Applications for 2026-2027 programme intake are now live.

There are a limited number of Scholarships available. 

The scholarship includes:

• Fee waiver
• Bursary

NB: Accommodation is not included in this award.

• The scholarship is open to candidates who:
• Have refugee status, subsidiary protection status or permission to remain following an international protection application 
• Are ineligible for State educational supports 
• Are living within commutable distance from UCC (we recommend no greater than 50km)
• Do not already have a university degree qualification
• Are in receipt of an offer for a undergraduate UCC degree through the CAO*

*To apply you just must have made a CAO application and be able to provide a CAO number on your form.  

Application Process

The process in 2026 is as follows:

It is in two parts:

• • UCC Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form 2026 - Part 1 (of 2)  – Fill in form - Closing date for application is 5.30pm Friday 10 July 2026
  • Part 2 covers your personal statement and is by invitation only 

If you have any questions, please email sanctuary@ucc.ie

Please Note: For the UCC Sanctuary Scholarships, applicants present from the Mature Student, QQI, and Leaving Certificate streams. For this reason, a decision regarding the outcome of the scholarships can take a few months. Your patience is appreciated as we need to ensure all applicants have a chance to accept their first offer (to be eligible for the Sanctuary Scholarship an applicant's first choice has to be a UCC programme). The committee will meet to determine the outcome of the Sanctuary Scholarships following the Round 1 acceptance deadline. Visit the CAO webpage to review the key calendar dates.