DAERA Postgraduate Studentships

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) funds full-time postgraduate studentships for a three-year period of research leading to a PhD qualification at a university in the United Kingdom (UK) or Republic of Ireland (ROI). A full DAERA award includes the cost of approved fees as well as maintenance support. The anticipated maintenance allowance for academic year 2026/27 is £21,383. DAERA pays fees directly to the university, and other expenses may be covered including conference expenses for presenting research, Research Training Support Grant paid to the study centre, and overseas fieldwork costs where essential to the research programme. Research proposals must address one of DAERA's research needs for 2026, and applicants must satisfy eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency, and academic qualifications.