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Established in 2012, the Grattan Scholars programme supports outstanding PhD students with the potential to become future academic leaders and influential voices in social and economic life. Since its foundation, the programme has brought together scholars from across the world, united by intellectual ambition, a commitment to teaching, and a determination to make their research matter.
A programme built on excellence
Grattan Scholars are chosen not only for their academic achievement, but for their broader potential: as researchers, as teachers, and as thinkers capable of shaping public debate. Each scholar is selected for the quality and ambition of their research proposal, their commitment to undergraduate teaching, and their drive to contribute to society beyond the academy.
Scholars are embedded across the School's four departments and undertake research on some of the most pressing questions in contemporary social science, from inequality and migration to political violence and environmental behaviour.
Teaching at the heart of the programme
Alongside their research, Grattan Scholars play a central role in delivering high-quality teaching to undergraduate students across the School. This is a defining feature of the programme: scholars are not only researchers in training, but educators whose energy and expertise enrich the learning experience of every student they teach.
Where our scholars go
Grattan Scholars alumni have gone on to leading positions in academia, policy, and international institutions, among them the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank, the Central Bank of Ireland, the University of Oxford, and University College Dublin. Their careers reflect the programme's founding ambition: to develop scholars who think rigorously, communicate compellingly, and make a real difference in the world.
How to apply
The Grattan Scholars programme awards scholarships on an ongoing basis, subject to available funding. There is no single annual application round, instead, prospective scholars are encouraged to make contact directly with academic staff whose research interests align with their own.
If you are interested in being considered for a Grattan Scholarship, the best first step is to identify a potential supervisor within one of the School's four departments and reach out to them to discuss your research interests. They will be able to advise you on current opportunities and next steps. Staff profiles can be found on the department websites.