgraduate studentship
The 2022 DAERA Postgraduate Studentship opened on Tuesday 18th January 2022.
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.
The DAERA Postgraduate Studentship competition 2022 is now closed.
No interviews will be held in 2022 and application forms will be scored using information supplied in sections G and H.
Offers will be issued in May 2022 and studentships will start on 1 October 2022. Funding is provided for 3 years ending on 30 September 2025.
If you have any queries regarding the DAERA Postgraduate Studentships please email postgraduate@daera-ni.gov.uk