University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme

The MIC Undergraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme is now open for applications.

The MIC Undergraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme consists of an annual stipend of €3,000 and a full fee waiver participation for International Protection Applicants, refugees, and migrant groups. The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial support for those seeking international protection who have resided in the state for less than 36 months out of the last 60 months and who wish to undertake Undergraduate study at MIC. Full list of Undergraduate Programmes available to view here.

An annual scholarship is offered for the lifecycle of the Undergraduate programme of study and includes a fee waiver and an annual €3,000 stipend.

Summary

• Number awarded per annum: 4
• Stipend / Fee waiver: €3000 and a full fee waiver
• Duration: Annually renewable for the lifecycle of the Undergraduate programme
• Means of award: Awarded by the College through merit-based open competition managed by the Office of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII).
• Eligibility: Applicants must have come through one of three pathways to university - Irish Leaving Certificate Examinations, FETAC PLC Course, Access Course/ Pre-University Programme

CAO Application Process

To be eligible to receive a scholarship, a student must apply for their programme of choice through the CAO system and provide a CAO number on their form, meet the normal entry requirements and be validly registered for same. The normal deadline for applying through the CAO is 1 February. The closing date for late applications through the CAO is 1 May. For more information on key dates and CAO process visit www.cao.ie.

Please Note: You are not eligible for MIC Undergraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship if you have received a University of Sanctuary Scholarship for a level 8 course (or their equivalent) in the past.

Before beginning the application process, please note; you must complete this form in one instance, and you must have all supporting documentation ready to email to EDII@mic.ul.ie. 

Closing date for applications is 5pm, 31 July 2025.

Apply here

The MIC Postgraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme is now open for applications.

The MIC Postgraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme consists of an annual stipend of €3,000 and a full fee waiver participation for International Protection Applicants, refugees, and migrant groups. The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial support for those seeking international protection who have resided in the state for less than 36 months out of the last 60 months and who wish to undertake postgraduate study at MIC. Full list of Postgraduate Programmes available to view here.

An annual scholarship is offered for the lifecycle of the postgraduate programme of study and includes a fee waiver and an annual €3,000 stipend.

Summary

• Number awarded per annum: 2
• Stipend / Fee waiver: €3000 and a full fee waiver
• Duration: Annually renewable for the lifecycle of the postgraduate programme
• Required departmental hours: None
• Means of award: Awarded by the College through merit-based open competition managed by the Office of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII).
• Eligibility: Postgraduate Programmes

Please note: If you received a University of Sanctuary Scholarship for a level 9 course (or their equivalent) in the past, you are not eligible for MIC Postgraduate University of Sanctuary Scholarship.

Before beginning the application process, please note; you must complete this form in one instance, and you must have all supporting documentation ready to email to EDII@mic.ul.ie. 

Closing date for applications is 5pm, 30 June 2025.

Apply here

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria encompass three requirements for postgraduate students including (1) Ethnic/ Legal Status, (2) Academic and (3) Financial:

Ethnic & Legal Status Requirements

Applicants from one of the below groups residing in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply and proof of ethnic/legal status will be required upon application:

• International protection applicant, or have been granted Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection or Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) as a result of your application for International Protection, where evidence has been provided.
• You are not currently eligible for free fees for a full-time undergraduate course or for a SUSI fee grant.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate

Applicants must have come through one of three pathways to university; Irish Leaving Certificate Examinations, FETAC PLC Course, Access Course/ Pre-University Programme, and the following:

A. Scored above 300 points in the Irish Leaving Cert

And/ Or

B. Attained at least 5 Distinctions in a FETAC PLC

And/ Or

C. Successfully completed an Access Course or Pre-University Programme

And

Have applied for and, meet all requirements to receive an offer of a place on a full-time undergraduate Level 8 degree course in MIC via the Central Applications Office (CAO), including meeting all points and entry and matriculation requirements.

Transcripts of your examination results must be provided.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate applicants must have come through direct entry and meet all programme requirements:

• Postgraduate applicants must provide a clear and legible copy of undergraduate level 7, level 8 or level 9 results (some applicants may have studied at various levels of undergraduate).

AND

• Have applied for by the PG course deadline and meet all requirements to receive an offer of a place on a full-time postgraduate degree course at MIC in the current year, including meeting all course requirements.

Financial Evidence and Requirements

The MIC College of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme follows national SUSI financial requirements. Total Family Income must not exceed the SUSI Total Family Income Threshold for 100% Rate of Maintenance + Field Trip Element + 100 Tuition Fees or + 100% Student Contribution for the relevant year.

Supporting Documentation

Eligibility Supporting Documentation

• Proof of belonging to target groups must be provided e.g. letter from Dept of Employment & Social Protection (DEASP); letter from TUSLA; letter from Dept of Justice.
• Documents must be submitted by 30 June 2025 for postgraduate applications and 31 July 2025 for undergraduate applications before applications can be considered and processed.
• Applications cannot be assessed until all supporting documentation is received.

Academic Requirements Supporting Documentation

Undergraduate

Transcripts of your examination results must be provided.

Postgraduate

• An official transcript of undergraduate study must be submitted before applications can be processed.
• Proof of household income supporting documentation.

Applications cannot be assessed until all supporting documentation is received.

Proof of Household Income Documentation

The following proof of household income documentation relating to 2024 must be supplied, before applications can be processed:

• If you are under 23 years of age on application: Household income refers to both your parents and your own income.
• If you are a Mature Student (over 23): Household income refers to you and whoever is in your household (parents if living at home or partner if you are living with a partner).

Only the following Proof of Income types can be accepted:

• Dept of Employment Affairs & Social Protection
• Statement listing all payments, and number of weeks received.

And/or:

• Self-Employment/ Farming Income/ Rental Income: Notice of assessment for 2024

And/or:

• Employment: Copy of P21 for 2024

And/or:

• Redundancy Payment: RP50 (all pages)

Retired with Private Pension: Private pension provider statement.

Applications cannot be assessed until all supporting documentation is received.

English Language

Applicants who have not been formally educated through the medium of English will be required to evidence the following minimum English language requirement:

• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 110 with no less than 100 in any component.
• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6.0 in any component.
• Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade D or above.

If you face a financial barrier to undertaking, please contact EDII@mic.ul.ie.