Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme

Overview

The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme is the flagship postgraduate scheme run by Teagasc, Ireland's Agriculture and Food Development Authority. It funds PhD and Research Masters study across agriculture, food, climate, environment and rural development. Each scholar works on a defined research project under joint supervision: a Teagasc researcher who brings applied, industry-facing expertise, and an academic from an Irish or international university who anchors the degree. The award is named after Dr Tom Walsh, a former director of Teagasc's predecessor body, and it has trained a large share of Ireland's applied agri-food researchers.

Funding comes from the Irish state through Teagasc, often in partnership with universities and industry. The programme is built for graduates who want to move into doctoral or research-masters work on problems that matter to farmers, food producers and the wider rural economy. Projects sit close to real practice, so scholars typically split their time between a Teagasc research centre and a partner university.

What makes it notable is the combination of a competitive stipend, covered fees and a structured training framework. The 2026 call offered 20 fully funded positions, made up of 18 PhD places and 2 Research Masters places, with study commencing in September 2026. If you want a funded research degree tied to live agricultural and environmental questions, this is one of the strongest routes in Ireland.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a strong primary degree in a field relevant to the project you're applying for, such as agricultural science, food science, environmental science, biology, chemistry, animal or plant science, agricultural economics or a related discipline. PhD projects usually expect a good honours bachelor's degree, and many list a master's as an advantage or requirement. Research Masters projects suit graduates with a solid bachelor's who want a first research qualification. The exact academic bar is set by the individual project and by the partner university that registers you for the degree.

Nationality Requirements

The programme does not publish a fixed list of eligible nationalities, and it has funded both Irish and international scholars. International applicants need to meet the visa and registration rules of the Irish or international university involved, and any project-specific conditions on funding. Check each advert, because some projects are restricted by funder rules.

Language Requirements

Teaching, supervision and research are in English. If English isn't your first language, the partner university will usually ask for proof of English proficiency, commonly through IELTS or an equivalent test. The required score is set by that university.

Age & Other Requirements

There is no published age limit. You apply to a specific advertised project, so a genuine research fit, relevant skills and a willingness to work across a Teagasc centre and a university campus matter more than anything else.

What the Scholarship Covers

• An annual stipend of €25,000 to support living costs during your research.
• Tuition fees covered up to €6,000 per year, subject to the terms of your project and host university.
• Joint supervision from a Teagasc researcher and an academic at an Irish or international university.
• A structured doctoral training framework, including skills development in communication, leadership and research methods.
• Access to Teagasc research facilities, equipment and applied datasets.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and to present at conferences.

How to Apply

1. Browse the open projects. Go to the Walsh Scholars opportunities page on the Teagasc website and read the current advertised PhD and Research Masters projects. Each lists the research topic, the Teagasc centre, the partner university and the named supervisors.
2. Match yourself to a project. Shortlist projects that fit your degree background and interests. The programme is project-driven, so you apply to a specific advert rather than to the scheme in general.
3. Read the project requirements. Note the academic qualifications, any specific skills, and the closing date for that project, since dates can vary slightly between adverts.
4. Contact the supervisor if invited. Some adverts encourage an informal enquiry. A short, focused email about your fit can help before you submit.
5. Prepare your documents. Pull together your CV, transcripts, degree certificates, a cover letter or statement of interest, and referee details.
6. Submit before the deadline. Apply through the method named in the advert, usually an email application or an online form, ahead of the stated closing time.
7. Interview. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the supervisory team. If selected, you then register for the degree with the partner university.

Required Documents

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• Academic transcripts for your bachelor's and, where relevant, master's degree.
• Degree certificates or proof of expected completion.
• A cover letter or statement explaining your motivation and fit for the project.
• Contact details for academic referees, or reference letters if requested.
• Proof of English proficiency, if English isn't your first language.
• A copy of your passport or identity document for international applicants.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The programme runs on an annual cycle, and exact dates shift each year and sometimes between projects. Always confirm the closing date on the specific advert you're applying to.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply to projects where your degree and skills clearly match the research topic.
• Show that you understand the applied, farmer-facing nature of Teagasc's work.
• Make your statement specific to the project rather than generic.
• Highlight any lab, fieldwork, data analysis or research experience.
• Reach out to the supervisor early when the advert allows it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting the same statement to every project without tailoring it.
• Missing the project-specific deadline by assuming all adverts share one date.
• Leaving out transcripts or English-proficiency proof.
• Ignoring the eligibility or skills requirements listed in the advert.
• Applying to a project that doesn't fit your background and hoping for the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme?

It's Teagasc's flagship postgraduate scholarship scheme, funding PhD and Research Masters study in agriculture, food, climate, environment and rural development, with joint supervision by a Teagasc researcher and a university academic.

How much does the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme pay?

It provides a stipend of €25,000 per year, plus tuition fees covered up to €6,000 annually, subject to the terms of your project.

How many Teagasc Walsh Scholars positions are available?

The 2026 call offered 20 fully funded positions, made up of 18 PhD places and 2 Research Masters places. Numbers vary each year.

Who can apply for the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme?

Graduates with a strong degree in a relevant field who want to move into doctoral or research-masters work. Eligibility for each project is set by the advert and the partner university.

Is the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme open to international students?

Yes. It has funded both Irish and international scholars. International applicants must meet the host university's visa, English and registration rules and any project-specific funding conditions.

What degree levels does the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme fund?

It funds PhD and Research Masters degrees, depending on the advertised project.

When is the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme deadline?

It runs on an annual cycle. Most 2026 opportunities closed on 18 March 2026, with study commencing in September 2026. Check each advert for its exact date.

How does supervision work in the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme?

You get joint supervision from a Teagasc researcher and an academic at an Irish or international university, and you usually split time between a Teagasc centre and the university.

What fields does the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme cover?

Research areas include sustainable agriculture and food systems, climate and environmental science, grassland and livestock systems, crop production, soil and nutrient management, food innovation, and rural development and farmer wellbeing.

Do I apply to a project or to the programme itself?

You apply to a specific advertised project. Read the open opportunities, pick the ones that fit your background, and follow the application method named in each advert.

Does the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme require an interview?

Yes. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the supervisory team before an offer is made and before you register for the degree.

Where do I find the official Teagasc Walsh Scholars information?

Use the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme page on the Teagasc website for current projects, terms and application details.