100% Tuition Waiver & €25,000 Stipend: Ireland Fully Funded PhD 2026 – UCD Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarships
Are you looking for a fully funded PhD in Ireland for 2026? The University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education is now inviting applications for the UCD Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarships 2026, a prestigious four-year PhD opportunity designed for outstanding international and EU students. This fully funded doctoral program covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a €25,000 tax-free annual stipend, plus additional research funding, allowing scholars to focus entirely on high-impact research in Digital Education and Wellbeing.
Key Takeaways: UCD Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarships 2026
- Institution: University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland.
- Total Value: €25,000 Stipend + €4,000 Research Budget + Full Fees.
- Duration: 4 Years (Full-time).
- Research Areas: EdTech and Digital Wellbeing.
- Deadline: March 31, 2026.
Funding Package: What the UCD Ad Astra PhD 2026 Offers
The UCD Ad Astra Doctoral funding scheme is considered one of the most competitive fully funded PhD scholarships in Ireland. Successful applicants receive a complete financial package that removes tuition costs and supports living expenses in Dublin.
| Benefit Type | Amount / Coverage |
| Annual Stipend | €25,000 (Tax-Free) |
| Tuition Fees | 100% Waiver (EU & Non-EU) |
| Research Budget | €4,000 Annual Allowance |
| Application Fee | No application fee |
| Duration | 4-Year Commitment |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 Ad Astra PhD Scholarships at University College Dublin, applicants must demonstrate strong academic merit and research alignment.
- Academic Background: A high honors degree (First or 2.1) and a Master’s degree in Education or a related Social Science.
- Research Focus: You must propose a project in Critical Edtech Studies or Digital Wellbeing in Childhood & Adolescence.
- Language Proficiency: While some seek fully funded scholarships 2026 no IELTS, UCD typically requires proof of English proficiency if your previous degree wasn’t taught in English.
- Commitment: Ability to commence a full-time PhD in September 2026.
Fields of Study Offered
Applicants for the UCD School of Education PhD funding must align their proposal with one of two research pathways.
- Track 1: Critical Edtech Studies
- Focus: The social and ethical impact of technology, including Generative AI, the role of Big Tech in schools, and the history of classroom tools.
- Best for: Students with a background in Philosophy, Sociology, or Education.
- Supervisor: Dr. Michał Wieczorek.
- Track 2: Digital Wellbeing in Childhood & Adolescence
- Focus: How digital use affects mental health, online social relationships, and “digital parenting” styles.
- Best for: Students skilled in data analysis, Psychology, or Social Science.
- Supervisor: Dr. Melissa Bohnert.
Required Documents: for 2026 UCD Ad Astra Scholarship
Before applying for this fully funded PhD opportunity in Ireland, prepare the following:
- Detailed CV: Highlighting academic achievements and publications.
- Personal Statement: Your motivation for joining the UCD School of Education.
- Research Proposal: A clear outline of your intended study (max length as per UCD guidelines).
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all previous degrees.
- Reference Letters: Two academic references
Application Deadlines & Key Dates
Mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on this full ride Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarships opportunity:
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Interview Period: Mid-April to Early May 2026 (Expected)
- Final Selection Results: Late May 2026
- Academic Start Date: September 2026
Official Resource
To apply for the UCD 2026 Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship, visit the official university vacancy page below. This page contains the full project descriptions and the active submission links for both research tracks.
-
Official Application Page:UCD School of Education- PHD Scholarship Vacancies