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From South Sudan to Cork: UCC scholarship recipient celebrates graduation
- Apalang Ater graduates from University College Cork with an MSc in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food and Co-operatives.
- Originally from South Sudan, Apalang came to Cork through the Education Pathways Ireland Programme, which provides opportunities for people from a refugee background to pursue postgraduate education in Ireland.
- UCC graduate will soon begin a new role with a local organisation, supporting others to access education and employment opportunities.
A South Sudanese woman who came to Cork through a pioneering scholarship programme supporting people from a refugee background is celebrating her graduation from University College Cork (UCC).
Apalang Ater is among the students being conferred at UCC this week, graduating with a Master of Science in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food and Co-operatives.
Apalang and her family sought refuge in Uganda following the outbreak of civil war in her home country of South Sudan. She subsequently completed a Bachelor of Governance and International Relations at Uganda Christian University and worked as a Project Officer with Kandaakiat Organization for Women Empowerment and Development in Uganda.
In August 2025, Apalang moved to Cork after being awarded a highly competitive scholarship by UCC through the Education Pathways Ireland Programme, an initiative providing safe and legal routes for people from a refugee background to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland leading to a durable solution to their many years of displacement.
'Opportunities have reminded me never to give up hope’
The Education Pathways Ireland Programme is delivered by Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and with the support of the Irish Government.
Launched in 2022, the programme offers Masters-level scholarships allowing people from a refugee background to study abroad and gain skills to work towards a brighter future. To date, the programme has welcomed 15 students to three participating Irish universities.
Apalang Ater, UCC graduate, said: “Graduating from University College Cork means so much more to me than earning a degree. It represents years of resilience, sacrifice, learning and growth, and the courage to keep pursuing my dreams despite the challenges along the way. Above all, I am grateful to God for His grace, strength and faithfulness throughout this journey. From South Sudan to Uganda and eventually to Cork, I have experienced challenges that have tested me, but also opportunities that have reminded me never to give up hope.”
“I am deeply thankful to UCC, the Education Pathways Ireland Programme, Fáilte Cork and everyone who has supported me along the way. This achievement is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to God's grace, the power of education and what becomes possible when people are given the opportunity and support to thrive,” Apalang said.
Apalang's graduation also marks the beginning of a new professional chapter in Ireland. In November, she will take up a position as Education and Employment Officer with a local organisation, where she will support people to access education and employment opportunities
“Looking ahead, I hope to use the knowledge and experience I have gained to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable communities, particularly by helping people from refugee and other marginalised backgrounds access opportunities to learn, develop their skills and build independent futures. My own journey has shown me the difference that education, meaningful opportunities and a supportive community can make in someone's life.”
“I hope to continue contributing to initiatives that help people overcome barriers, realise their potential and build better futures for themselves and their families. I also hope that my story encourages others who have faced difficult circumstances to hold on to hope, believe in their abilities and continue pursuing their dreams,” Apalang said.
Congratulating Apalang, Professor Ursula Kilkelly, UCC Vice President of Global Engagement, said: “We are delighted to celebrate Apalang’s graduation today and to recognise this important milestone in her journey. At UCC, we are immensely proud of our involvement in the Education Pathways Ireland Programme, working alongside Nasc, UNHCR and our community partners to create opportunities for Apalang and fellow scholars to pursue their ambitions and build their futures. We are very proud to call Apalang a UCC graduate and wish her every success as she begins this exciting next chapter.”
Apalang Ater’s scholarship was made possible through joint funding from the Irish Government, Cork University Business School and UCC’s University of Sanctuary programme, reflecting a shared commitment to widening access to higher education and supporting students from migrant backgrounds.
Fáilte Cork – Creating opportunities through community support
Throughout her studies, Apalang has been supported by UCC’s Fáilte Cork, a volunteer-led higher education community sponsorship group comprising UCC staff, students and members of the wider Cork community.
The group provides practical and personal support to scholarship recipients, helping students settle into life in UCC and Cork, build community connections and navigate their postgraduate studies.
Community sponsorship is a central element of the Education Pathways Ireland Programme, connecting students with volunteers who provide practical and emotional support as they establish their lives in Ireland.
Tessa Cornally, Complementary Pathways Officer with Nasc, said: “This scholarship programme is accompanied by a wonderful volunteering initiative called Community Sponsorship. There are volunteer groups across the country made up of people from all walks of life, including students, professionals, retirees and more. They support the refugee students’ arrival in Ireland through fundraising and social support and it’s wonderful to see the bonds and growth that can come from that.”
