SPHeRE Scholar Application Procedure

Apply to the SPHeRE PhD Programme

Scholar applications are now open for a September 2026 start.

There are two modes of application for entry to the SPHeRE Structured PhD Programme:

  1. The first mode is for individual applicants who wish to enrol on the PhD training Programme as a HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholar (full-time)
  2. The second mode is for individual applicants who wish to enrol on the PhD training Programme as a Self-Funded or Alternatively Funded Scholar (part-time or full-time)

Funding Bodies (such as charities, philanthropic organisations or employers) or PIs/Supervisors that have funding for a Scholar or a tied bursary (either externally funded or tied to their own institutions) that can fund a Scholar for 4 years can also apply for inclusion of their candidate on the Programme.
No additional fees are payable to the SPHeRE Programme.
Please contact SPHeRE Programme Manager Katherine Walsh at katherinewalsh@rcsi.com for further information on enrolling a Scholar on the programme.

We recommend reading the SPHeRE Information Package which fully outlines the recruitment process, and the PhD Journey.

Teaching takes place in person each week in year 1 and attendance is mandatory.

Mandatory Orientation will take place in person Wednesday 23rd-Friday 25th September 2026 in RCSI and TCD, and in person teaching will begin on Wednesday 30th September 2026 in RCSI.

1. Individual applicants: HRB SPHeRE Funded (full-time only)

The full-time 4 year structured PhD Programme includes:

  • Annual stipend of €25,000, plus laptop computer, plus PhD fees
  • 6 taught modules completed in the first year of the Programme
  • A workshop programme which runs over four years
  • 8-week specialist rotation in Irish health related agencies in the first year
  • Placement with a prestigious overseas agency to further PhD project development in the second or third years

Six HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholarships are available each year. Applicants who wish to apply for a SPHeRE funded Scholarship must submit an application form and select their preferred project (or a maximum of 3 projects).

Projects are linked to an institution, and so Scholars will be based at the institution to which the project is linked. It will not be possible for Scholars to move a project to their preferred institution.

Successful non-EU applicants for funded positions may be liable for fees above that for European applicants. Fees vary, but further information on fees can be found on the websites of the individual institutions.

The deadline for HRB SPHeRE Funded Applications is Monday 20th April at 12 noon. Incomplete applications or late applications will not be considered.

Interviews for SPHeRE Scholarships will take place on Wednesday 13th May and Monday 18th May 2026 online. We will not be able to facilitate requests for alternative interview dates.

See here for further guidance on applying for a HRB SPHeRE Funded Full-time Scholarship for the 2026 academic year

 

PhD Projects

 

Apply for a SPHeRE Scholarship

2.  Individual applicants: Self-Funded and Alternatively Funded Scholars (full-time or part-time)

If you wish to apply as a Self-Funded or an Alternatively Funded Scholar (meaning you are funding yourself or already have a source of funding from a workplace, institution etc.) for the 2026-2027 academic year please contact SPHeRE Programme Manager Katherine Walsh at katherinewalsh@rcsi.com

Please note that outside of the registration fees due to the HEI in which you are registered no additional fees are charged by the SPHeRE Programme.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis for candidates who are self-funded or alternatively funded.

If you have any questions about the SPHeRE Programme or the application process
please contact sphereprogramme@gmail.com