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.
- Sanctuary Scholarships for Palestinian Passport holders who have been displaced/affected by the ongoing conflict.
This initiative is part of our mission and commitment to inclusivity, access, and lifelong learning. Please note that there are two separate application routes. Please ensure you complete the correct application form
The ACE Sanctuary Scholarships are now open for programmes commencing Autumn 2025.
List of eligible programmes are listed further down this page. Please note that the scholarship for Palestinian passport holders are for programmes delivered online only.
What the Scholarships Cover
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:
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The scholarship does not include accommodation, travel costs, or any other financial support.
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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
General Sanctuary Scholarship Applicants
To apply, you must:
- 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)*
- Be in receipt of a qualifying DSP (Department of Social Protection) payment
- Be living in the Republic of Ireland
- Meet the programme requirements for your chosen programme
- Meet the English language requirements
- 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)
Online Scholarships for Palestinians
To apply, you must:
- Palestinian passport holder who has been displaced/affected by the ongoing conflict and I am not currently eligible for the Irish State Free Fees scheme, SUSI grants and/or the International Protection Student scheme. (documentation of status will be required)*
- Meet the programme requirements for your chosen programme
- Meet the English language requirements
- Be able to attend sessions for courses - please note all programmes for this scholarship route are delivered wholly online
Priority will be given to:
- First time Sanctuary Scholarship applicants (as places are limited, first time applicants will be prioritised)
- 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 General Sanctuary Scholarship Applications
A limited number of fully paid places are available on the following part-time programmes commencing in UCC in Autumn 2025 for general Sanctuary Scholarship Applicants
| Level 6 Programmes |
|---|
| Certificate in Arts (Psychology) |
| Certificate in Mental Health in the Community |
| Cert in CPD in Advocacy |
| Certificate in Mythology |
| Level 8 Programmes |
|---|
| Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion |
| Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work |
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.
Part-time Programmes Eligible for Online Scholarship for Palestinians
A limited number of fully paid places are available on the following part-time programmes commencing in UCC in Autumn 2025 for Online Scholarships for Palestinians - Please note all the below programmes are delivered online and will not require in-person presence.
| Level 6 Programmes |
|---|
| Certificate in Arts (Psychology) |
| Certificate in Mythology |
| Level 7 Programmes |
|---|
| Certificate in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work |
| Certificate in Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing) |
| Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate |
| Level 8 Programmes |
|---|
| Procurement Management |
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.