The DAERA Postgraduate Studentships Scholarships for 2025 present an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to significant areas such as agriculture, environmental sciences, and rural development. With comprehensive financial support and a focus on impactful research, these studentships aim to foster innovation and address key challenges within DAERA’s strategic priorities.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is offering fully funded postgraduate studentships for the 2025 academic year. These studentships support full-time PhD research at universities in the United Kingdom (UK) or the Republic of Ireland (ROI), focusing on areas such as agriculture, environmental sciences, and rural development.
Eligibility for the DAERA Postgraduate Studentships Scholarships 2025
To be eligible for a DAERA studentship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Residency: Applicants should have lived in Northern Ireland for at least three years before October 1, 2025. Non-EU nationals must not have resided primarily for study purposes during this period. EU nationals require settled or pre-settled status under the EU Withdrawal Agreement. Republic of Ireland nationals qualify if they meet the three-year residency requirement in Northern Ireland. Refugees or individuals with specific immigration statuses must have lived in the UK since their status was granted.
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• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must possess 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.
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to undertake and benefit from research leading to a PhD. Those holding or previously registered for a doctoral degree for more than one year are not eligible.
Requirements
Applicants must submit a unique research proposal addressing one of DAERA’s Research Needs for 2025. Notably, DAERA intends to fund a minimum of three studentships focusing on Lough Neagh nature-based solutions, aligning with Action 34 of the Lough Neagh Action Plan. The research proposal should be supported by at least one supervisor from the proposed study center. Additionally, an academic reference from the institution of the primary degree and an offer of a place at the proposed university are required.
How To Apply for the DAERA Postgraduate Studentships Scholarships 2025
Interested candidates should complete the application form available on the DAERA website. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Criteria-based interviews will be held from April 14 to 16, 2025, at Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9ED.
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Offers addressing Research Need 4.1 (Lough Neagh nature-based solutions) will be issued in April 2025, followed by all other offers in May. Studentships will commence on October 1, 2025, and funding is provided for three years, concluding on September 30, 2028.
Application Deadline February 25, 2025
