­Applicants are invited to apply for the UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship to pursue an undergraduate programme in Ireland. Students from Ireland and the UK are eligible to apply.

The UCD Ad Astra Academic programme seeks motivated students who can demonstrate high intellectual achievement yet want to reach further through undertaking a challenging university programme.

If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.

Scholarship Description: 

• Application Deadline: Closed
• Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue undergraduate programme.
• Study Subject: Scholarships are awarded to learn any of the courses offered by the university.
• Scholarship Award: Ad Astra scholars benefit from a scholarship, mentoring and a range of tailored supports. The value of the scholarship for new scholars entering the programme in September 2018 is €3,000 each year they are a member, which can be used to offset the cost of fees, accommodation, or used as a bursary. If wishing to live on campus, Ad Astra scholars may avail of allocated on-campus accommodation and have their scholarship allowance applied in part payment.
• In addition to this scholars receive a range of academic privileges which include:
• The support of a dedicated academic mentor
• A programme of workshops and seminars by academics, distinguished alumni and guest speakers throughout the year to develop the scholars’ academic and personal potential
• Networking and development opportunities
• The scholarship is tenable for the duration of the undergraduate programme, subject to meeting the criteria for scholarship renewal each year.
• Nationality: Students from Ireland and the UK are eligible to apply.
• Number of Scholarships: Each year, we offer up to fifteen scholarships for students who are joining UCD straight from their leaving certificate, entering stage one of a programme and up to seventeen scholarships for students entering stage two of their programme.
• Scholarship can be taken in Ireland

Eligibility for the Scholarship: 

• Eligible Countries: Students from Ireland and the UK are eligible to apply.
• Entrance Requirements: To be eligible for this scholarship you must meet the following requirements:
• Ad Astra Academic Scholarships for September 2016 onwards will be awarded on the basis of the academic criteria of 6 H1’s in the first sitting of the Leaving Cert (or A Level equip-Level, as well as an online application. Only students who have completed either the Irish Leaving Certificate or the GCE A levels in Northern Ireland or the U.K. are eligible to apply. The application will consist of a personal statement and a statement of achievement ‘beyond the classroom’. Achievement ‘beyond the classroom’ could include:
• Achievement in a national competition such as Young Scientist, Maths Olympiad or Debating
• Evidence of active citizenship or volunteering for example through a Silver or Gold Gaisce Award
• Evidence of innovation or entrepreneurship
• Evidence of leadership in a school, club or sporting context
• Achievement in cultural, musical or artistic pursuits

Application Procedure: 

• How to Apply: Scholarships for school leavers entering UCD in September 2018 will be awarded based on the academic criteria, an online application, and an interview.
• Stage 1 – Application:
• Students must complete the UCD Ad Astra Academy Academic Scholarship application form online no later than 20th August 2018.
• The application consists of a personal statement guided by three questions, and a statement of achievement in which applicants are asked to describe their most outstanding extra-curricular achievement(s) to date.
• Supporting Documentation is requested for achievements outlined and could include certificates, evidence of official recognition, or letters from coaches, teachers or organizations.
• Stage 2 – Shortlisting:
• Following the release of CAO offers, applications from students who have met the academic criteria and who have submitted a completed application form will be reviewed by a selection panel. Eligible Applications for shortlisting will be scored only on the basis of their application form, the weighting of 60% statement of achievement and 40% personal statement. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews will take place in UCD shortly after CAO results are released and candidates must be able to attend on the date selected.

Scholarship Link