The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), funds full-time postgraduate studentships for three years of research leading to a PhD qualification at a university in the United Kingdom (UK) or the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
When is the Application Deadline?
- Midnight, Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
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Tell Me About the Award:
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) funds fully-funded postgraduate studentships for three years of PhD research in the UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI). These awards support research that addresses DAERA’s strategic priorities, including agriculture, the environment, and rural affairs.
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Which Fields Are Eligible?
Research must align with DAERA’s Research Needs for 2025, including:
- Agriculture
- Environmental Sciences
- Rural Development
- Specific focus on Lough Neagh nature-based solutions (Research Need 4.1).
Type:
Doctoral Studentship (PhD).
Who Can Apply for the DAERA fully-funded postgraduate studentship?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Meet nationality and residency criteria outlined in DAERA’s terms and conditions.
- Possess a strong academic background in a relevant field.
- Be accepted into a PhD program at a UK or Irish university.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection involves:
- Submission of a compelling research proposal.
- An academic reference and offer of admission from the proposed university.
- Criteria-based interviews (14–16 April 2025) held in Belfast.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Open to international students and those meeting DAERA’s nationality/residency requirements.
Where Will the Award be Taken?
- At universities in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.
How Many Awards?
A minimum of three studentships for Lough Neagh nature-based solutions, with additional awards for other research needs.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the university.
- Maintenance Allowance: £19,237 annually (2024/25 rate; subject to 2025 updates).
- Additional funding for:
- Conference expenses (if presenting research).
- Overseas fieldwork essential to the research program.
- Research Training Support Grant.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Three years (1 October 2025 – 30 September 2028).
How to Apply for the DAERA fully-funded 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 25 February 2025.
Criteria based interviews will be held from 14 to 16 April 2025 at:
Clare House,
303 Airport Road West,
Belfast,
BT3 9ED.
If you have any queries about DAERA Postgraduate Studentships email:
Application Link:
DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2025
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
DAERA Postgraduate Studentships Announcement
