How to apply

Applicant Eligibility 

Before you begin your application, it is important to note: 

All applicants must be residing in the Republic of Ireland.

Level 9 applications and associated supporting documentation must be received by Friday, 4th August 2023 at 12pm.  

Level 8 applications and associated supporting documentation must be received by Friday, 8th September 2023 at 12pm.  

All applicants must be entering their first year of study to an accredited full-time University of Galway Level 8 or Level 9 programme in one of the four participating Colleges of the University. 

All applicants must meet the SUSI Total Family Income threshold (please see Section E below). 

Applicants must not have received a University of Sanctuary (UoS) scholarship for any course at the same level as the course which they are currently applying for e.g., applicants cannot apply for Level 8 if they have already received a UoS scholarship for a Level 8 course (or its equivalent) in the past.  

Please Note: Some undergraduate courses offer 4+1 model to progress to Level 9 but scholarship applicants must reapply for Level 9 if availing of the +1 option. Currently, the UoS Scholarship Programme excludes Level 8 Dual Degree. 

Applicants are welcome to apply for third-party scholarships or stipends, but any such applications must be declared to the UoS Steering Committee.  

Successful applicants to the UoS Scholarship Programme cannot accept the UoS scholarship while in receipt of a third-party scholarship or stipend of equal or greater value to the UoS scholarship. This does not include any State supports which applicants may be eligible for. Any subsequent awarding of any third-party scholarship or stipend must be declared to the University of Sanctuary Steering Committee upon receipt of that scholarship or stipend e.g. the 1916 Bursary, Excellence Awards, etc.  

Preference will be given to applicants living within the direct hinterland of University of Galway - that is the Border, Midlands, Western (BMW) region. This is due to the fact that there are no transport costs covered by the UoS Scholarship Programme. 

Preference will be given to applicants who are entering either a third-level undergraduate or postgraduate programme for the first time.  

In line with the University of Galway’s Athena Swan Award, scholarship allocation will be based upon a 60/40 gender breakdown of any gender.  

Section A – Ethnic & Legal Status Requirements 

Applicants from one of the below groups residing in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply. Proof of ethnic/legal status will be required: 

A. Persons who are or who have been in the International Protection process, and who have permission to reside in the State and to study.  

B. Immigrants in an irregular situation who are engaging with the Minister for Justice to regularise their status (including undocumented).  

C. Irish Travellers.  

Please note: Individuals being supported under the Temporary Protection Measure under the EU Commission’s Directive (2001/55/EC) should apply for support here: https://www.nuigalway.ie/ukraine/.

Section B - Academic Requirements  

Level 8 Applicants 

Level 8 applicants must have come through one of three pathways to university: 

A. Scored above 300 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. 

and/or 

B. Attained at least 5 Distinctions in a FETAC PLC. 

and/or 

C. Successfully completed an Access Programmes Office Foundation Course. 

and/or

D. Successfully applied for a Level 8 postgraduate diploma course using undergradute qualifications.

AND 

Have applied for and, by mid-September of the year of entry, meet all requirements to receive an offer of a place on a full-time Level-8 course in any one of the listed Colleges at the University of Galway in the current year, including meeting all points and entry and matriculation requirements. 

Level 9 Applicants 

Level 9 applicants must provide a clear and legible copy of undergraduate level 7, level 8 or level 9 results (some applicants may have studied at various levels of undergraduate). 

AND 

Have applied for and, by mid-August of the year of entry, meet all requirements to receive an offer of a place on a full-time postgraduate degree course in any one of the listed Colleges at the University of Galway in the current year, including meeting all points and entry and matriculation requirements. 

Section C – Personal Statement 

All applicants must complete a 500-word personal statement in the form of written word or audio recording, detailing how they feel that the University of Sanctuary scholarship will benefit them. The purpose of the Personal Statement is to evidence through narrative the educational and financial need of the applicant for the UoS scholarship and support system. 

Please consider the following questions when you write your personal statement: 
 
1) What is your academic commitment to third-level education, and why did you choose the course you have applied for? 
2) How can education help your career aspirations? 
3) How will the Universities of Sanctuary scholarship assist you personally, and do you think that your qualification will have a positive impact on society? 
4) Have you engaged in any community work or volunteering in the areas of education, civic society or in your personal life? 
5) Do you understand the values of the Universities of Sanctuary Initiative? You can find information on the values of the Universities of Sanctuary here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/sanctuary/about/ 

Section D – Conversation with Scholarship Panel 

All applicants are invited to meet with the UoS Scholarship Panel consisting of three members of the University of Galway staff to discuss their application and 500-word personal statement. The meeting will take between 10-15 minutes and will take place online. Applicants will be notified in advance of the date/time of their conversation. 

All applicants must make themselves available for a meeting with the Scholarship Panel.

Postgraduate meetings will take place during the week commencing Monday, 7th August. 

Undergraduate meetings will take place the week commencing Monday, 11th September. 

Section E - Financial Requirements 

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants residing in the Irish State for at least 36 months of the past five years must applyfor SUSI or the Student Support Scheme for Asylum Seekers before applying for the University of Galway UoS Scholarship. 

Total Family Income must not exceed the SUSI Total Family Income Threshold for 100% Rate of Maintenance + Field Trip Element + 100 Tuition Fees or + 100% Student Contribution for the year January-December 2022. 

Please seeTable for 2023: 

 Section F - Application Forms

Please see here for the Level 9 application form, closing date Friday, 4th August at 12pm

Please see here for the Level 8 application form, closing date Friday, 8th September at 12pm