Twenty-five students from Northern Ireland are to receive annual awards of £5,850 under this year's All Ireland Scholarship Scheme. Applications are open to eligible students preparing to begin higher education in autumn 2026, with the deadline set for 4pm on Thursday, August 27.
The scheme is aimed at high-achieving students from lower-income backgrounds. Northern Ireland applicants must have attended a grant-aided school or further education college and received Educational Maintenance Allowance, alongside meeting the published academic and course requirements.
This year's payment has increased from £5,500 to £5,850 for each academic year. The scholarship is funded by the JP McManus Trust and is intended to continue for the normal duration of an undergraduate course, subject to the scheme's conditions.
Department for the Economy figures show that 376 Northern Ireland students have received an award since the scheme began. Across the island, more than 1,500 recipients have completed their studies and the programme has distributed more than €51 million.
Application guidance is available through nidirect and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. Students should check the eligibility rules and supporting evidence early enough to complete the process before the afternoon deadline.