Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has launched the 2026
Postgraduate Studentship competition. The application window is
now open and will close at midnight on Thursday 19 February 2026.
DAERA will fund 12 new PhD Research Studentships which will
provide graduates with an opportunity to carry out research
across a wide range of DAERA priority research needs. The
three-year PhD Studentships will commence on 1 October 2026.
As part of the launch of this year's competition, Minister Muir
met Dr Victoria Murphy, Course Director of the MSc in Business
for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise at CAFRE. Victoria graduated
from QUB with a 1st class BSc Honours degree in Agricultural
Technology before completing a DAERA funded PhD on housing and
grouping systems for NI beef cattle.
Commenting on the launch of the competition, Minister Muir said:
“My Department has a long history of
investment in postgraduate research, and I am proud to announce
the continuation of the programme. This funding not only serves
to support early-career researchers but also contributes to the
wider growth and development of scientific knowledge for the
agri‑food and environmental sectors, and the wider rural
economy.
“High quality scientific research is essential for my
Department to address important policy challenges and to make
sound evidence‑based decisions. The postgraduate programme is a
valued part of DAERA's science programme.”
Dr Murphy spoke of her PhD experience: “The DAERA Postgraduate
Studentship has been fundamental in providing me with the
technical knowledge and professional skills that underpin my
career today.
“The project management and industry engagement developed during
my PhD have been invaluable in ensuring the MSc programme
delivered by CAFRE reflects the needs of the agri-food sector.
These skills have also been instrumental in enabling me to
coordinate postgraduate research projects and support our
students professional and technical development.”
Funding is provided in the form of a payment to support living
costs, university fees, a Research Training Support Grant and
other allowances. Applicants must select one of DAERA's Research
Needs for 2026, in addition to meeting eligibility criteria.
Selection is by interview.
Details of DAERA's 2026 Research Needs, the application process
and Terms and Conditions for the awards are available at:
www.nidirect.gov.uk/daera-studentships.
The research can be undertaken at a university in the United
Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.
