Application for DAERA Postgraduate Studentship 2026

Closes 19 Feb 2026

Opened 1 Dec 2025

Contact

Agri-food and Corporate Support Branch, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

(Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast BT3 9ED)

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postgraduate@daera-ni.gov.uk

Overview

This application is for financial assistance towards a 3 year postgraduate research study leading to a PhD qualification, commencing in the academic year 2026/27. Research proposals must meet your selected DAERA Research Need for 2026.  Please refer to the DAERA Postgraduate Studentships Terms and Conditions 2026/27 before completing this form.

This form CANNOT be completed on an ipad or phone.

All the above information is available at: 

www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/daera-studentships

  • All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UKGDPR) and Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018. Our Privacy Notice is contained within our Terms and Conditions 2026/27. 
  • Any person wilfully making a false statement in support of this application may be disqualified.
  • It is mandatory to complete questions that state 'required' or the system will not permit you to proceed.
  • Some questions have a character limit.
  • If you would like to save and edit the application later, then click 'Save and Come Back Later'.  By providing your e-mail address you will receive a weblink to your application.  This provides access to view and edit all your existing answers until you submit your completed application.  You will need to share this weblink with your supervisor so they can complete part of Section H.
  • Once you have completed your application please click 'Finish' on the content page. This leads to the 'Almost done' page where you must click 'Submit Response'.
  • After you click 'Submit' you will no longer be able to go back and change any of your answers.
  • You MUST 'submit' your application by 23:59 on Thursday 19th February 2026. 
  • You must inform us of any change in the information provided on this form, without delay.
  • If you have any queries about completing this form please contact us.
  • Only one application is permitted per applicant.

Reasonable adjustment

Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments due to disability, to enable you to complete the application process. Details of any disability are only used for this purpose and do not form any part of the selection process.

The application period will close at 23:59 on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Late applications will NOT be accepted.

Click here for the

2026 DAERA Postgraduate Studentship Application

Events

  • References

    From 14 Nov 2025 at 09:00 to 3 Mar 2026 at 16:00

    (a) Academic - from primary degree institution
    (b) Head of Department - from proposed university / centre of postgraduate study
    (c) Head of Branch at proposed study centre (if applicable)
    Further information available in the Terms and Conditions.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Criteria Based Interviews

    From 30 Mar 2026 at 09:00 to 1 Apr 2026 at 17:00

    Held on 30 March - 1 April 2026 in Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast BT3 9ED. Candidates invited to interview will be informed of the date and time of interview in writing by e-mail.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Audiences

  • All stakeholders
  • All Stakeholders
  • DAERA Staff
  • Government Department
  • Higher education students
  • PPC operators
  • Private individuals or organisations with an interest in Bovine TB
  • Prospective higher education students
  • Pupils
  • Research
  • School students
  • Stakeholders
  • Teachers
  • Waste operators
  • Water operators

Interests

  • Postgraduate Study