University of Sanctuary Scholarship

1. Background Information

1.1 Context

At the University of Limerick, we firmly believe that everyone should have access to third level education and because we are committed to widening access to UL for people from all backgrounds, we sought and maintain recognition as a University of Sanctuary.

As a University of Sanctuary, we enable access to UL with a fee waiver and stipend. We provide a safe space to study, learn, and engage with others likeminded academic and social pursuits. The University of Limerick is committed to promoting and enabling access to third level education for refugees, International Protection Applicants, and others seeking sanctuary from conflict zones and war. 

1.2 Objective

The objective of the University of Sanctuary Scholarship is to encourage and enable international protection applicants, or those already granted international protection who are required to pay tuition fees and/or cannot access student finance, to participate and succeed in higher education. 

1.3 Scope of Award

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship provides scholarships and bursaries to first-time higher education applicants who identify as a Refugee as defined by the UNHCR 1951 Refugee Convention and who have made an application for International Protection or who are fleeing an active conflict zone or war. Specific eligibility criteria are set out in Section 2.2 below. Successful applicants for the Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Limerick will be eligible for tuition free waivers (i.e. no fees) places at university until such time they qualify for a fee grant or an exemption from fees (if at all). The University of Limerick will provide a financial bursary to support study-related costs. Individuals should only apply for University of Sanctuary at University of Limerick of they are financially able to cover the costs of their accommodation, living expenses, and travel. 

2. Administration of the Scholarship

2.1 Management of Award

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship is managed by the University of Limerick Sanctuary Committee, which is managed by the office of the Associate Vice President – Student Engagement.

2.2 Eligibility criteria

The University of Sanctuary Scholarships are targeted at first-time higher education applicants who are:

• Currently International Protection Applicants, or have been granted Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection or Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) as a result of their application for international protection, where evidence has been provided.

• Are not currently eligible for ‘free fees’ for a full-time postgraduate course or for a SUSI fee grant or for the Student Grant Scheme for International Protection Applicants (if applicable for 2025/26).

• Students displaced due to wars, conflict zones or political instability and are seeking support to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. To apply, applicants must meet these strict eligibility criteria and verify their circumstances. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Incomplete applications and/or applications without the required supporting documentation will not be considered. 

If you have any questions about the application process or eligibility criteria, please contact: ULSanctuary@ul.ie.

2.3 Awards and offers process

Up to 4 scholarships are available for applicants to all full-time postgraduate courses in the University of Limerick. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available scholarships, priority will be given to eligible International Protection Applicants living in local direct provision centres. The award depends on registration as a student at University of Limerick. Students may not receive the University of Sanctuary Scholarship in combination with any other scholarship, bursary or award. After an initial screening, you will be informed whether your application will progress to the selection stage. At the selection stage you may be invited for an interview discuss your application. If you are selected for a University of Sanctuary Scholarship, you will be informed within two weeks of your interview

2.4 Submission of Application Forms

Please click here to access the 2025/2026 online application form (note: the application process will open on 1 April 2025 at 09:00). All relevant supporting documentation should be uploaded alongside the online application.

Closing date for applications: 16:00, 31 May 2025.

3. Scholarship Conditions

3.1 Period of eligibility and student progression

3.1.1 The scholarship will be awarded for the normal duration of the postgraduate programme and is available across all disciplines, until such time the scholarship holder becomes eligible for state supports (see point 3.3.3 below).

3.1.2 Scholarship holders will be expected to uphold all University of Limerick regulations, policies and procedures as they relate to university students, and to complete all examinations and assessments in your modules and on your course. 

3.1.3 A scholarship holder, during the course of their studies, may defer a maximum of one year with prior approval from University of Limerick. 

3.1.4 The University of Limerick may terminate a scholarship at any time, where the scholarship holder no longer meets the terms and conditions of the scholarship Award

3.2 Value of Scholarships

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a fee waiver and stipend that will be allocated on a yearly basis provided that the student complies with the scholarship guidelines, remains eligible for the scholarship, and progresses to the next academic year of their course. If a student needs additional financial support to meet their day-to-day costs, they may be eligible for national awarding schemes such as the Back to Education Allowance or for other subsistence scholarships or bursaries. See www.studentfinance.ie for further
details and eligibility criteria for such schemes.

3.3 Conditions in respect of other supports:

3.3.1  Applicants are not entitled to receive the University of Sanctuary Scholarship in combination with any other scholarship, bursary or award of similar description, irrespective of value. 

3.3.2  Applicants who are eligible for mainstream supports are not eligible for the University of Sanctuary Scholarship. Please check whether you are eligible for ‘free fees’ for a full-time postgraduate courses or for a SUSI fee grant or the Student Grant Scheme for International Protection Applicants. 

3.3.3  University of Sanctuary scholars must inform UL Sanctuary if their immigration status changes during the course of their study. 

3.4 Other Conditions

3.4.1  Data sharing arrangements between the University of Sanctuary committee and other relevant bodies (e.g. University of Limerick fees office, relevant faculties, Admissions Office,) are necessary to administer the University of Sanctuary scholarships. Please note that the University of Sanctuary committee may request information from these bodies to complete the selection process. 

3.4.2  University of Sanctuary scholars may be invited to voluntarily participate in or attend publicity events, but there is no obligation to do so, and their scholarships are not contingent on engaging in any publicity activities.

4. Data Collection and Sharing

Information on how applicants’ personal data is processed is available in the Privacy Notice on the University of Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form. Applicants’ data may be shared with relevant departments within the University of Limerick (e.g., Fees Office, Admissions Office, relevant faculties) to process applications and confirm eligibility. 

5. Appeals

Only appeals on the basis of “administrative error in assessment” will be considered; that is, if you believe a mistake was made in the screening or selection process, you may appeal your decision. No further documentation/information can be provided by the applicant at appeal stage. 

Appeals will be independently reviewed by one or more individuals who were not involved in the application screening and review processes. The outcome of the appeal will be emailed to the individual and the decision will be final. 

Appeals can be submitted within 10 working days of receiving your decision. Appeals should be submitted to ULSanctuary@ul.ie

6. Contact details for queries and assistance

For further information on any aspect of completing your application, please email ULSanctuary@ul.ie. Closing date for applications: 16:00 noon, 31 May 2025.

Appendix 1: Sections of the UL Sanctuary Postgraduate Scholarship Application Form

Introduction

Please make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions explained in these guidance notes before you begin the application. Once you complete and submit the application form, you will receive a notification message that your application has been submitted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Student Data Protection Privacy Notice

The University of Limerick (the University) must process the personal data of to carry out its functions and manage its operations. Data processing is conducted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) / Data Protection Acts 1988-2018 and with the University's Data Protection Policy. The University is the Data Controller for the personal data we process about you. The purpose of this Data Protection Privacy Notice is to explain how the University uses personal data we collect and hold about prospective, current and graduated students of the University. This notice should be read in conjunction with the University’s Data Protection Policy and Compliance Regulations. This notice extends to all your personal data as defined under Article 2(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679. The full, printable version of the University's Student Privacy Notice can be viewed in the link.

Immigration Status (refer to section 2.2 Eligibility Criteria)

Please provide documentary evidence of your International Protection Application e.g., an up-to-date copy of a Department of Justice and Equality letter confirming your application OR copy of a document containing Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) Person ID Number.
(File type: .pdf, .doc, .png, .jpg)

Personal Statement

Please upload a statement that tells us why you are applying for the Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship. (Please upload a statement of 800 max. words) This includes:
(i) Why

 you have chosen your UL programme of study;
(ii) What you have done/ are doing to work towards your university programme;
(iii) Your ambitions for the future;
(iv) How the scholarship will help you to achieve your ambitions.
(File type: .pdf, .doc)

What course(s) have you applied to, starting September 2025?

Have you already been offered a place on a chosen programme?

Are you eligible for State funding? (i.e. SUSI Grant, Back to Education, etc.)

Have you been awarded any other scholarship or bursary?

Information about your Professional Referee

Please note that your professional or academic reference is a very important part of the application, and we may contact them without informing you. We will not consider an application without an appropriate professional/Academic reference.

Please upload your professional referee's statement

Your professional or academic referee's statement should be no more than 500 words to cover the following information: (i) The applicant’s personal circumstances and what barriers have they overcome to continue their education. (ii) Applicant’s suitability for the University course they wish to take. (iii) Contributions, if any, the applicant made to the referee’s school/college/business/organisation or to life in their community? (iv) Any other relevant information. (File type: .doc, .pdf)

Consent to verify requirements

The applicant hereby gives consent to University of Sanctuary Committee to make enquiries to all relevant bodies (see section 3.4.1 of the information and guidance notes) to satisfy itself that the information I have supplied is true and correct.

Applicant Declaration

The applicant declares that all the information supplied in this application is true and correct that any supporting documentation submitted with the application is genuine. Applicant understands that if any false information is submitted, the application and/or any award will be discontinued immediately.

1. Background Information

1.1 Context

At the University of Limerick, we firmly believe that everyone should have access to third level education and because we are committed to widening access to UL for people from all backgrounds, we sought and maintain recognition as a University of Sanctuary. As a University of Sanctuary, we enable access to UL with a fee waiver and stipend. We provide a safe space to study, learn, and engage with others likeminded academic and social pursuits. The University of Limerick is committed to promoting and enabling access to third level education for refugees, International Protection Applicants, and others seeking sanctuary from conflict zones and war.

1.2 Objective of Award

The objective of the University of Sanctuary Scholarship is to encourage and enable international protection applicants, or those already granted international protection who are required to pay tuition fees and/or cannot access student finance, to participate and succeed in higher education.

1.3 Scope of Award

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship provides scholarships and bursaries to first-time higher education applicants who identify as a Refugee as defined by the UNHCR 1951 Refugee Convention and who have made an application for International Protection or who are fleeing an active conflict zone or war. Specific eligibility criteria are set out in Section 2.2 below. Successful applicants for the Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Limerick will be eligible for tuition free waivers (i.e. no fees) places at university until such time they qualify for a fee grant or an exemption from fees (if at all). The University of Limerick will provide a financial bursary to support study-related costs. Individuals should only apply for University of Sanctuary at University of Limerick of they are financially able to cover the costs of their accommodation, living expenses, and travel.

2. Administration of the Scholarship

2.1 Management of Award

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship is managed by the University of Limerick Sanctuary Committee, which is managed by the office of the Associate Vice President – Student Engagement.

2.2 Eligibility criteria

The University of Sanctuary Scholarships are targeted at first-time higher education applicants who are: 

• Currently International Protection Applicants, or have been granted Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection or Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) as a result of their application for international protection, where evidence has been provided. 

• Have applied through the CAO for a place on a full-time undergraduate course at the University of Limerick as a Leaving Certificate, QQI or Mature Student applicant in the University of Limerick. 

• Are not currently eligible for ‘free fees’ for a full-time undergraduate course or for a SUSI fee grant or for the Student Grant Scheme for International Protection Applicants (if applicable for 2025/26). 

• Students displaced due to wars, conflict zones or political instability and are seeking support to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. To apply, applicants must meet these strict eligibility criteria and verify their circumstances. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Incomplete applications and/or applications without the required supporting documentation will not be considered.

If you have any questions about whether or not you should apply for a scholarship, please contact: ULSanctuary@ul.ie.

2.3 Awards and offers process

Up to 10 scholarships are available for applicants to all full-time undergraduate courses in the University of Limerick . If the number of applications exceeds the number of available scholarships, priority will be given to eligible International Protection Applicants living in local direct provision centres. The award depends on registration as a student at University of Limerick. Students may not receive the University of Sanctuary Scholarship in combination with any other scholarship, bursary or award. After an initial screening, you will be informed whether your application will progress to the selection stage. At the selection stage you may be invited for an interview discuss your application. If you are selected for a University of Sanctuary Scholarship, you will be informed within two weeks of your interview.

2.4 Submission of Application Forms

Please click here to access the 2025/2026 online application form (note: the application process will open on 1 April 2025 at 09:00). All relevant supporting documentation should be uploaded alongside the online application.

3. Scholarship Conditions

3.1 Period of eligibility and student progression

3.1.1 The scholarship will be awarded for the normal duration of the undergraduate programme and is available across all disciplines, until such time the scholarship holder becomes eligible for state supports (see point 3.3.3 below). 

3.1.2 Scholarship holders will be expected to uphold all University of Limerick regulations, policies and procedures as they relate to university students, and to complete all examinations and assessments in your modules and on your course. 

3.1.3 Scholarships will be renewed on an annual basis after a review of the student’s academic progression for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme, which is typically four years. 

3.1.4 A scholarship holder, during the course of their studies, may defer a maximum of one year with prior approval from University of Limerick. 

3.1.5 The University of Limerick may terminate a scholarship at any time, where the scholarship holder no longer meets the terms and conditions of the scholarship Award.

3.2 Value of Scholarships

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a fee waiver and stipend that will be allocated on a yearly basis provided that the student complies with the scholarship guidelines, remains eligible for the scholarship, and progresses to the next academic year of their course. If a student needs additional financial support to meet their day-to-day costs, they may be eligible for national awarding schemes such as the Back to Education Allowance or for other subsistence scholarships or bursaries. See www.studentfinance.ie for further details and eligibility criteria for such schemes.

3.3 Conditions in respect of other supports

The following conditions will also apply: 

3.3.1 Applicants are not entitled to receive the University of Sanctuary Scholarship in combination with any other scholarship, bursary or award of similar description, irrespective of value. 

3.3.2 Applicants who are eligible for mainstream supports are not eligible for the University of Sanctuary Scholarship. Please check whether you are eligible for ‘free fees’ for a full-time undergraduate courses or for a SUSI fee grant or the Student Grant Scheme for International Protection Applicants. 

3.3.3 University of Sanctuary scholars must inform UL Sanctuary if their immigration status changes during the course of their study.

3.4 Other Conditions

3.4.1 Data sharing arrangements between the University of Sanctuary committee and other relevant bodies (e.g. University of Limerick fees office, relevant faculties, Admissions Office,) are necessary to administer the University of Sanctuary scholarships. Please note that the University of Sanctuary committee may request information from these bodies to complete the selection process. 

3.4.2 University of Sanctuary scholars may be invited to voluntarily participate in or attend publicity events, but there is no obligation to do so, and their scholarships are not contingent on engaging in any publicity activities.

4. Data Collection and Sharing

Information on how applicants’ personal data is processed is available in the Privacy Notice on the University of Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form. Applicants’ data may be shared with relevant departments within the University of Limerick (e.g., Fees Office, Admissions Office, relevant faculties) to process applications and confirm eligibility.

5. Appeals

Only appeals on the basis of “administrative error in assessment” will be considered; that is, if you believe a mistake was made in the screening or selection process, you may appeal your decision. No further documentation/information can be provided by the applicant at appeal stage. Appeals will be independently reviewed by one or more individuals who were not involved in the application screening and review processes. The outcome of the appeal will be emailed to the individual and the decision will be final. Appeals can be submitted within 10 working days of receiving your decision. Appeals should be submitted to ULSanctuary@ul.ie

6. Contact details for queries and assistance

For further information on any aspect of completing your application, please email ULSanctuary@ul.ie. Closing date for applications: 16:00 noon, 31 May 2025.

Appendix 1:

Sections of the UL Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form

Introduction

Please make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions explained in these guidance notes before you begin the application. Once you complete and submit the application form, you will receive a notification message that your application has been submitted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Student Data Protection Privacy Notice

The University of Limerick (the University) must process the personal data of to carry out its functions and manage its operations. Data processing is conducted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) / Data Protection Acts 1988-2018 and with the University's Data Protection Policy. The University is the Data Controller for the personal data we process about you. The purpose of this Data Protection Privacy Notice is to explain how the University uses personal data we collect and hold about prospective, current and graduated students of the University. This notice should be read in conjunction with the University’s Data Protection Policy and Compliance Regulations (available at http://www.ul.ie/dataprotection). This notice extends to all your personal data as defined under Article 2(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679. The full, printable version of the University's Student Privacy Notice can be viewed here

Immigration Status (refer to section 2.2 Eligibility Criteria)

Please provide documentary evidence of your immigration status e.g. an up-to-date copy of a Department of Justice and Equality letter confirming your permission to reside in Ireland OR copy of a document containing Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) Person ID Number. (File type: .pdf, .doc, .png, .jpg)

Personal Statement

Please upload a statement that explains why you are applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship. (Please upload a statement of 800 words or fewer) You should incorporate answers to the following questions into your statement: (i) Why have you chosen University of Limerick? (ii) Why did you choose your course of study? (ii) What have you done or/are currently doing to prepare for your chosen course of study? (iii) How will this course of study help you achieve your goals? (iv) How will this scholarship support you to achieve your goals? (File type: .pdf, .doc)

Applying to University of Limerick

What entry route are you applying to UL: 

• QQI Entry 

• Leaving Certificate 

• Mature Student Entry

Please note that the UL Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarship is only available for undergraduate programmes. 

What course(s) have you applied to, starting September 2025? 

If you are an undergraduate student, do you have a CAO number? 

Have you already been offered a place on a chosen course? Are you eligible for State funding? (i.e. SUSI Grant, Back to Education, etc.) 

Have you been awarded any other scholarship or bursary?

Information about your Professional Referee

Please note that your professional or academic reference is a very important part of the application, and we may contact them without informing you. We will not consider an application without an appropriate professional/Academic reference.

Please upload your professional referee's statement

Your professional or academic referee's statement should be no more than 500 words to cover the following information: (i) The applicant’s personal circumstances and what barriers have they overcome to continue their education. (ii) Applicant’s suitability for the University course they wish to take. (iii) Contributions, if any, the applicant made to the referee’s school/college/business/organisation or to life in their community? (iv) Any other relevant information. (File type: .doc, .pdf)

Consent to verify requirements

The applicant hereby gives consent to University of Sanctuary Committee to make enquiries to all relevant bodies (see section 3.4.1 of the information and guidance notes) to satisfy itself that the information I have supplied is true and correct.

Applicant Declaration

The applicant declares that all the information supplied in this application is true and correct that any supporting documentation submitted with the application is genuine. Applicant understands that if any false information is submitted, the application and/or any award will be discontinued immediately.