Funding for study outside Ireland

Studying in Great Britain

Funding is offered by some universities (on a competitive basis and mainly for research) and by Research Councils, which offer access to ‘fees only’ awards to EU nationals on the same competitive basis as ‘home’ students.

As with Irish universities, there may be internal university awards available. The Gardiner Awards from Cambridge University are offered specifically to students of Irish universities. These scholarships are available for undergraduate or postgraduate study but preference is given to applicants wishing to study for a research degree, or who are applying for a Master's degree with a view to progressing to research at a later date. Students of any university in the Republic or Northern Ireland are eligible. The scholarships are normally for one year in the first instance but may be renewed for two further years. Applications forms are available from the Awards Clerk, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 1TN and the closing date is 20 June each year.

Students in Northern Ireland wanting to pursue study in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for a Career Development Loan. 

Information on studying in Scotland is available from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (www.student-support-saas.gov.uk).

Studying in Europe

Fees for universities in some European countries are low and in some (eg Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland) there is a drive to attract students from elsewhere through English-speaking courses and scholarships for foreign students. In the Netherlands, for example, living costs are estimated at €500 euros per month. Fees start at €1,500 but courses run in English could be as expensive as €10,500 (see www.nuffic.nl).

Funding opportunities exist through Council of Europe Exchange Awards announced annually on behalf of a number of member countries.

Examples of awards for studying in Europe

Johns Hopkins University
Each year, the Northern Ireland Department for Employment and Learning offers a one year fees-only Fellowship Award at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna. This is aimed at students interested in careers in international service in government, private business, international organisations, research and teaching. 
www.jhub.it

College of Europe
The College of Europe in Bruges and Natolin offers awards to Irish students studying in politics, law, economics and European studies. www.coleurope.eu. Students from the Republic of Ireland should apply through the Institute of International and European Affairs, which is the Irish selection body for the College of Europe (www.iiea.com/collegeofeurope.php). Northern Ireland students should apply through the Department of Education, Universities and Skills (www.dius.gov.uk).

DAAD – German Government Awards
This scheme offers one-year grants for graduate students (open to students of all disciplines). Closing dates are in November for architecture, design, film, dance, theatre, music and art. For all other academic subjects, the deadlines are in January. The value is €750 per month plus an initial extra payment and a lump sum towards travel.
www.daad.de

European University Institute, Florence
The EUI awards up to five grants of €5,000 to successful applicants who are not eligible for other grants. Candidates must submit their application online by 31 January.
www.iue.ie 

International funding

The O’Reilly Foundation scholarships can be held in any country. The Foundation supports scholarships each year for postgraduate studies at PhD or equivalent level (www.oreillyfoundation.ie). O'Reilly Scholars are expected to have an excellent academic record and demonstrate leadership qualities along with ‘the potential and desire to make a significant contribution to the future of Ireland’. While outstanding candidates of any recognised academic discipline are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to those planning to study in business studies, law, marketing, media studies, science, technology and arts. The 2008 closing date was 7 November.

The Fulbright Commission offers awards for studying in the US. See www.fulbright.ie and www.fulbright.co.uk. Fulbright Ireland Awards are for Irish students and scholars to undertake postgraduate study and research at recognised colleges and academic institutions in the United States. The student grant is only available for one year but students may remain in the US for the full duration of Masters and PhD programmes. Fulbright UK awards are advertised in late summer, with early autumn deadlines.

Students at US universities may also find on-campus work available as part of the funding package offered by their university.

We would like to thank Colette Aungier, Careers Adviser, Trinity College Dublin, for her help with this article.

Postgraduate study in Great Britain
Postgraduate study in France
Postgraduate study in Germany
Postgraduate study in Europe and Scandinavia
Postgraduate study in the US
Postgraduate study in Australia and New Zealand

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