University College Dublin - UCD Ad Astra Elite Athletes

UCD Ad Astra Elite Sports Scholarship

As a new scholarship holder starting your studies in September 2026, you will receive 3,000 EUR. You can use the money towards your tuition fees or accommodation, or receive it as a cash payment. The scholarship generally runs for your first four years of study, provided you meet the criteria for renewal each year. In addition to the funding, University College Dublin offers you a comprehensive support package: guaranteed on-campus accommodation (you pay the rent yourself), academic support (personalised support from a tutor), physiotherapy and medical care, nutrition and fitness advice, sports psychology, as well as strength and conditioning training at the university’s ‘High Performance Gym’ under professional supervision. You may also be offered flexible entry requirements, which means you will need fewer entry points than usual to be admitted to UCD.

Who can apply

• University: You are studying at University College Dublin (UCD) – either you are about to start your degree or you are already enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student.
• Sport level: You compete at international level, or at inter-county level for GAA. Athletics, GAA, hockey, rowing, rugby, soccer and swimming get priority, but other sports such as gymnastics, tennis, boxing, sailing and golf are also considered.
• Entry grades: You meet UCD's minimum entry requirements for your course. You may get a concession on the usual points.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

Apply online between 1 November 2025 and 31 January 2026. The application deadline will be strictly enforced. School leavers must include two references (one academic and one sporting); current UCD students must include one sporting reference. Both must include a photograph. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in March or April 2026, and all applicants will receive a response by the end of June.

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