DCU launches scholarships for upcoming academic year as part of its University of Sanctuary initiative to widen access to education
Dublin City University (DCU) has today announced it is launching its annual Scholarship scheme awarding a DCU Scholarship for study in the academic year 2021/22 to International Protection applicants and refugees who are not eligible for state support. This initiative is part of DCU’s overall strategy to widen access to education and its designation as a University of Sanctuary.
In total 20 places will be available with five campus-based postgraduate scholarships, five online DCU Connected scholarships and ten online DCU FutureLearn scholarships.
DCU was the first Irish university to be designated as a University of Sanctuary in 2016 for its commitment to welcome people seeking asylum and refugees into the university community and to foster a culture of inclusion for all, since then a total of 48 on-campus and DCU Connected scholarships have been awarded to University of Sanctuary students helping to transform lives and widen participation.
The 2021/2022 scholarships were launched at a virtual event, held as part of DCU Refugee Week, to honour and celebrate the first four DCU graduates supported under its University of Sanctuary programme.
Speaking about the initiative, Professor Lisa Looney, Vice President for Academic Affairs at DCU, said:
“As announced this week by the 2021 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, DCU has been ranked among top in the world for our approach to widening participation in higher education..
“Today's scholarship announcement reflects our commitment to achieving equality, diversity and inclusion for all and once again demonstrates DCU’s deep commitment to widening access to education for marginalised groups in Irish society.
“These scholarships, which include fees and where relevant stipend for travel, food and books, will allow students who would otherwise have been unable to avail of a third level university experience in Ireland, with the chance to obtain valuable qualifications that will benefit them as they settle into life in Ireland. Scholarship students will also have access to the multiple student support and development opportunities available at DCU while immersing themselves in the rich learning environment of the University.”
The application process will open on Monday, 26th April 2021 and more information is available here.