At a glance

• Value: €10,500
• You must be a registered UCC student or apply through CAO or the International Office for a place on an undergraduate programme at University College Cork to be eligible for this scholarship
• Questions about this scholarship can be directed to quercus@ucc.ie

At University College Cork, we believe in creating an environment in which academic excellence can be combined with opportunities for personal development. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we will be awarding up to 3 Quercus Scholarships for Creative and Performing Arts to students registered on an undergraduate/level 8 programme in 2023/24. These students should demonstrate an exceptional level of excellence in their chosen art form and will have been selected by the Scholarship Panel for a Quercus Scholarship.

UCC offers its students the opportunity to participate in a thriving and varied environment where the opportunities for involvement in the arts are endless. The University is home to the Glucksman and Jennings Art Galleries, Granary Theatre, internationally renowned academic programmes in music, theatre and performative practices, architecture, film and screen media, history of art and English as well as a myriad of student organised arts based clubs.

UCC offers wonderful opportunities to musicians, composers, dancers, artists, writers and actors, amongst others, through the UCC Quercus Creative and Performing Arts Programme. Applications are encouraged from top performing students who wish to continue to develop their artistic talents while at the same time pursuing a high-quality academic experience. UCC does not require applicants to follow a performance-related degree course and actively encourages applications from talented creative and performing artists whatever degree they choose.

We believe that young people who have exceptional talent, should be given the opportunity to continue to train and perform at the highest level within the university environment. 

The Scholarship can be renewed for subsequent years subject to the Scholar meeting the requirements of the Creative & Performing Arts Retention & Discontinuation Document and progression to the next level of study in their academic programme.

Scholars will be expected to act as ambassadors for UCC in terms of their participation in creative and performing arts activities and in their participation in activities designed to promote the Quercus Programme.

Where there are equivalent levels of excellence, applicants deemed able to contribute most to the creative environment of UCC will be selected. UCC also reserves the right to select scholars based on their strategic importance to creativity and performance within the University. 

The act of balancing academic achievement, artistic excellence and personal development remains a challenge for talented people. Through the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme, UCC is committed to enhancing the academic and artistic achievements of young people in the country, as well as making a positive impact on the future of Irish artistic and creative life.

Applying for a Quercus Scholarship
To apply for a Quercus Scholarship you must:

• Be either a registered UCC student, or apply through CAO for a place on an undergraduate/level 8 programme at University College Cork in 2023/24. (Note: applicants also need to make their degree programme application separately, e.g. through the CAO or through the International Office for Non-EU applicants).
• Read the Quercus Creative and Performing Arts’ Scholarship Criteria and Terms of Reference here  2023/24 Quercus Creative & Performing Arts Terms of Reference.
• Complete the Quercus Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships’ Application Form online using the 'Apply now' option.

  Please read the Online application instructions before you begin.

Successful applicants will:

• Meet the minimum entry requirements (matriculation) of their desired undergraduate/level 8 programme, while currently registered students will need to have attained higher honours in their end of year examinations to be eligible. Applicants do not need to be pursuing a related programme to be deemed eligible.
• Be able to provide evidence of sustained engagement with extra-curricular creative and performing arts’ activities.
• Have exhibited excellence and the potential to develop that excellence in their chosen field with recognition at local, regional, national, or international level of achievement in chosen art form(s) (including, but not confined to scholarships, prizes and awards).
• Have a clear plan and vision for their creative and artistic output.
• Exhibit passion, commitment, and ambition for their chosen art form. 
• Be expected to act as ambassadors for UCC and the Quercus Programme in terms of their participation in their chosen field.

Successful applicants may also:

• Have participated in the development of artistic initiatives.
• Have engaged in teaching and/or sharing skills in chosen art form(s).
• Have participated in community arts.
• Have a record of dissemination of artistic output through relevant media, such as performances, exhibitions, audio recordings, readings, print and online media.

Where there are equivalent levels of excellence applicants deemed able to contribute most to UCC will be selected. UCC also reserves the right to select scholars based on their strategic importance to creativity and performance within the University. 

Please note that the Quercus Scholarships are open to students applying for, and currently registered in, any undergraduate/level 8 programme offered by UCC.

Please note that an applicant will only be able to take up a Scholarship after accepting an offer of a place at University College Cork through the CAO or the International Office.

Scholarship Benefits

The five strands of talented students within the programme will benefit from a wide range of academic, financial, personal, and other supports. Scholars may receive a reduced points entry into UCC, but they must achieve at least 85% of the CAO points for the year of entry.  Each talented student will begin the programme with a one-to-one meeting with the Director of the Quercus Programme. This meeting will involve an assessment of the student’s needs, following which an individual programme plan will be developed and agreed for the forthcoming year. Individual programme plans will endeavour to ensure that participation in the Talented Students Programme will lead to a broadening of students’ full spectrum of talents.

These benefits may include:

• Reduced CAO Points Entry (if required)
• Campus Accommodation
• Fee Waiver
• Bursary
• Life Coaching
• Participation in Quercus Lecture Series
• Individualised Career advice
• Academic Mentor
• Creative & Performing Arts Mentor
• Invitations to relevant networking events
• Flexible academic arrangements
• Participation in relevant workshops/master classes

Each Scholar’s participation in the programme will be reviewed and assessed annually. To progress in the programme, Scholars will be expected to demonstrate continuing exceptional achievement in their talent area, and satisfactory academic performance. There will be a managed exit from the programme for students who do not progress.

Application process for 2024/25 is now CLOSED.

For any queries please email quercus@ucc.ie

For more information visit: https://www.ucc.ie/en/quercus/