University College Dublin - Irish Language Student Residence Scheme

Irish Language Student Residence Scheme (Teach na Gaeilge UCD)

You will receive a scholarship of 1,500 EUR for one academic year, as well as free accommodation in the ‘Teach na Gaeilge’ rooms in the Merville student halls of residence on the Belfield Campus. You will live on campus, close to the lecture theatres, the library and the sports and computer facilities, alongside other students who speak Irish every day. In return, you will actively participate in projects and activities designed to promote the Irish language on campus and may take part in an optional module to improve your communication skills. The programme is run by Gaeltacht UCD at University College Dublin and has been in place since 2000. The amount of the scholarship is reviewed annually and is subject to change; 1,500 EUR was the amount for 2024/25.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled as a Bachelor’s student at University College Dublin in your first year or a subsequent year of study.
• Irish: You speak Irish fluently. You do not need to be a native speaker or to have attended an Irish-language school (Gaelscoil).
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Commitment: You want to, and are able to, set up projects that encourage people on campus to speak Irish.
• Nationality: Any nationality, as long as you are studying at UCD.

How to apply

The application forms will be published on the Gaeltacht UCD website in early March, and the deadline for applications is in April (11 April for the current round). If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview in May. The decision will be based on both your application and the interview.

How realistic are your chances?

Every year, 24 scholarships are awarded: 12 to first-year students and 12 to students in later years of their degree.

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