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Ireland PhD Fully Funded

Tyndall National Institute PhD Scholarship 2026: Integrated Sensing and Communication for UAV Networks

Fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship at Tyndall National Institute, Ireland, focusing on integrated sensing and communication technologies for UAV and non-terrestrial networks. Includes €25,000 annual tax-free stipend, full tuition coverage, and conference travel support.

October 6, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 23, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryIreland
University/OrgTyndall National Institute at University College Cork
Degree LevelPhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyComputer Science, Electrical Engineering, RF Sensing, Signal Processing, Wireless Communications
DeadlineOctober 23, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

This PhD scholarship at Tyndall National Institute offers a fully funded 4-year research opportunity in integrated sensing and communication for UAV and non-terrestrial networks. Based in Dublin, Ireland, the position combines theoretical research with hands-on experimental work using software-defined radios, UAV platforms, and outdoor test facilities. The scholarship is particularly suited to candidates from Zimbabwe and the SADC region with strong backgrounds in wireless communications, signal processing, electrical engineering, or computer science.

About Tyndall National Institute

Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s leading research organisation in semiconductors, photonics, and deep-tech innovation. As a key partner in the EU Chips Act, the Institute employs over 600 researchers, engineers, and students, with plans to expand to 1,000 people by 2030. The Institute maintains strong industry partnerships and operates a dedicated Wireless Communications Laboratory in Dublin with outdoor test facilities in nearby parks and wildlife areas.

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Research Focus

The PhD project addresses next-generation wireless systems that combine high-capacity communications with RF sensing, localisation, tracking, and situational awareness. UAVs and non-terrestrial platforms provide flexible aerial coverage, rapid deployment, and improved radio environment visibility—capabilities increasingly relevant for emergency services, defence applications, and commercial networks across Africa and globally.

Key Research Areas

  • RF signal detection and localisation
  • Beamforming and direction-finding algorithms
  • Passive and active sensing techniques
  • Radar-inspired signal processing
  • Waveform design for integrated sensing and communication
  • UAV-based RF mapping
  • Localisation in GPS/GNSS-denied environments

Funding and Benefits

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support:

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  • Annual stipend: €25,000 tax-free
  • Tuition fees: Fully covered by Tyndall National Institute
  • Annual leave: 20 days plus public holidays
  • Conference travel: Full coverage for international conference presentations
  • Training: Professional development opportunities provided

For applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries, this represents a significant opportunity to gain expertise in emerging 6G technologies while earning a competitive stipend in a European research environment.

Eligibility Requirements

Essential Criteria

  • First-class or upper-second-class honours Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, MEngSc, or equivalent
  • Relevant discipline: electrical/electronic engineering, wireless communications, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, or related field
  • Strong background in at least one of: wireless communications and communication theory; digital signal processing; RF systems, antennas, radar, or sensing systems; machine learning/AI for wireless signal processing; software-defined radio or embedded wireless systems; UAV systems, robotics, navigation, or localisation

Desirable Experience

  • Software-defined radios, embedded systems, RF test equipment
  • Wireless standards: 5G/6G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Algorithms: beamforming, direction-of-arrival estimation, TDOA localisation, Kalman filtering, tracking, detection theory, radar signal processing
  • Programming: Python, MATLAB, C++, Julia, GNU Radio, PyTorch, TensorFlow
  • UAVs, robotics, outdoor field trials, measurement campaigns

Application Requirements

Required Documents

  • Up-to-date CV/Resume
  • Brief motivation letter addressing how you meet the Essential Criteria
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (for non-native speakers), valid less than 2 years

Additional Considerations

Garda vetting and/or international police clearance may form part of the selection process. The University may make additional appointments from this competition.

How to Apply

  1. Prepare your CV and motivation letter demonstrating alignment with Essential Criteria
  2. Obtain valid English language proficiency certificate if required
  3. Submit application through Tyndall National Institute’s application system before the deadline
  4. Contact Dr Boris Galkin for informal enquiries if needed

Why This Matters for African Researchers

For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this scholarship offers several strategic advantages. UAV and non-terrestrial network technologies are directly applicable to addressing connectivity challenges in rural and underserved regions across Africa. The experimental focus—combining algorithm development with field trials—provides practical skills transferable to African telecommunications infrastructure development. Ireland’s growing tech sector and Tyndall’s industry partnerships also create pathways for international research collaboration and future employment.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 1pm, 23 October 2026
  • Contract duration: 4 years
  • Employment type: Full-time fixed-term studentship

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Official scholarship page: https://tyndallnationalinstitute.applytojob.com/apply/nRf5vZZ2Ej/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

€25,000 annual tax-free stipend; full tuition fees covered; 20 days annual leave plus public holidays; full conference travel coverage

Eligibility Criteria

First-class or upper-second-class honours degree in relevant discipline (engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics); strong background in wireless communications, signal processing, RF systems, machine learning, or UAV systems

Required Documents

CV/Resume; motivation letter addressing Essential Criteria; English language proficiency certificate (non-native speakers, valid <2 years)

Application Process

Submit CV and motivation letter through Tyndall application system; informal enquiries to Dr Boris Galkin; Garda vetting may be required
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Tyndall accepts equivalent qualifications from recognised universities worldwide. Your degree must be first-class or upper-second-class honours in a relevant discipline. You will need to provide certified transcripts and may need credential evaluation. English language proficiency proof is required unless your degree was taught entirely in English.
The scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year for 4 years (total €100,000), plus full tuition fee coverage. Additional benefits include 20 days annual leave, public holidays, and full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences for presenting research.
The deadline is 1pm (Irish time) on 23 October 2026. Late applications will not be considered. It is advisable to submit at least one week early to avoid technical issues.
You must submit: (1) an up-to-date CV/Resume, (2) a brief motivation letter specifically addressing how you meet the Essential Criteria, and (3) evidence of English language proficiency if your first language is not English (certificate valid less than 2 years). Garda vetting or international police clearance may be requested later.
Selection is competitive and based on academic excellence, relevant technical background, and fit with the research project. Candidates with experience in wireless communications, signal processing, software-defined radios, or UAV systems have stronger prospects. The motivation letter is critical—clearly demonstrate how you meet each Essential Criterion with specific examples from your academic or professional experience.
Yes. Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Boris Galkin. Contacting him is recommended to discuss your background and research interests, though it does not guarantee selection. Prepare specific questions about the project and how your experience aligns with the research goals.

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