UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK AND TEAGASC
University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh PhD Scholarship
full · phd
- ~25,000 euros / year stipend (est.)Annual stipend
- Tuition up to ~5,500 euros / yearFees covered
- 4 yearsFunded duration
- 2 host institutionsUL and Teagasc Moorepark
- International and domesticWho can apply
- Next Gen Milking projectResearch focus
At a glance
full
Funding
€25k
Max amount
Nov 7, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of Limerick and Teagasc
Provider
The University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh PhD Scholarship funds a fully funded PhD on the Next Gen Milking project, hosted jointly by Teagasc Moorepark in Co. Cork and the University of Limerick in Ireland, and run within the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre. The research develops cow-level milking management strategies to improve dairy-farm efficiency, milk quality and animal welfare. The award runs for 4 years and pays an annual stipend of 25,000 euros, with tuition fees covered up to 5,500 euros per year, plus additional funding for international travel and professional development. It is open to both international and domestic applicants who hold at least a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline and meet the University of Limerick's English language requirements; a full driving licence is required and a master's degree is an advantage. Eligible backgrounds span 9 fields including agricultural and animal sciences, dairy, veterinary medicine, several engineering disciplines, mathematics and computer science. The program starts from 1 January 2026 and applications are due by 7 November 2026. Confirm the exact current-cycle figures and deadline on the official Teagasc Walsh Scholarships page before you apply.
What's covered
- Annual stipend — A tax-free annual stipend of ~25,000 euros (est.) paid for the four years of the PhD.
- Tuition fees — University tuition fees covered up to ~5,500 euros (est.) per year for the duration of the scholarship.
- Travel funding — Additional support toward international travel for conferences, fieldwork and research visits.
- Professional development — Funding for training and professional-development activities to build research and technical skills.
- Research resources — Access to advanced research facilities, expert supervision and industry collaboration through the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre.
How to apply
Applications are made by email directly to the named supervisors with a CV and letter of interest, not through a separate online portal.
- Confirm your eligibility — Check that you hold a first or upper second-class honours degree, a full driving licence, and meet the University of Limerick English language requirements.
- Prepare your CV — Produce an up-to-date curriculum vitae highlighting your relevant degree, technical skills and any research experience.
- Write a letter of interest — Draft a letter outlining your motivation, relevant experience and interest in the Next Gen Milking project.
- Email the supervisors — Submit your CV and letter of interest electronically to the named project supervisors, Dr John Upton and Dr James Sweeney.
- Submit before the deadline — Send your complete application before the closing date of 7 November 2026 for the upcoming cycle.
Eligibility
Degree classA first or upper second-class honours (2:1) degree in a relevant discipline.
SkillsStrong problem-solving and data-analysis skills; experience with statistical or modelling software is desirable.
Driving licenceA full driving licence is required, as fieldwork at the research farm is involved.
English languageApplicants must meet the University of Limerick's English language entry requirements.
NationalityOpen to both international and domestic students who meet the entry conditions.
A master's degree in a related field is considered an advantage but is not mandatory; eligible fields are broad and span agriculture, animal science, several engineering disciplines, mathematics and computer science.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2026 PhD intake~7 November 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed by the project supervisors and host institutions on the strength of their academic record, their problem-solving and data-analysis skills, relevant research or technical experience, and the fit between their background and the Next Gen Milking research goals. Shortlisted applicants are typically invited to interview before an offer is made.
Verified sources
- Teagasc Walsh Scholarshipsteagasc.ieofficial
About the provider
The Teagasc Walsh Scholarships are a long-running PhD funding scheme run by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, in partnership with universities such as the University of Limerick. They fund doctoral research in agriculture, food and related sciences, often linked to national research centres like VistaMilk.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship open to international students?
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Yes. Both domestic and international students who meet the University of Limerick's entry and English language requirements are eligible.
How long does the scholarship last?
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The scholarship funds four years of PhD study.
What funding does it provide?
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It includes an annual stipend of ~25,000 euros (est.), tuition fees up to ~5,500 euros (est.) per year, and additional support for travel and professional development.
What subjects are eligible?
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Eligible fields include agricultural sciences, animal sciences, dairy, veterinary medicine, agricultural, mechanical and biosystems engineering, mathematics and statistics, and computer science.
Is a master's degree required?
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No. A master's degree is not mandatory, but it is considered an advantage.
What is the research project about?
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The Next Gen Milking project develops cow-level milking management strategies to improve dairy-farm efficiency, milk quality and animal welfare.
Where is the PhD hosted?
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It is hosted jointly by Teagasc Moorepark in Co. Cork and the University of Limerick, within the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre.
Do I need a driving licence?
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Yes, a full driving licence is required because the project involves fieldwork at the research farm.
How do I apply?
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Submit your CV and a letter of interest by email to the project supervisors, Dr John Upton and Dr James Sweeney.
What is the application deadline?
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For the upcoming cycle the deadline is around 7 November 2026; confirm the exact date on the official page.
When does the program start?
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The program begins from around 1 January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Where can I find more about the project?
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Details are available through the University of Limerick and the official Teagasc Walsh Scholarships page.