Economy Minister Launches Latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme

Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, has announced the launch of the latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme for students in Northern Ireland.

The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate programme.

The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus. The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest-achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students per county.

Recognising the opportunities afforded by the Scholarships, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: "One of the pillars of my economic vision is the improvement of living standards through the creation of good jobs thus ensuring that opportunities created by a growing economy are accessible to all our people, wherever they live. These scholarships recognise the importance of higher education in providing access to these opportunities through changing lives and easing the financial concerns of our top performing students.

"To date 326 students from the North have been awarded a scholarship and I would like to commend this excellent scheme."

Queen's University Software Engineering student Kristaps Paeglis is currently in receipt of a scholarship and outlined some of the benefits. He said: "The scholarship has benefited me immensely in numerous ways. I am able to feel more comfortable knowing that I won't be financially strained throughout university. In addition the stability it has provided has given me more freedom to focus on my academic progression more fully with less worries."

Another scholar, Criminology student at Queen's University Erin Moore added: "It is quick and easy to apply for the scholarship once you have received your exam grades and so if you are eligible you should definitely take a moment to apply. Applying and receiving the scholarship has changed my life and has made studying at university so much easier."

The 25 Northern Ireland scholarships will be awarded to the top 19 performing 'A' level students in grant aided post-primary schools and the top six performing Level 3 Extended Diploma students in the further education colleges.

Applicants must have been in receipt of the Educational Maintenance Allowance at the time of examination and due to commence an undergraduate degree at a university or further education college in September / October 2024.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm on Thursday 29th August 2024.