1. What is the University of Sanctuary Scholarship?
Maynooth University (MU) was officially designated as a University of Sanctuary (UoS) in February 2020 in recognition of its initiatives to promote a culture of welcome for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into the university community. As part of its commitments under the UoS process, MU established a Sanctuary Scholarships Scheme for students living in Ireland, from an asylum-seeking or refugee background wishing to study at the University.
2. How do I know if I am eligible?
Scholarships are open to:
- international protection applicants in Ireland; and
- refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and those with leave to remain in Ireland,
who do not have access to state support for their studies (meaning ‘free fees,’ the state Student Support Scheme for people in the International Protection System, SUSI grant, Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), other social welfare payments).
Applicants must be registered with the Department of Justice and documentation of status will be required.
3. How do I apply for the Scholarship?
Undergraduate
You need to follow these steps to apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship for an undergraduate course:
- You must apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) for a Maynooth University undergraduate course via either the Leaving Certificate Route, FETAC route or the Mature Student Route before applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship.
If you have filled out a CAO application but you have not put down a Maynooth University course, you can do so during the change of mind window and your application will still be considered.
Postgraduate
You need to follow these steps to apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship for a postgraduate course:
- Postgraduate applicants must apply through MU Apply before applying to the Sanctuary Scholarship by 5pm, 16th April 2025. Please note that there may be programmes that have an earlier closing date, please refer to the postgraduate prospectus pages for further information. If you require a MU Apply fee waiver, please complete this expression of interest form. MU Apply fee waivers will only be applied to one course application per person. You will then be sent an email with further instructions in relation to applying through MU Apply.
4. What level courses can I apply for?
The scholarship is offered at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. PhD scholarships are not currently offered on this programme.
5. What Undergraduate Courses can I apply for?
Click on this link to view the full list of courses at Undergraduate level.
6. What Postgraduate Courses can I apply for?
Click on this link to view the full list of courses at Postgraduate level.
9. What is an ‘Application Fee Voucher Code’ and how do I apply?
The Application Fee Voucher Code is a code Postgraduate applicants can use against the fee charged on the MUApply application form. Complete
this Expression of Interest form to receive a code by email. The code can only be used to apply for one Postgraduate course only. There is no Application Fee Voucher Code available to Undergraduate students applying via the CAO system. CAO applicants are required to pay the €60 fee.
10. Does the scholarship cover part-time courses?
No, the scholarship is for full-time courses only.
11. What is the deadline for submitting my application?
The deadline for the scholarship application is 5pm, 16th April 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this date.
12. Are PhDs included in the scheme?
No, PhD scholarships are not currently offered under this programme.
13. Is this Scholarship available for existing students?
We focus on new entrants as a matter of priority, however current students who meet the criteria can apply.
15. I have a query about fees, who can I contact?
The Fees & Grants team are available Monday to Friday, to provide guidance and advice, to answer any questions, queries or concerns specific to your fee account via email:
[email protected]
16. I have applied through two routes: the Mature Student Route and the QQI Level 5 Route. Which route should I put on my Sanctuary Scholarship application form as you can only select one route?
In this case, click on the ‘other’ option and put down that you have applied through the two routes; Mature Student and QQI Level 5
17. Can I apply for the Scholarship if I plan to attend remotely/online?
Students of MU attend courses on campus and therefore remote/online learning is not currently an option.
18. What should I include in my personal statement on the application form?
This is an opportunity for you to highlight any educational or personal achievements which are relevant to your application and also your future career aspirations. (500 words max).
For example, awards for good grades, contributions to your school or to your community, jobs which you have held. Explain why you think they are relevant to your application and to your chosen course at Maynooth.
19. Who should I choose as my Referee?
A reference from a Referee is optional but we do encourage it. A Referee can be anyone (Teacher, mentor, community leader...) who can tell us why this course is ideal for you. They can also tell us more about your past and present commitment to education and your achievements. Your referee must
e-mail the reference to
[email protected] by 5:00 PM on the 16th April 2025.
20. If requested to provide a CV for a particular course, what should I include in my CV?
CV’s should be clear, focused and aligned to the programme or course you are applying for.
21. Will I need to attend an interview?
Shortlisted applicants are required to attend an in-person interview in MU during the summer (dates to be confirmed). You may also be called to a separate interview for a particular course you have applied for.
22. Can I apply for the Scholarship if I live a substantial distance from MU?
It is recommended that you apply to universities within an accessible commute. It is important to research your preferred course and ascertain how often you will be required to attend lectures and tutorials on site. Some courses require more on-campus attendance than others. MU is not in a position to provide scholarship recipients with accommodation.
23. What happens after I submit my application?
- Following the deadline of 16th of April 2025, all applications will be screened to ensure the correct documentation has been submitted and applicants meet the entry criteria.
