NUI Galway today (March 8th 2005) announced that it is to commence a new International Scholarship programme to forge links with developing countries across the globe. The programme, which is the first of its kind in an Irish university, will commence in September 2005 and will enable talented and deserving students from developing countries to pursue their graduate studies at NUI Galway. The announcement of funding for the new programme was made at the University's annual gala banquet at which Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of South Africa was guest of honour.

The purpose of the programme is to realise NUI Galway's strategic objective of forging links with a range of the world's developing countries, thus increasing international participation at the University. To date, a total of €250,000 has been raised with support from a range of donors to enable the first 10 international students from South Africa and Sri Lanka, to undertake postgraduate degrees at NUI Galway. The University hopes that continued philanthropic support will sustain further development of the programme at this level over the next five years.

As the programme progresses, it will be extended to other developing countries. The International Scholarships will be targeted to developing the capacity of outstanding individuals who can assume leadership roles in their fields of study and whose work will enhance the development of their own society.

Announcing the scholarships, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said:
"It is my belief that in assisting talented students, whose limited resources might prevent them from fulfilling their educational potential, we will be helping to build the infrastructure and human capital of their own countries. During a time when we, as a University, compete for resources ourselves, we must realise that we are essentially a wealthy society, and that as an institution it behoves us to extend the benefits of a post-graduate education to those who might not otherwise have such an opportunity."

Ms Anna Cunningham, Director of International Affairs, NUI Galway, whose office will manage the International Scholarship programme said:
"NUI Galway has forged strong links with a number of developing countries and by assisting talented students from these countries, who will return to their native lands on completion of their studies at NUI Galway, we will be contributing in a very meaningful way to the development of those countries."

The NUI Galway International Scholarships are being funded by philanthropic support secured by Galway University Foundation. Emphasis will be placed on selecting candidates from communities that lack access to higher education preventing them from reaching their full potential.