University College Cork - Quercus Entrance Scholarships

What you get

You receive the title Quercus Entrance Scholar, a printed certificate and a one-off cash prize if you start your first year at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland with top exam results. The cash amount is not fixed. It depends on how many students qualify. You also get invitations to networking events and a place in the Quercus Talented Students' Programme, which gives you a mentor (an experienced guide) and a lecture series. UCC runs the scheme with the Bank of Ireland as partner.

Who can apply

• Study level: You start a full-time Level 8 undergraduate (bachelor) degree at UCC as a first-year student.
• How you got in: You were admitted through the CAO (Central Applications Office, Ireland's national university admissions system) and are registered.
• No earlier studies: You have never registered for a degree at any other third-level college.
• Grades: You have top results in the Irish Leaving Certificate or an EU equivalent. Only your six best subjects count, taken at the first attempt in one sitting.
• Field of study: Any of UCC's four colleges qualifies: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; Business and Law; Science, Engineering and Food Science; and Medicine and Health.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, because an EU-equivalent qualification is accepted.

How to apply

There is no application. Selection is automatic, based on your CAO admission and your Leaving Certificate results, ranked by UCC's standard scoring system. The top 15 students in each college win the scholarship, plus anyone tied at the top score. UCC notifies the winners directly, and the award ceremony is held each December.

How realistic are your chances?

In 2025, UCC awarded 168 Quercus Entrance Scholarships across its four colleges. Of these, 136 students reached the maximum score of 625 points.

You can find more scholarships in our guide Scholarships in Ireland.