Other bursaries and scholarships
Did you know that there is a broad range of bursary and scholarship schemes in operation which provide an opportunity for students, or potential students, to access additional financial support if they meet the criteria? Please note that the list below does not contain every scheme currently available in Ireland.
In addition, many higher education institutions offer their own scholarship or bursary schemes. Interested students should contact the college they are attending or planning to attend.
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science runs a number of scholarship schemes, such as the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme and the European University Institute scheme.
All Ireland Scholarship Scheme
Further information available here
Scholarships for students with a disability
Central Remedial Clinic Ciaran Barry Graduate Scholarship
This scheme is reserved for students with a disability undertaking a postgraduate degree in any discipline. The scholarship covers one academic year and is not renewable.
Further information available here
National University of Ireland (NUI) Grant Scheme for Students with Disabilities
This scheme provides financial support for undergraduate students who have serious physical and/or sensory disabilities and who are in the first year/stage of a primary degree programme in the constituent universities and recognised colleges of the NUI.
Further information available here
National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI) Gerard Byrne Bursary
The annual Gerard Byrne Bursary is for students with a vision impairment entering into or currently in full time third level education. The annual bursary is awarded to the value of €1,500 per annum for up the duration of their undergraduate degree. Subject to the impact of Covid-19, NCBI may offer a 6-month internship to one bursary recipient annually, helping them to gain work experience to further prepare for employment.”
Further information available here
Society of St Vincent de Paul Education and Training Bursary Fund
The Society of St Vincent de Paul Education and Training Bursary Fund supports students of all ages who may financially struggle to access or stay in third level education and training programmes.
Further information available here
UVERSITY Higher Education Scholarships for Adult Learners
Uversity’s Scholarships are intended to unlock adult learners’ potential. By providing meaningful, multi-annual financial support, Uversity’s Scholarships aim to remove the financial barriers to pursue a bachelor’s degree for the first time. Scholarships are not limited to particular subject areas and will enable recipients to complete a bachelor’s degree in one of the participating institutions in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Further information available here
The Irish Refugee Education Fund
This Irish Refugee Education Fund was established in 2015 with support from the Community Foundation for Ireland to financially assist people in the asylum process in accessing further education.
Further information available here
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Erasmus+ has opportunities for people of all ages, helping them develop and share knowledge and experience at institutions and organisations in different countries. Studying abroad is a central part of Erasmus+ and has been shown to have a positive effect on later job prospects. It is also an opportunity to improve language skills, gain self-confidence and independence and immerse yourself in a new culture. Erasmus+ also offers the chance to combine studying abroad with a traineeship. Opportunities are available for students at bachelor, master or doctoral levels.
Further information available here
North/South Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
The aim of this scheme is to encourage outstanding students from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to cross the border to undertake postgraduate study and experience life in the other Irish jurisdiction.
Further information available here
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is an established national initiative, funded by the Department of Education and Skills and managed by the Irish Research Council. The aim of the scheme is to support suitably qualified research master’s and doctoral candidates pursuing, or intending to pursue, full-time research in any discipline.
Further information available here
Enterprise Partnership Scheme
The Irish Research Council’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme is a unique national initiative linking excellent researchers to enterprise. The scheme co-funds awardees to bring great research ideas into an enterprise with the support of a higher education institution.
Further information available here
The Naughton Scholarships
The Naughton Scholarships were established in 2008 to promote the study of engineering, science and technology at third level in Ireland. Each year a number of exceptional students are awarded scholarships to study at undergraduate level at any publicly funded university or third-level institution in Ireland.
Further information available here
Irish Taxation Institute Third Level Scholarship Programme
Leaving Certificate students in the Republic of Ireland who are interested in a career in tax but who require financial support to progress to third level can apply for this scholarship.
Further information available here
Credit Union Plus Member Scholarships Scheme
Credit Union Plus hold an annual scholarship competition for students intending on completing a full-time diploma or degree course at a third level institution.
Further information available here
National University of Ireland Awards
The National University of Ireland runs a wide range of award schemes at undergraduate and postgraduate level, in addition to the their Equal Educational Opportunities Scheme to support students in economically disadvantaged circumstances.
Further information available here
SIPTU Education and Development Support Scheme
The aim of this scheme is to support opportunities for SIPTU members to participate in further and higher learning that will improve their employability and career progress while contributing to the development of the union.
Further information available here
Financial institutions
Many credit unions offer education loans to members, either for the support of members themselves or for a son or daughter. Banks often provide personal loans or overdrafts to students at preferential rates. The main banks will have further information on their websites.