SANCTUARY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES

The University Language Centre provides English language tuition, academic support and teacher training in the field of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

In support of UCC’s status as a University of Sanctuary, the Language Centre is offering four free places on courses that will directly or indirectly have a positive impact on the educational or career prospects of asylum seekers and refugees living in the Cork area.

Scholarship: one year’s free tuition.

COURSE DATES:

04 SEPTEMBER 2023  - Term 1 starts. 

Application deadline: 28 July 2023

Interviews and Placements: 14-15 August 2023

Scholarship duration: 04 September 2023 - 28 June 2024

• 6 scholarships - 3x GENERAL ENGLISH, 3x ACADEMIC ENGLISH

Each scholarship consists of 20 hours per week of English language tuition.  Classes are held from 9.00 – 13.00, Monday to Friday. 

Students have the full support and access to services within UCC, as university students.

Applicants must complete an application form and if shortlisted will be invited to an informal interview and English language assessment.

Applications 

Applications for the following courses are welcomed from asylum seekers and refugees whose status in Ireland has not been determined and who are not eligible for typical social welfare entitlements.

Please send the Application Form to infolang@ucc.ie and sally.orren@ucc.ie

Shortlisting Process 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview for each track (General and Academic).  Interviews (Online) and assessments will take place after making an appointment with the tutor through infolang@ucc.ie

We will be shortlisting students based on the content and presentation of their written applications.  Reasonable errors will not be penalised and consideration will be given to the applicant’s stated level of English.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview from 07 - 18 August 2023. The interviews will be made relaxed and informal to give everyone the best chance to succeed. Candidates will be given a short language assessment at the same time. 

Any unsuccessful candidates will be eligible to apply in the next round of applications.

IT requirements to join our courses: 

All students are required to bring to class a fully-charged laptop (with audio and video) and headphones to ensure full participation and access to course materials and a more valuable student experience.  A reliable internet connection is required (this is provided by UCC for on-campus students). You should download Microsoft Teams to your laptop before starting your course. UCC recommends the use of Chrome browser for best interaction with all its applications.  Please note that a laptop is a device that is suitable for study purposes and students who use another device such as a tablet will not be able to access some functions. A smartphone is not considered to be a suitable device for study purposes.

If you need any further information or have any questions, please contact infolang@ucc.ie