University College Dublin’s premier fully funded PhD grant for deserving new PhD candidates is the Ad Astra Doctoral grant Program. The fellowship offers a fantastic chance to undertake PhD research at one of Ireland’s top universities and is available to applicants from all over the world, regardless of their nationality or place of residence.
The Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship Program functions through yearly calls that are individually organized by various UCD schools and colleges, including departments like the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe), as opposed to a single university-wide scholarship competition. Scholarships in particular fields of study may be offered by each participating institution, which will also determine the amount of prizes that are available, the prerequisites for qualifying, and the deadlines for applications.
A tax-free annual stipend of €25,000, full non-EU-rate tuition fees, and an extra €4,000 for research and travel expenses are also available to successful applicants. Depending on the student’s satisfactory academic progress, the scholarship may be renewed every year for a maximum of four years.
Candidates should carefully review the specific call issued by their selected academic department because scholarship options and conditions can differ throughout UCD schools and colleges. Before submitting an application, they should verify the amount of scholarships offered, the eligibility standards, the deadline, and the research subjects that are available.
University College Dublin Ad Astra PhD Scholarship 2026/2027 – Overview
- Host Country: Ireland
- Funding Organization: The Ad Astra Doctoral grant Program
- University: University College Dublin
- Degree Level: PhD
- Eligible Applicants: International Students
- Application Deadline: Varies by school/department
Degree Level & Available Subjects
The Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship is not a single university-wide scholarship covering all subjects. Instead, individual UCD schools and departments announce their own Ad Astra-funded PhD positions each year, based on their available research areas.
Recent calls have included fields such as:
- Politics & International Relations
- Quantitative & Computational Social Science
- Philosophy
- Music
- Global Health
Available subjects, research areas, and scholarship places can change each year. Prospective applicants should check with their target UCD school or department to confirm whether an Ad Astra-funded PhD position is available in their chosen field during the current admissions cycle.
Eligibility Criteria – University College Dublin Ad Astra PhD Scholarship, Ireland
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Existing or ongoing PhD students are not eligible; applicants must be new to a UCD PhD program.
- Must meet UCD’s typical standards for PhD admission to the appropriate program and school.
- All nationalities and countries of residency are welcome to apply.
- Must submit an application for scholarship funding through, or in conjunction with, the PhD admissions procedure at a particular school.
- Individual UCD schools oversee scholarship financing instead of using a single, university-wide application.
Benefits – University College Dublin Ad Astra PhD Scholarship, Ireland
Successful scholars can receive the following benefits:
- For the duration of the PhD, all tuition fees are covered at the non-EU rate.
- A €25,000 annual tax-free allowance to help with living expenses.
- An additional €4,000 annually for travel and research costs.
- Scholarship funding is renewable for a maximum of four years, provided that students make good academic progress.
- Access to networking opportunities, researcher-development support, and UCD’s Ad Astra Academy programs.
Note: Scholarship availability is not centralized and varies by school. For the current scholarship cycle, applicants should review the specific call from the UCD school of their choice.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for their UCD PhD and scholarship application, depending on the requirements of the relevant school or department:
- Updated CV/Resume
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Master’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification
- Research proposal or research statement, where required
- Statement of purpose/motivation letter
- Academic references or recommendation letters
- Evidence of relevant research experience or publications, if applicable
- English language proficiency evidence, if required
- Any additional documents requested by the relevant UCD school or PhD programme
Important: Requirements can vary between UCD schools. Applicants should always check the specific Ad Astra call and PhD programme requirements before submitting their documents.
Application Process
The Ad Astra scholarship application process generally involves the following steps:
- Identify your research area: Find a suitable PhD programme and research area at University College Dublin.
- Check participating schools: Confirm whether your chosen UCD school is offering an Ad Astra-funded PhD position during the current cycle.
- Review eligibility: Check the school’s PhD admission and scholarship requirements.
- Prepare your documents: Gather your CV, academic transcripts, degrees, research proposal, references, and other required documents.
- Contact potential supervisors: Where required or recommended, identify and communicate with a suitable PhD supervisor.
- Complete the PhD application: Apply through the relevant UCD school’s doctoral admissions process.
- Apply for scholarship consideration: Follow the school’s specific instructions for being considered for Ad Astra funding.
- Submit before the deadline: Make sure your complete application reaches the relevant school before its specified closing date.
- Await the decision: Applications are assessed by the relevant UCD school/selection process.
Application Deadline
Varies by school/department.
Since Ad Astra calls are managed by individual UCD schools and departments, there is no single university-wide deadline for every Ad Astra-funded PhD position.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UCD Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship?
The Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded PhD scholarship programme at University College Dublin, Ireland, designed for new doctoral entrants.
Is the Ad Astra Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides full non-EU-rate tuition fee coverage, a €25,000 tax-free annual stipend, and an additional €4,000 annual research and travel budget, subject to the terms of the relevant award.
How long does the Ad Astra Scholarship last?
Funding can be renewed annually for up to four years, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Who can apply for the UCD Ad Astra Scholarship?
The programme is open to new PhD entrants of any nationality or country of residence, provided they meet the relevant UCD doctoral admission requirements.
Can current UCD PhD students apply?
No. Existing or continuing PhD students are not eligible under the new-entrant requirement.
What subjects are available?
Ad Astra-funded PhD opportunities are offered through individual UCD schools and can cover different research areas. Recent calls have included Politics and International Relations, Quantitative and Computational Social Science, Philosophy, Music, and Global Health.
Is there one application deadline for Ad Astra?
No. Deadlines vary by UCD school or department because individual schools manage their own Ad Astra-funded calls.
Do I need a research proposal?
A research proposal or research statement may be required depending on the PhD programme and school. Applicants should follow the specific application instructions provided by their chosen UCD school.
How can international students apply?
International applicants should identify an eligible UCD PhD programme, review the relevant school’s Ad Astra call, prepare the required documents, and apply through the appropriate doctoral admissions process.
