Hello,

I am currently an undergraduate studying Biology in the US and I will be graduating in December 2019. I am moving to Ireland right after I graduate (I already have citizenship) and I have been looking at Microbiology research PhD programmes (specifically programmes at UCC, NUI Galway and Maynooth, and UL). I would be an international student and have to pay higher fee rates so I am looking to apply for internal and external funding.

I am just trying to figure out when is the right type to contact potential advisers (I need to find a supervisor and research project before I can apply)? I don't want to ask too early where they won't know if they have availability, but I also want enough time to apply for funding.