Scholarships, Funding & Fees
Funding Awards
91ÖÆƬ³§ (91ÖÆƬ³§) realises that financial support structures for students undertaking postgraduate research at our college are critical in attracting world-class students to our campus. Students pursuing or intending to pursue research postgraduate degrees in Arts or Education are eligible to apply for 91ÖÆƬ³§ awards.
These are available on a competitive basis and at the discretion of the College. Typically, awards provide a subsistence bursary for the normal registration period of benefiting students, and in some cases also off-set tuition fees
91ÖÆƬ³§ offers a number of financial instruments for the support of postgraduate research students. These are:
The 91ÖÆƬ³§ Doctoral Award consists of an annual stipend of €12,600 and a full fee waiver. Awards are annually renewable for a maximum of three years, with a fee waiver in the fourth year of normal registration. Doctoral Awards are merit based and are awarded by the College (through a HR-approved competitive process operated by the Graduate School Director) to Doctoral applicants in Arts or Education. 91ÖÆƬ³§ Doctoral Award holders are not required to perform any duties for their department, faculty or the College in general. However, should they wish to gain the experience, they may elect to perform some duties (e.g. tutorial hours) for their academic department. This may not exceed 48 hours per academic year (an average of two hours per week per semester) and may not exceed four hours in any given week. Approval of the relevant Dean will be required in these cases.
The closing date for applications is 24 April 2026 at 12 noon.
Summary
- Number Awarded per annum: 1
- Stipend / Fee Waiver: €12,600 and a full fee waiver (Fee Waiver Year 4 but no Year 4 Stipend; No Departmental duties)
- Duration: Annually renewable for a maximum of 3 years, with a fee waiver in the fourth year of normal registration
- Required Departmental Hours: None (but may elect to provide up to 48 hours maximum per Academic Year)
- Means of Award: Awarded by the College through HR-approved merit competition
- Eligibility: Doctoral applicants
Download 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Awards Application Information
91ÖÆƬ³§ Studentship Awards (two offered annually – the Doctoral Studentship and the Postgraduate Studentship) consist of an annual stipend of €6,900 and a full fee waiver. One studentship is reserved for Doctoral applicants; the second can be awarded to MA or Doctoral applicants. Awards are annually renewable for a maximum of three years, with a fee waiver in the fourth year of normal registration. Studentship Awards are merit based and are awarded by the College (through a HR-approved competitive process operated by the Graduate School Director) to Doctoral /MA applicants in Arts or Education. 91ÖÆƬ³§ Studentship Award holders are not required to perform any duties for their department, faculty or the College in general. However, should they wish to wish to gain the experience, they may elect to perform some duties (e.g. tutorial hours) for their academic department. This may not exceed 48 hours per academic year (an average of 2 hours per week per semester) and may not exceed 4 hours in any given week. Approval of the relevant Dean will be required in these cases.
The closing date for applications is 24 April 2026 at 12 noon.
Summary
- Number Awarded per annum: 2
- Stipend / Fee Waiver: €6,900 and a full fee waiver (Fee Waiver Year 4 but no Year 4 Stipend; No Departmental duties)
- Duration: Annually renewable for a maximum of 3 years, with a fee waiver in the fourth year of normal registration
- Required Departmental Hours: None (but may elect to provide up to 48 hours maximum per Academic Year)
- Means of Award: Awarded by the College through HR-approved merit competition
- Eligibility: 1 Doctoral applicant and 1 MA (by research & thesis) or Doctoral applicant
Download 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Awards Application Information
91ÖÆƬ³§ Departmental Assistantships consist of an annual stipend of €6,900 and a full fee waiver. Awards are annually renewable for a maximum of three years, with a fee waiver in the fourth year of normal registration. Holders of Departmental Assistantships are obliged to provide up to a maximum of 120 hours of assistance to their home academic department across the academic year (an average of 5 hours per week per semester) and may not exceed 10 hours in any given week. Departmental Assistantship Awards are made by the College implemented within academic departments. The scheme, including appointment contracts, annual renewal and discontinuation of Departmental Assistantship Awards, is managed by the Research and Graduate School.
Summary
- Stipend / Fee Waiver: €6,900 (+ Revenue charges = €7,487) and a full fee waiver (Fee Waiver Year 4 but no Year 4 Stipend; No Departmental duties in Year 4)
- Duration: Annually renewable for a maximum of 3 years, with a fee waiver in the fourth year of normal registration
- Required Departmental Hours: Up to 120 hours maximum per Academic Year
- Means of Award: Awarded by the College through competition within academic departments
- Eligibility: PhD or MA applicant (by research & thesis)
Download 91ÖÆƬ³§ Departmental Assistantships Application Information
Floating Departmental Assistantship competition (Heads of Department only)
Departmental Specific DA information
Please see below for Departmental Specific DA information. If you are interested in applying for a Departmental Assistantship in a Department not on this list, please make contact with the Head of Department as soon as possible.
| Doctoral Award (1 per annum) |
|---|
Stipend / Fee Waiver: €12,600 and a full fee waiver
|
| Duration: 3 years, renewable annually within period of normal registration |
| Required Departmental Hours: None (but may elect to provide up to 48 hours maximum per academic year) |
| Means of Award: Awarded by the College through HR-approved merit competition |
| Eligibility: Doctoral applicant |
| Studentship Awards (2 per annum) |
|---|
Stipend / Fee Waiver: €6,900 and a full fee waiver
|
| Duration: 3 years, renewable annually within period of normal registration |
| Required Departmental Hours: None (but may elect to provide up to 48 hours maximum per academic year) |
| Means of Award: Awarded by the College through HR-approved merit competition |
| Eligibility: 1 Doctoral applicant and 1 MA (by research & thesis) or Doctoral applicant |
| Departmental Assistantship Awards |
|---|
Stipend / Fee Waiver: €6,900 (+ revenue charges = €7,487) and a full fee waiver
|
| Duration: 3 years, renewable annually within period of normal registration |
| Required Departmental Hours: Up to 120 hours maximum per academic year |
| Means of Award: Awarded by the College through a competition within academic departments |
| Eligibility: PhD or MA applicant (by research & thesis) |
Questions are grouped under the following headings:
1. Eligibility
2. Application process
1. Eligibility
Can I apply for a Departmental Assistantship or 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Award if I do not yet know the final results of my bachelor’s or master’s degree?
Yes, you can apply, but any offer of an award will be conditional on the required class of degree being obtained.
Can I apply for an 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Award if I am currently an 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Student?
Yes, all current or prospective postgraduate research students (PGRS) may apply for any or all of the three awards, but the Award can only be taken up by a PGRS once they are registered as such in 91ÖÆƬ³§. In addition, PGRS may only avail of a maximum of three years’ funding within their normal duration of programme if a doctoral student or two years’ funding if a Master’s research student.
Can I apply for the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Doctoral Award if I hold a 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree?
Eligible applicants may be new or existing postgraduate researchers (PGRs) who hold a 1st class Honours undergraduate degree or a 2.1 Honours Master’s degree or a Master’s degree by research and thesis. Applicants with a 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree only, and without a Master’s degree as described, are ineligible to apply for this award.
Am I eligible to apply for a Departmental Assistantship?
Heads of Department are the source of information on how the Departmental Assistantship competition will be run in your department of interest.
Please note that students on the Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme are eligible to apply for 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Awards, but not Departmental Assistantships.
Are non-EU students eligible to apply for a Departmental Assistantship or 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Award?
Yes. However, please note that international Awardees will not be able to receive scholarship payments until they have arrived in Ireland, set up an Irish bank account, and applied for a Public Personal Service (PPS) number.
2. Application process
Must the applicant be accepted for / registered in a postgraduate research programme at 91ÖÆƬ³§ before applying for a Departmental Assistantship or 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Award?
No. Prospective postgraduate research students (PGRS) may apply for any or all of the three awards or the Departmental Assistantship, but the Award can only be taken up by a PGRS once they are accepted and registered as such in 91ÖÆƬ³§.
What is the deadline and application procedure for the Departmental Assistantship?
Heads of Department are the source of information on how the Departmental Assistantship competition will be run in your department of interest. Please contact them as soon as possible.
Will the RGS contact referees on my behalf?
No. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their chosen referees supply an academic letter of reference to the RGS by the deadline. Referees may send these directly to the RGS or via the candidate. Please note again that the RGS will not contact referees for on behalf of applicants.
Can I apply for all three 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Awards?
Yes, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for all three 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Awards.
When will I hear the outcomes of the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate Research Merit Awards competition?
Successful applicants will be notified in early June, with unsuccessful applicants being notified by the end of that month.
If I am offered a 91ÖÆƬ³§ Departmental Assistantship or Postgraduate Research Merit Award, can I defer taking up my offer?
No. It is not possible under any circumstances to defer taking up an award beyond the academic year for which it is offered. You may, of course, apply in subsequent years for these awards again, but previous success will be no guarantee of success in another future competition.
The 91ÖÆƬ³§ Postgraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme consists of an annual stipend of €3,000 and a full fee waiver participation for International Protection Applicants, refugees, and vulnerable migrant groups. The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial support for those seeking international protection who have resided in the state for less than 36 months out of the last 60 months and who wish to undertake postgraduate study at 91ÖÆƬ³§. Full list of Postgraduate Programmes available to view here.
An annual scholarship is offered for the lifecycle of the postgraduate programme of study and includes a fee waiver and an annual €3,000 stipend.
Summary
- Number awarded per annum: 2
- Stipend / Fee waiver: €3000 and a full fee waiver
- Duration: Annually renewable for the lifecycle of the postgraduate programme
- Required departmental hours: None
- Means of award: Awarded by the College through merit-based open competition managed by the Office of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII).
- Eligibility: Postgraduate Programmes
Information about How to Apply here or complete the Postgraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme application form here.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Sports Scholarships
Two elite scholarships, in memory of former 91ÖÆƬ³§ staff members Noreen Lynch and Leonard Enright, will be available for those who have excelled in their chosen sport(s). The value of each scholarship will be up to €4,000 and will be delivered through a fee waiver and additional benefits. These scholarships are open to incoming students in addition to current undergraduate and postgraduate students across both Limerick and Thurles campuses.
For more information and details on how to apply for 91ÖÆƬ³§ Sports Scholarships, click here.
President’s Scholarship Award
For more information and details on how to apply for the President’s Scholarship Award, click here.
Rachel Kenneally Memorial Award
Munster LGFA will fund three bursaries, valued at €750 each, awarded to current 91ÖÆƬ³§ students (undergraduate and full-time postgraduate) who are involved in ladies football in Munster (playing, coaching, administration etc).
Applicants must be a member of an LGFA club in a Munster county. More information about the Rachel Kenneally Memorial Award available here.
Rachel was a B Ed graduate of 91ÖÆƬ³§ (Class of 2013). She was a member of the College team that won the Giles Cup in 2012 and also played inter-county football with Tipperary. She passed away after a long illness in March 2018.
91ÖÆƬ³§ GPA Scholarships
The 91ÖÆƬ³§ GPA Scholarship Scheme is open to GPA members only who have applied for and are successful in securing a place on 91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s postgraduate programmes in education and the liberal arts.
More information about the 91ÖÆƬ³§ GPA Scholarship Scheme available here.
Fees
The 91ÖÆƬ³§ Schedule of fees and charges for Postgraduate Students (research and thesis) is reviewed and approved on an annual basis.
Postgraduate students should refer to the Fees, Charges & Grants page for a fee schedule and contact the Fees Office for updates or clarifications regarding fees.
It is the responsibility of the students to ensure that they understand the fee schedule as it applies to them individually.
- For PhD students, full fees will apply for Years 1, 2 and 3 of their studies, as this is the minimum registration period for a PhD student under the regulations of the University of Limerick.
- Thereafter, fees will be calculated with reference to receipt of the ‘soft-bound’ or examination copy of their thesis. Students are required to pay fees before enrolment in their programme at 91ÖÆƬ³§.
- Fees may be paid annually in full at the beginning of each academic year. Alternatively, fees may be paid in two equal tranches, the first before 1 October and the second before 1 February each year.
- Students may not register or participate in their programme unless course fees have been paid in full.
- Once registered/enrolled, students must pay their fees regardless of whether they are in attendance or availing of supervision.
For fees liability and cut-off points up to the time the ‘soft-bound’ thesis is submitted, see below:
| PhD (Research & Thesis) & PhD (Structured) / MA Research & Thesis |
|---|
| Year 1: Full Fees Apply (both) |
| Year 2: Full Fees Apply / Full Fees Apply (unless ‘soft-bound’ thesis is submitted before end of Year 1*) |
| Year 3: Full Fees Apply / Continuance Fees Apply |
| Year 4: Full Fees Apply (unless ‘soft-bound’ thesis is submitted before end of Year 3*) / Continuance Fees Apply |
| Year 5: Continuance Fees Apply (both) |
| Year 6: Continuance Fees Apply (both) |
*The effective annual date for fees liability is October 1st. Theses must therefore be submitted on 30 September or earlier if the postgraduate is not to incur full fees liability for Year 2 (Master's) or Year 4 (PhD). Liability will be calculated on the basis of each additional semester up to the time the thesis is submitted.
Students’ fees liabilities should end on submission of a ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of their thesis (see table above). If the ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of the thesis is submitted for examination within the three-year period, no further fees should apply.
If the student enters Year 4 without having submitted the ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of their thesis, then full fees for Year 4 will apply. If the ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of the thesis is submitted for examination within Year 4, no further fees should apply. If the student enters a fifth or subsequent year without having submitted the ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of their thesis, Continuance Fees will apply in each of these years.
Continuance Fees
Across the HEI sector in Ireland and elsewhere, Continuance Fees are commonly applied where postgraduate students exceed the minimum registration period for their programme. At 91ÖÆƬ³§, Continuance Fees apply as follows:
- If a student enters a fifth or subsequent year without having submitted the ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of their thesis, ‘Continuance Fees’ will apply in each of these years up to the point where a student submits the ‘soft-bound’ examination copy of their thesis.
- Where a student proceeds to examination (see accordion below) and is required to make amendments as set out in the Viva Voce Examiners’ Report, amendments must be completed and a ‘hard-bound’ thesis must be submitted by a Deadline Date set by the Head of Graduate School in line with the regulations (‘Up to 3 months’; ‘Up to 6 months’).
- Fees will not be payable for the period allowed to make the amendments set out in the Examiners’ Report. This is the period between the Viva Voce and the Deadline Date.
- However, if the student fails to complete amendments and submit a ‘hard-bound’ thesis by the deadline date, then the examination process will be deemed to be concluded. Thus, the student’s enrolment will continue on the relevant register in line with Section 5.14 of the UL Handbook of Academic Regulations. In such cases the student will be required to pay either full fees (if in their fourth registered year) or Continuance Fees if they are in a fifth or subsequent registered year. The amount of fees payable will be determined by the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Office on a pro rata basis in each individual case where these circumstances arise.
For Viva Voce Outcome Scenarios & Fees Liability, see below:
Result (cf. ): The degree of Doctor of Philosophy be awarded.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Liability: No further fees will apply.
Result (cf. ): The student be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy subject to the correction of any minor errors within a period of three months for reconsideration by the internal examiner.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Liability:
- Fees will not be payable for the period allowed to make amendments as set out in the Examiners’ Report.
- If the student fails to complete amendments and submit a ‘hard-bound’ thesis by the Deadline Date, then the student will return to the register (see above). In such cases the student will be required to pay either full fees (if in their fourth registered year) or Continuance Fees if they are in a fifth or subsequent registered year.
- Fees will apply from the Deadline Date set by the Head of Graduate School (see text in Section b above). There will be no retrospective fees obligations for any period between the Viva Voce and the Deadline Date.
Result (cf. ): The student be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy subject to the completion of any prescribed amendments within a period of six months for reconsideration by the internal and/or external examiner.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Liability:
- Fees will not be payable for the period allowed to make amendments as set out in the Examiners’ Report.
- If the student fails to complete amendments and submit a ‘hard-bound’ thesis by the Deadline Date (see above), then the student will return to the register. In such cases the student will be required to pay either full fees (if in their fourth registered year) or Continuance Fees if they are in a fifth or subsequent registered year.
- Fees will apply from the Deadline Date set by the Head of Graduate School (see text in Section b above). There will be no retrospective fees obligations for any period between the Viva Voce and the Deadline Date.
Result (cf. ): No degree be awarded and the student continue on the PhD register.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Liability: The student will continue on the PhD register and will be obliged to pay either full fees (if in their fourth registered year) or Continuance Fees if they are in a fifth or subsequent registered year.
Result (cf. ): The student be awarded the degree of Master of __________ subject to the completion of any prescribed amendments within a period of six months for reconsideration by the internal examiner.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Liability:
- Fees will not be payable for the period allowed to make amendments as set out in the Examiners’ Report.
- If the student fails to complete amendments and / or submit a ‘hard-bound’ thesis in time for approval at the next relevant Examination Board (see above), then the student will return to the register and will be obliged to pay either full fees (if in their fourth registered year) or Continuance Fees if they are in a fifth or subsequent registered year.
- Fees will apply from the date of the Examination Board nominated by the Head of Graduate School.
Result (cf. ): No degree be awarded.
91ÖÆƬ³§ Fees Liability: The students exits. No further fees will apply.
Non-EU (International) Fees
Across the HEI sector in Ireland and elsewhere in the EU, fees chargeable to non-EU students are determined separately from the fee schedule that applies to EU students. A schedule for non-EU fees, labelled 'International' Fees is available from the Fees, Charges & Grants page
Non-EU 91ÖÆƬ³§ Doctoral Award holders, Studentship holders and Assistantship holders are granted a full fee waiver up to the non-EU fee level.
Continuance fees, where these apply, will be charged at the non-EU rate.
Grant Aid
From the Academic Year 2017/18 onwards, maintenance/fees grants have been reintroduced for qualifying Irish students by the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
Students should see the for details.
PGR Travel Support Scheme (Conferences)
Through the Research & Graduate School, the College will support the participation of postgraduate researchers at professional conferences for the purpose of presenting academic papers/posters. This is a contribution towards expenses and may not cover all costs. Where collaborative papers/posters are presented, only one person will be supported by the scheme.
Allocations from the Postgraduate Travel Support Scheme for conferences will be approved through the Research and Graduate School on behalf of the College Research Committee. All postgraduates currently registered and fees compliant are eligible to apply for up to a maximum of €550 per academic year.
Applications and claims are processed by the Research and Graduate School.
Further information is available on the .
- Funding Awards
- Fees
- Grant Aid
- PGR Travel Support Scheme (Conferences)
