Skip to main content
alumni online

Education should be a bridge, not a barrier.

Yet for asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland, the chance to pursue higher education is often out of reach. Despite securing university places and demonstrating academic promise, these students are locked out by financial and legal restrictions, left in limbo for years at a critical stage of their lives. UCC’s Sanctuary Scholarships help to break down those barriers, providing access to education, support, and a pathway to meaningful participation in Irish society.

By investing in Sanctuary, a philanthropist can become the difference between exclusion and opportunity. A single gift ensures that a talented student who has already overcome immense challenges can not only enter university, but thrive with the tools, mentoring, and sense of belonging they need. These scholarships transform individual lives, and in doing so, enrich our communities and strengthen the values of compassion and inclusion that Ireland is so proud to uphold.

Supporting Sanctuary means turning Ireland’s welcome into opportunity, ensuring these students can give back as tomorrow’s doctors, teachers, engineers, and leaders.

At UCC, the commitment runs deeper than funding: the university waives all fees, provides devices and support officers, and celebrates these scholars as part of its diverse community.

This is not charity, but investment in the future of a more equal, enriched Ireland.

Case For Support

  • UCC has a track record of delivering the Sanctuary Scholarship programme with demonstrable impact.
  • UCC is the only University of Sanctuary in the region with the infrastructure to deliver and celebrate success.
  • The university already commits significant in-kind resources (waived fees, devices, staff support), meaning philanthropic funding is a true partnership rather than sole reliance.
  • UCC’s alumni network and public visibility ensure that the impact of philanthropy is amplified, with stories, events, and case studies showcasing donors’ role in social change.
    Learn more about UCC University of Sanctuary
  • UCC’s Sanctuary Scholarships remove the single greatest barrier to higher education for asylum seekers and refugees: affordability.
  • The applicants are young people who have already shown academic promise (e.g. received CAO offers for their first-choice programmes) but are locked out by fees and status restrictions.
  • Education here is not abstract — it represents the difference between a life in limbo and a pathway into the workforce, citizenship, and contribution to Irish society.
  • This initiative directly supports UCC’s Strategic Plan (Goal 3.4: promote diversity) and Ireland’s human rights obligations under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
  • Individual philanthropy can provide immediate, visible transformation — the difference between one deserving student being excluded or included.
  • Naming or association opportunities (e.g. support for an annual scholar) allow a philanthropist to be remembered as the enabler of educational access.
  • The initiative aligns naturally with philanthropists who value social justice, diversity, migration support, or community-building — offering a way to embody those values in a trusted setting.
  • A donor gift here is amplified by UCC’s commitments (waived fees, laptops, support officers), ensuring their funds are maximised rather than covering overhead.
  • Without new investment, students who have earned UCC places will simply not be able to take them up.
  • Application demand is higher than ever: in 2025, 36 applicants competed for a handful of scholarships, many of whom already had CAO offers.
  • The global geopolitical context (displacement, migration, asylum pressures) makes support more relevant and pressing than at any point in the programme’s seven-year history.
  • Immediate philanthropy ensures continuity of support for current and incoming Sanctuary Scholars, avoiding reputational and human impact risk.

Impact

Amina's story

When Amina arrived in Ireland as an asylum seeker, she faced years of waiting, uncertainty, and no realistic way to continue her education. Despite earning a coveted CAO place at University College Cork to study engineering, financial barriers made her dream feel out of reach

Thanks to the Sanctuary Scholarship, Amina was able to enroll. She received a laptop, mentoring, and the support of a dedicated officer—tools that transformed her journey.

Today, she’s on track to graduate with UCC’s Class of 202X, determined to contribute as an engineer and advocate for others in similar positions.

This transformation was made possible through philanthropy. A donor didn’t just unlock access to education—they restored dignity, purpose, and belonging

Jamal's story

Jamal had no clear way to pursue his study after years of waiting and uncertainty after arriving in Ireland as an asylum seeker. Financial obstacles made his dream seem unattainable even after he was awarded a CAO spot at UCC to study social work.

Jamal was able to enlist, receive a laptop, mentorship, and continuous assistance because of the Sanctuary Scholarship.

He is now committed to helping people navigate the asylum system and is on schedule to graduate with UCC's Class of 202X.

Philanthropy enabled this journey, which unlocked not only education but also dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.is transformation was made possible through philanthropy. A donor didn’t just unlock access to education—they restored dignity, purpose, and belonging

One gift can change a life. Support access to education for those who need it most.

Advancement Office

An Oifig Cothaithe

Contact us

Cork University Foundation is incorporated in Ireland as a limited liability company and a registered charity (CRN: 243605, RCN: 20033385, CHY11831). Room 2.12, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, T12 XF62

Connect with us

Top