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Sanctuary Scholarships

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at University College Cork is proud to offer Sanctuary Scholarships to adult learners seeking international protection, including those with refugee or asylum status. This initiative is part of our mission and commitment to inclusivity, access, and lifelong learning.

 

The ACE Sanctuary Scholarships are now open for programmes commencing Autumn 2025.

(List of eligible programmes can be seen below) 

 

What the Scholarship Covers

ACE Sanctuary Scholars will receive a full tuition fee waiver for their chosen part-time ACE programme (Please see list of eligible courses below).


Please note:

  • The scholarship does not include accommodation, travel costs, or any other financial support.

  • The scholarship is non-transferable and cannot be applied to another programme if you do not meet the entry requirements for your original choice.

Who Can Apply

To apply, you must:

  1. Be an international protection applicant, asylum seeker, refugee or Ukrainian national availing of the EU Temporary Protection Directive, who is not eligible for the state Free Fees scheme, SUSI grants and/or the International Protection Student scheme (documentation of status will be required)*
  2. Be in receipt of a qualifying DSP (Department of Social Protection) payment
  3. Be living in the Republic of Ireland
  4. Meet the programme requirements for your chosen programme
  5. Meet the English language requirements 
  6. Be able to attend sessions for courses not delivered wholly online

Priority will be given to:

  • Applicants who have lived in Ireland for more than 12 months
  • Applicants who are on the International Protection Priority list (see https://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie/prioritised-countries
  • First time Sanctuary Scholarship applicants (as places are limited, first time applicants will be prioritised, but if there are places available we will try to support progression for past scholarship holders) 
  • Applicants who are unemployed (applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and we anticipate some scholars will be employed) 

The Application Process

Click the boxes to see the application steps and deadlines:

Application Timeline

Deadline to Apply 12th June 2025
Documentation Requested 13th June 2025
Deadline to Submit Documentation 27th June 2025
Review by Sanctuary Scholarship Team 2nd – 23rd July 2025
Applicants Informed of Outcome 25th July 2025
Programme Application Deadline Varies by programme

Part-time Programmes Eligible for Sanctuary Scholarship Applications

A limited number of fully paid places are available on the following part-time programmes commencing in UCC in Autumn 2025. 

Level 6 Programmes
Certificate in Arts (Psychology) 
Certificate in Mental Health in the Community 
Cert in CPD in Advocacy
Certificate in Mythology

 

Level 7 Programmes
Continuing Professional Development Certificate in Project Management
Certificate in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work 
Certificate in Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing)
Diploma in Autism Studies Online
Diploma in Social and Psychological Health Studies
Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate 
Diploma in Food and Science Technology
Diploma in Heritage and Folklore Studies
Diploma in Learning and Development Practice
Certificate in Management Practice
Diploma in Social Studies
Diploma in Youth and Community Work Cork

 

 Level 8 Programmes
Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion
Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

 

Level 9 Programmes
Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Building Work-Placed Resilience * 
Postgraduate Diploma in Further, Adult and Community Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research 
Postgraduate Certificate in Personal and Management Coaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Personal and Management Coaching
Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Trauma-Informed Care: Practice and Theory 
Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Trauma-Informed Practice in Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Studies (Online)
Masters in Trauma Studies

 

Please note that programmes will run subject to viability. Scholarships are non-transferable. Applicants must meet the requirements listed on programme pages in order to apply for a scholarship for that programme. Click the above programmes to see the programme page and programme requirements. 

Programme Entry Requirements

  • Each programme has specific entry criteria, including English language requirements and delivery methods.
  • Please check the entry requirements for your chosen programme carefully before applying for a Sanctuary Scholarship. 
  • Entry Requirements for programmes can be viewed on the programme pages (Click on any of the above listed programmes to view)
  • You must confirm you meet these requirements in order to be eligible to apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship.
  • Please note: If you do not meet the programme requirements or fail to register by the programme deadline, your scholarship offer will be withdrawn. Scholarships are non-transferable between programmes. 

English Language Requirement

  • In addition to the programme requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English must have attained the required English proficiency as outlined on each programme page. Required English proficiency levels vary per programme. 
  • Proof of English language certification is required and will need to be provided during Step 4 - Programme Application

Programme Delivery

  • ACE offers a mix of online, in-person, and blended programmes.
  • Please check your chosen programme’s delivery mode in advance to ensure it suits your needs.
  • Some programmes require in-person attendance at UCC’s main campus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply to more than one programme?
You may only apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship for one programme. There are limited scholarships available. As places are limited, first time Sanctuary Scholarship applicants will be prioritised, but if there are places available we will try to support progression for past scholarship holders

What if I miss the scholarship deadline?
Unfortunately, late applications cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

When will my chosen programme commence?
Scholarships are now open for application for the academic year commencing from September 2025. Start dates vary per programme and can be viewed on each of the programme pages. Please note that programmes will run subject to viability. In the event that a programme is not viable, scholarships are unfortunately non-transferable. 

Do I need to submit original documentation?
Scans or clear photos of official documents are acceptable for the application process.

Can I defer the scholarship to next year?
No. Scholarships are awarded for the current academic year only and cannot be deferred. You may apply again for the coming year.

What happens if my application is declined?
There are a limited number of scholarships available each year. If your application is declined, don't be discouraged, you may still apply to the programme as a full fee-paying student, or you may choose to wait and apply for a scholarship again when scholarship applications re-open for the 2026 intake. 

Adult Continuing Education

Aosoideachas Leanúnach

The Laurels, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 EH31

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