Ireland: Available Funding Sources, Job and Training Opportunities

University of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI)

University of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI) is an initiative to encourage and celebrate the good practice of universities, colleges and institutes welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into their university communities and fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion for all those seeking sanctuary. We want to spread this culture of welcome across the institutions of higher education all over the island. Across the Island of Ireland, many universities and colleges, public and private, have pledged to support those newcomers seeking sanctuary in Ireland. Currently DCU, University Limerick, UCC, UCD , NUI Galway and Maynooth University have received the University of Sanctuary Award, and Athlone IT is the first College of Sanctuary in Ireland. The Irish School of Ecumenics in Trinity College Dublin has been an outstanding supporter of Places of Sanctuary, and is an Honorary School of Sanctuary.

Ireland’s University of Sanctuary scholarships are available at following institutions:

Research agencies in Ireland

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is the national foundation for investment in research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to assist the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in Ireland. It also promotes and supports STEM education and engagement to improve awareness and understanding of the value of STEM to society and to support the STEM careers pipeline.

SFI makes grants based upon the merit review of distinguished scientists. SFI also advances co-operative efforts among education, government, and industry that support its fields of emphasis and promotes Ireland’s ensuing achievements around the world.

The Irish Research Council

The IRC is an associate agency of the Department of Education and Skills, under the aegis of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), and has the following mandate:

To fund excellent research within, and between, all disciplines, and in doing so to enhance Ireland’s international reputation as a centre for research and learning
To support the education and skills development of excellent individual early-stage researchers and to cultivate agile independent researchers and thinkers, while offering a range of opportunities which support diverse career paths
To enrich the pool of knowledge and expertise available for addressing Ireland’s current and future needs, whether societal, cultural or economic, and to deliver for citizens through collaboration and enabling knowledge exchange with Government departments and agencies, enterprise and civic society
To provide policy advice on postgraduate education, and on more general research matters, to the HEA and other national and international bodies. In giving us this role, Government requested that particular attention be given to the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. It works in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. In this way, Enterprise Ireland supports sustainable economic growth, regional development and secure employment.

Health Research Board (HRB)

HRB provides funding to researchers at different stages of their career with a focus on innovative health research. It leads and supports excellent research, and will generate relevant knowledge and promote its application in policy and practice.

Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA funds research programmes related to environmental issues in Ireland. Researchers must be affiliated with Irish organisations. The EPA can also co-fund PhD Scholarships with Third Level Institutions. More information is available on their website.

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland)

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) funding is available for students to pursue postgraduate courses in approved institutions. The eligibility criteria are available on the SUSI website. Also, the Eligibility Reckoner can give you an idea if you meet the criteria to receive Student Grant funding. The Eligibility Reckoner will give an indication only and does not guarantee your eligibility for a grant.

Agriculture and Food Development Authority (TEAGASC)

TEAGASC is a national body providing funding for postgraduates and researchers in third-level institutions focusing on agriculture and food industry.

Royal Irish Academy

Royal Irish Academy grants various research projects spanning disciplines from archaeology to pharmacy, supports scholarships and promotes awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society.

Marine Institute

The Marine Institute provides funding for marine related projects under the Marine Research Programme. Funding is provided under a number of programmes including the Cullen Fellowship Programme, Shiptime Programme, Post-Doctoral Fellowships, Project-Based Awards, Networking and Travel Awards and the National Infrastructure Programme (NIAP).