DCU University of Sanctuary Scholarships 2026/27

Scholarships are open to:

• International Protection Applicants
• Applicants with refugee status or Permission to Remain who are not eligible for state support, i.e. Free Fees Initiative or Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant

Note: Individuals at deportation order stage are not eligible to apply

Scholarship eligibility criteria

Applicants must be:

1. Registered with the Department of Justice
2. Have applied for a full-time or part-time taught master's postgraduate course in DCU

Priority will be given to:

• Applicants who have lived in Ireland for more than 12 months
• Applicants who are on the International Protection Priority list
• Applicants who do not have a postgraduate degree

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers 

1. A full fee waiver
2. An annual stipend of €5,000 for full-time students or €2,500 for part-time students. The stipend is paid in two instalments — at the beginning of each semester
3. Post-entry support and advice

Note: 

• Successful applicants will be encouraged to contribute to the DCU University of Sanctuary project, but this is voluntary.
• There is no additional funding for accommodation or transport.

Application process

Securing your DCU programme place

1. Before applying for a Sanctuary scholarship, applicants must apply for a place on a DCU master's programme.
2. Apply for a postgraduate programme through the DCU Student Application Portal. The entry requirements for all programmes can be found on each course web page.
3. Applicants with a valid English Certification who meet the criteria for a University of Sanctuary scholarship can request a fee waiver for the course application fee. Email sanctuary@dcu.ie.
4. For all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in English. Please visit the DCU English Language Requirements page for further information. 

The Sanctuary process

1. The University of Sanctuary application is separate from the programme application.
2. Apply for a Sanctuary scholarship using the form at the bottom of this page.
3. Shortlisted applicants will be requested to supply official written evidence of their legal status.

Guide to completing the application form

There are six sections to the form. We recommend preparing all the information in advance of completing the form.

Section 1: Privacy statement. You must tick 'I consent' to the privacy statement before proceeding with the application.

Section 2: Personal details. In this section, you will be asked to provide your personal information, including your PPS number and Eircode.

Section 3: Previous education. To complete this section, you will need details about your undergraduate degree. You will also need details about any additional qualifications you want to use to support your application.

Section 4: Residency status. In this section, you will be asked for details about your residency status. You will be asked to provide the date you lodged your application for international protection (if applicable) and the date you became officially resident in Ireland.

Section 5: Your postgraduate programme. To complete this section, you will need details about the programme you want to study in DCU.

Section 6: Additional information. There are three parts to this section, with each offering an opportunity to tell us more about yourself and how this scholarship would benefit you and support your long-term career plans. 

• Personal statement.  In part one, you are required to write 400 words about your skills, past achievements or experiences that will support your application.  Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your values and your motivation to learn. Specifically, outline how your past achievements and skills connect to the course you wish to study.

• Career goals. In part two, you must write 400 words explaining how this scholarship will help you achieve your long-term career goals. Reflect on how this opportunity could support you in rebuilding your life in Ireland, specifically regarding your personal growth, stability, and sense of belonging. 

• Final statement. The form concludes with a final statement on why you feel you should be awarded a scholarship. 

Assessment process

1. The application process closes on the 18th of June 2026 at 5 pm.
2. An assessment committee will assess applications.
3. Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.
4. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment process in early July.

For further information on our scholarship process, email sanctuary@dcu.ie

In this section, you will find links to useful websites.

International Protection Student Scheme for FE/HE Students-  The student grant scheme for people seeking asylum who are in the Protection System or at the Leave To Remain (but not deportation order) stage and who are pursuing an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved Undergraduate course.

Universities of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI) is an initiative in Irish universities and colleges to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion for protection applicants and the refugee community.

StudentFinance.ie. Applicants who have been residents in Ireland for three of the past five years and have acquired refugee status or Permission to remain may be entitled to state support.