Ireland Scholarships 2025: DCU Sanctuary Programme for International Protection Applicants and Refugees

Postgraduate scholarship opportunity for international protection applicants and refugees in Ireland

Dublin City University (DCU) is offering five postgraduate scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year to international protection applicants and refugees who are not eligible for state financial support. Applications are open until June 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Who can apply?

The scholarships are open to:

• International protection applicants
• Refugees or individuals with permission to remain in Ireland who do not qualify for the Free Fees Initiative or a SUSI grant

Note: Applicants at the deportation order stage are not eligible.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Be registered with the Department of Justice
• Have applied for a full-time or part-time taught postgraduate master’s programme at DCU

Priority will be given to candidates who:

• Have lived in Ireland for more than 12 months
• Are on the International Protection Priority list
  
  
• Do not already hold a postgraduate degree

What does the scholarship cover?

Each scholarship provides:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• An annual stipend of:
  • €5,000 for full-time students
    
  • €2,500 for part-time students
    (Paid in two instalments—at the beginning of each semester)
• Ongoing post-entry support and advice

Please note:

• There is no additional funding for accommodation or transport
• Recipients are encouraged (but not required) to contribute to the University of Sanctuary project at DCU

 

How to apply

Step 1: Apply for a DCU master’s programme

Applicants must first secure admission to a DCU postgraduate programme.
Apply through the DCU Student Application Portal.

If you meet the scholarship eligibility criteria, you can request a waiver of the course application fee by emailing: sanctuary@dcu.ie

Important: You must demonstrate English language proficiency. See DCU’s English Language Requirements for details.

Step 2: Apply for the Sanctuary scholarship

Once you’ve applied to a master’s programme, complete the separate University of Sanctuary Scholarship application form available at the bottom of the scholarship web page.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit official proof of their legal status in Ireland.

Application Overview

The online form must be completed in one session. You cannot save and return later, so prepare your responses in advance.

Sections include:

1. Privacy Statement – must be accepted to proceed

2. Personal Details – including PPS number and Eircode

3. Previous Education – including undergraduate degree and any additional qualifications

4. Nationality Status – including protection application date and residency start date in Ireland

5. Postgraduate Programme Details – specify the DCU course you’ve applied to

6. Personal Statement – two parts:

   • 500 words on your past achievements, skills, and experiences

   • 400 words on how the scholarship will help you reach your long-term goals

Apply here: Application Link

For more opportunities, Please visit Opportunities for Youth website.