Funding Opportunities

Departmental Scholarships

Each year, the Department admits around six PhD students and typically provides financial support in the form of:

• Tuition grants and stipends
• Teaching and research assistantships
• Support for conference and research travel

Fee levels are determined annually by Academic Registry and may change in future years. However, departmental funding normally covers these costs on students’ behalf.

Additional Funding Opportunities

PhD students are encouraged to explore a range of internal and external funding sources, including:

• Research Ireland postgraduate scholarships – many of our students have successfully secured funding from Research Ireland in their second year.
• Grattan Scholarships – offered by the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy to support exceptional PhD students.
• Provost’s PhD Project Awards – studentships offered periodically through the College.
• China Scholarship Council – applicants interested in this scheme should contact the Department well in advance of submitting an application.
• Trinity College Dublin scholarships – a variety of college-level funding opportunities are available for postgraduate research.

Professional Development & Travel Support

PhD students are encouraged to present their work at conferences and workshops. The Department and external bodies provide travel funding, including:

• PSAI PEC Travel Funding Support Scheme – available to members of the Political Studies Association of Ireland (psai.ie/funding-calls).

Doctoral students also gain valuable professional experience by working as teaching or tutoring assistants in undergraduate courses, an excellent preparation for the academic job market.

Further Information

For full details on current tuition and application fees, visit the Academic Registry Fees and Payments page.

Enquiries about departmental funding can be directed to the Course Administrator.
Email: polgrad@tcd.ie