Maynooth University - GAA Scholarships

Benefit

Whilst studying at Maynooth University, you will receive a financial grant as well as a comprehensive package of support for sport and your studies. The amount of the grant is determined on an individual basis and is not published. It is intended to cover costs associated with your sport, such as equipment and travel to competitions, so that you can train rather than have to work part-time.

As well as the money, you’ll receive expert coaching, fitness training, strength and conditioning training, advice on nutrition and sports psychology, medical and physiotherapy support, GPS performance tracking, a free gym membership, academic and career support, and priority for on-campus accommodation in your first year (you will still need to pay the standard rent). If you apply via the Irish CAO admissions system (the central application system for Irish universities), the scholarship can contribute up to 60 additional CAO points towards the entry mark for your degree programme. The scholarship is renewed annually, provided you can demonstrate good results and strong academic performance and are actively involved in the university’s GAA club.

Eligibility

• Where you study: You are enrolled as a full-time student at Maynooth University, either on a bachelor’s or a master’s degree programme.
• Your sport: You play one of the Gaelic sports at a high level: Gaelic football (men’s), Gaelic football (women’s), hurling or camogie.
• Your level: You represent your county from minor grade upwards (for example U20 or senior) and can keep performing at inter-county standard.
• Entry grades: You still meet the standard entry requirements for your degree programme. The scholarship can earn you up to 60 CAO points to help you meet these requirements.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities welcome.

How to apply

Applications are made via an online form. For CAO applicants in their first year of study, the application period begins in November each year and ends on 1 April. If you are already studying here or are applying for a place on a postgraduate programme, the application period begins at the start of the September term, and applications for postgraduate programmes are assessed on a case-by-case basis. A separate scholarship for postgraduate programmes, funded jointly with the Gaelic Players Association, can be applied for by email each year in June.

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