Description
DAERA UK and Ireland Postgraduate Studentships 2025 (Fully Funded) is open for International Students, Domestic Students . The scholarship allows PhD, Studentship level program(s) in the field of Agriculture, Environment, Rural Development taught at UK Universities, Ireland Universities . The deadline of the scholarship is 25 Feb 2025.
Study abroad programs
Degree Level
DAERA UK and Ireland Postgraduate Studentships 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD, Studentship level programs at UK Universities, Ireland Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Agriculture
- Environment
- Rural Development
Benefits
DAERA Postgraduate Studentships are highly sought after due to their comprehensive financial support and focus on impactful research. Each award includes:
- Approved tuition fees paid directly to the university.
- A maintenance allowance (2024/25 allowance: £19,237, 2025 rates to be confirmed).
- Additional support for conference expenses, essential overseas fieldwork, and research training costs.
These studentships are designed to facilitate groundbreaking research aligned with DAERA’s research needs for 2025, including the Lough Neagh nature-based solutions initiative.
Eligible Nationalities
To be eligible for a DAERA studentship as an international student, you must meet the following residency requirements:
- Lived in Northern Ireland for at least 3 years before October 1, 2025.
- Non-EU nationals:Â Your time in Northern Ireland must not have been mainly for studying.
- EU nationals:Â You need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Withdrawal Agreement.
- Republic of Ireland nationals:Â You qualify if you meet the 3-year residency in Northern Ireland (no need for EU Settlement Scheme).
- Refugees or other specific immigration statuses (e.g., humanitarian protection, discretionary leave):Â You must have lived in the UK since your status was granted.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a DAERA studentship, applicants must meet strict criteria regarding:
- Nationality and residency requirements.
- Academic qualifications, including a primary degree in a relevant field.
Academic Qualifications
- Must have a First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree from a UK or Irish university (or equivalent).
- Final year students (graduating by June 2025) may apply, subject to satisfactory results.
- Must demonstrate ability to undertake and benefit from research leading to a PhD.
- Not eligible if holding or previously registered for a doctoral degree for more than 1 year.
Research Needs Alignment
- Research proposal must address DAERA’s Research Needs 2025.
Funding Conditions
- Cannot hold another award providing maintenance and fees alongside the DAERA Studentship.
Focus on Lough Neagh Nature-Based Solutions
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, DAERA is prioritizing research addressing Lough Neagh nature-based solutions. This initiative supports the Lough Neagh Action Plan, with a minimum of three studentships dedicated to Research Need 4.1.
Application Procedure
Follow these steps to apply for a DAERA Postgraduate Studentship:
- Develop a unique research proposal addressing one of DAERA’s specified research needs.
- Secure the support of a supervisor from your chosen university.
- Include an academic reference and an official offer of admission from the university supporting your proposal.
- Applications must be submitted by midnight, Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline:Â 25 February 2025.
- Interviews: 14–16 April 2025 at Clare House, Belfast.
- Offer Letters:Â April 2025 for Research Need 4.1, May 2025 for other areas.
- Studentship Start Date:Â 1 October 2025.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2025 portal. For any queries, contact postgraduate@daera-ni.gov.uk.
Shape Your Future with DAERA
Embark on a transformative journey with the DAERA Postgraduate Studentships. This is your chance to drive innovation, address pressing environmental challenges, and gain valuable expertise that will shape your career and contribute to global sustainability.