At a glance

• Value: up to €10,500
• You must be a registered UCC student, or apply through CAO or the International Office for a place on an undergraduate/level 8 programme at University College Cork to be eligible for this scholarship
• Questions about this scholarship can be directed to quercus@ucc.ie

At University College Cork, we believe in creating an environment in which academic excellence can be combined with opportunities for personal development. We also recognise UCC’s role in job creation by nurturing entrepreneurship, supporting the acceleration of business start-ups and the turning of innovative ideas into innovative products and services.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we will be awarding up to 3 Quercus Scholarships for innovation/entrepreneurship to students registered on an undergraduate/level 8 programme in 2025/26. These students should demonstrate an exceptional level of excellence and will have been selected by the Scholarship Panel for a Quercus Scholarship. 

The Scholarship can be renewed for subsequent years, subject to a Scholar meeting the requirements of the Innovation/Entrepreneurship Retention & Discontinuation Document and progressing to the next level of study in their academic programme.

Scholars will be expected to act as ambassadors for UCC in terms of their participation in innovation/entrepreneurial activities and in their participation in activities designed to promote the Quercus Programme.

The act of balancing academic achievement, innovation/entrepreneurial excellence and personal development remains a challenge for talented people. Through the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme, UCC is committed to enhancing the innovation/entrepreneurial achievements of young people, as well as making a positive impact on the future of the Irish economy.

Applying for a Quercus Scholarship

To apply for a Quercus Scholarship you must:

• Be either a registered undergraduate UCC student or applicant for an undergraduate/level 8 programme at University College Cork in 2025/26. (Note: applicants also need to make their degree programme application separately, e.g. through the CAO or through the International Office for Non-EU applicants).

  • Read the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Terms of Reference & Memorandum of Understanding

  Please read the Application Instructions carefully.

Successful applicants will:

• Meet the minimum entry requirements (matriculation) of their desired undergraduate/level 8 programme, while currently registered students will need to have attained higher honours in their end of year examinations to be eligible. Applicants do not need to be pursuing a related programme to be deemed eligible.
• Be able to provide evidence of sustained engagement in innovative/entrepreneurial activities.
• Have evidence of achievement and/or impact of an innovative or entrepreneurial nature.
• Have the potential to develop that excellence in their chosen field
• Have had recognition at local, regional, national, or international level.
• Be expected to act as ambassadors for UCC and the Quercus Programme in terms of their participation in their chosen field.

Where there are equivalent levels of excellence applicants deemed able to contribute most to UCC will be selected.

Please note that the Quercus Scholarships are open to students currently registered in, or applying for, any undergraduate/level 8 programme offered by UCC.

Please also note that an applicant will only be able to take up a Scholarship after accepting an offer of a place at University College Cork through the CAO or the International Office. 

Scholarship Benefits

The five strands of talented students within the programme will benefit from a wide range of academic, financial, personal, and other supports. Scholars may receive a reduced points entry into UCC, but they must achieve at least 85% of the CAO points for the year of entry.  Each talented student will begin the programme with a one-to-one meeting with the Director of the Quercus Programme. This meeting will involve an assessment of the student’s needs, following which an individual programme plan will be developed and agreed for the forthcoming year. Individual programme plans will endeavour to ensure that participation in the Talented Students' Programme will lead to a broadening of students’ full spectrum of talents.

These benefits may include:

• Reduced CAO Points Entry (if required)
• Campus Accommodation
• Fee Waiver
• Bursary
• Life Coaching
• Participation in Quercus Lecture Series
• Individualised Career advice
• Academic Mentor
• Innovation/Entrepreneurship mentor
• Invitations to relevant networking events
• Flexible academic arrangements
• Participation in relevant workshops/master classes

Each Scholar’s participation in the programme will be reviewed and assessed annually. To progress in the programme, Scholars will be expected to demonstrate continuing exceptional achievement in their talent area, and satisfactory academic performance. There will be a managed exit from the programme for students who do not progress.

The application process for 2025/26 opens on Friday, November 1st 2024 and will close at 4:30pm on Tuesday, February 4th 2025.

For any queries please email quercus@ucc.ie

For more information visit: https://www.ucc.ie/en/quercus/