British Association for Irish Studies Postgraduate Bursaries

Our Postgraduate Bursary Award Scheme has become the major scheme of its kind in the UK.

Each year, we make significant funds available to students researching Irish-related topics at British universities. We aim to support research that uncovers new or neglected areas in the field. As an applicant, you are encouraged to produce a specific and targeted funding request, detailing how the award will support your research. Your applications will be assessed by a panel of important international academics, ensuring that this is a valuable award in more ways than one.

We are keen to recognise the diversity of work taking place on Irish culture and society when coming to our final decision. In any one year we usually give bursaries to between three and six winners (sums are usually between £300–£1000). The bursaries are presented to successful candidates by the Irish Ambassador to Great Britain, at our Awards Ceremony held at the Irish Embassy in London.

The scheme has given rise to important research which has been published internationally. A number of the students it has helped in the past are now lecturing in the field of Irish Studies at universities in Britain and Ireland. Students may apply to use the bursary for travel expenses, payment of fees, subsistence or other expenses related to the completion of their research projects.

Applicants must be members of the British Association for Irish Studies (or should join when they apply). Applicants will be required to submit a completed Application Form together with two completed forms from referees, who should send these direct to the Chair of the Bursaries Committee. The decision of the BAIS Postgraduate Bursaries Committee will be final.

For more information, please contact the interim Chair of the Bursaries Committee: Dr Maggie Scull or e-mail: baisbursaries@gmail.com