University of Galway AI Power Electronics PhD Scholarship 2027, Ireland (Fully Funded)
The University of Galway is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity for students interested in power electronics, semiconductor technology, AI computing, and advanced electrical engineering. The research project focuses on developing new DC/DC power-converter technologies for high-performance AI computing systems.
The PhD researcher will work with advanced magnetics-on-silicon devices and collaborate with Ireland’s Tyndall National Institute, giving students the opportunity to work at the intersection of power electronics, semiconductor technology, and next-generation computing hardware.
The position offers a €25,000 tax-exempt annual stipend and covers EU tuition fees for up to four years. One PhD position is available, with applications due by 14 September 2026 at 5:00 PM Dublin time.
University of Galway PhD Scholarship 2027 Overview
- University: University of Galway
- Country: Ireland
- Degree: PhD
- Field: Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Research Area: AI computing, power electronics, semiconductor technology
- Research Focus: DC/DC converters and magnetics-on-silicon
- Number of Positions: 1
- Annual Stipend: €25,000 tax-exempt
- Tuition: EU tuition fees covered
- Funding Duration: Up to 4 years
- Minimum Academic Requirement: 2.1 or equivalent
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 14 September 2026, 17:00 Dublin time
Degree Level
- PhD
Available Subjects
This PhD focuses on the power infrastructure required by modern AI computing hardware. As AI processors become increasingly powerful, they require more advanced and efficient power-delivery systems.
The selected researcher will investigate new DC/DC power-converter technologies using advanced magnetic components integrated on silicon. The research will involve areas such as:
- Power-converter design and modelling
- DC/DC converter topologies
- Magnetics-on-silicon technology
- High-frequency power electronics
- Semiconductor packaging
- Electrical modelling of magnetic devices
- Power losses and efficiency
- Converter prototyping
- Laboratory testing and characterization
The project is particularly suitable for applicants who want a PhD combining theoretical research, simulation, semiconductor technology, and practical hardware development.
Benefits
The scholarship provides a €25,000 tax-exempt stipend per year for the duration of the funding period.
The scholarship information states that EU tuition fees are covered for up to four years.
However, international applicants should pay particular attention to the tuition wording. The information provided confirms coverage of EU tuition fees but does not clearly state that any difference between EU and non-EU tuition fees will automatically be covered.
Therefore, applicants from outside the EU should confirm the exact tuition-fee arrangements with the University of Galway before accepting an offer.
English Language Requirements
The scholarship information states that applicants should have excellent English communication skills, particularly because the PhD involves scientific writing, research presentations, and technical communication.
However, the scholarship announcement does not specify a particular IELTS or TOEFL minimum score.
International applicants should therefore check the University of Galway's general English-language and PhD admission requirements applicable to their academic background.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree with at least a 2.1 grade or equivalent in:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- A closely related discipline
A Master's degree is not necessarily required, meaning a strong Bachelor's graduate may also be considered if they demonstrate the appropriate academic and technical background.
Applicants with experience in power electronics will have a strong fit for the project. Relevant experience can include:
- Power converter design
- Converter modelling and simulation
- Magnetic-component design
- Power supplies
- High-frequency electronics
- Converter prototyping
- Laboratory testing
- Magnetic-device characterization
- Technical and scientific report writing
What Will the PhD Researcher Work On?
The project is focused on developing power-conversion technologies for future AI computing systems.
The researcher will investigate small magnetic components such as inductors and transformers that can be integrated into semiconductor-based systems. The work will involve developing and evaluating new converter designs and understanding how silicon-based magnetic devices behave at high frequencies.
The research is expected to include both computational and experimental work. The researcher may be involved in:
- Developing electrical models
- Designing converter circuits
- Simulating converter performance
- Studying high-frequency behaviour
- Investigating losses
- Designing prototypes
- Building hardware
- Testing experimental converters
- Evaluating magnetic components
This practical component makes the opportunity particularly interesting for students who want experience beyond purely theoretical or simulation-based research.
Collaboration With Tyndall National Institute
An important feature of this PhD is its connection with the Tyndall National Institute in Ireland.
The research is linked to the RINN Semiconductors initiative and involves work related to semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, and heterogeneous integration.
The wider research environment also provides exposure to industry collaboration, making the PhD potentially valuable for graduates interested in careers in:
- Semiconductor companies
- Power electronics
- AI hardware
- Advanced computing
- Electronics engineering
- Semiconductor packaging
- Industrial research
- University research
Application Procedure
The application process is relatively straightforward.
Applicants should prepare one PDF document containing:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter
The cover letter should explain:
- Your academic background
- Your relevant technical experience
- Your experience with power electronics
- Any converter design or simulation experience
- Your laboratory or hardware experience
- Why you are interested in the proposed research
- How your background matches the PhD project
Send the application by email to:
maeve.duffy@universityofgalway.ie
Use the following subject line exactly:
PhD Application – RINN Semiconductor
Applicants should follow the specified subject line carefully because applications submitted with a different subject may not be properly recorded.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
14 September 2026 at 17:00 Dublin time
The successful candidate is expected to begin the PhD on:
1 October 2026
Because only one PhD position is available, eligible applicants should prepare their applications carefully and submit them before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
This is a highly specialized engineering PhD, so applicants should avoid submitting a generic cover letter.
Instead, demonstrate your technical suitability with specific evidence. For example, mention:
- Power converters you have designed
- Simulation software you have used
- Electronics projects you have completed
- Hardware prototypes you have built
- Laboratory equipment you have worked with
- Research projects related to power electronics
- Experience with inductors, transformers, or magnetic components
- Your understanding of high-frequency power conversion
A strong application should clearly connect your previous academic or technical experience with the proposed research.
Final Thoughts
The AI Power Electronics PhD Scholarship at the University of Galway is a specialized opportunity for students interested in the hardware infrastructure behind modern AI systems. Rather than focusing on machine-learning algorithms themselves, the project addresses the power electronics and semiconductor technologies that enable high-performance AI computing.
With a €25,000 tax-exempt annual stipend, funding for EU tuition fees, collaboration with the Tyndall National Institute, and practical prototype-development experience, the PhD could be particularly valuable for students targeting careers in power electronics, semiconductor engineering, AI hardware, and advanced computing.
International applicants should carefully verify the applicable tuition arrangements and general admission requirements before applying.
Deadline: 14 September 2026 at 17:00 Dublin time.
