Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded for STEM Students in Ireland

The Naughton Foundation Scholarship offers a prestigious, fully funded award to exceptional second‑level students from eligible counties in Ireland who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering, science, technology, or mathematics.

The scholarship recognizes students with outstanding results in Leaving Certificate science and maths subjects. It is renewable for up to three or four years, depending on the course duration. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Ireland, explore fully funded scholarships in Ireland for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2026

• Host Country: Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

• Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)

• Eligible Fields: Engineering, Science, Technology, Mathematics

• Eligible Institutions: Publicly funded universities or third‑level institutions in Ireland (including Northern Ireland). Courses in England, Scotland, and Wales are not eligible.

• Application Opens: 2 March 2026

• Application Deadline: 29 June 2026 (midnight)

For students seeking other funded programs in Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Eligible Counties

Applicants must have been attending a recognised school in one of the following counties for at least two years immediately before sitting the Leaving Certificate examination in 2026:

• Dublin

• Cork

• Galway

• Limerick

• Waterford

• Kerry

• Clare

• Tipperary

• Kilkenny

• Wexford

• Wicklow

• Meath

• Kildare

• Laois

• Offaly

• Westmeath

• Longford

• Louth

• Monaghan

• Cavan

• Leitrim

• Roscommon

• Sligo

• Mayo

• Donegal

• Carlow

• (Also includes counties in Northern Ireland)

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2026, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Have been attending a recognised school in one of the Applicable Counties for at least two years immediately before the 2026 Leaving Certificate examination.

• Be sitting examinations in at least two of the following Leaving Certificate subjects (the “Applicable Subjects”):

  • Mathematics

  • Applied Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Physics and Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Engineering

  • Agricultural Science

  • Technology and Design

  • Communication Graphics

• Intend, in the year immediately following your Leaving Certificate, to pursue a full‑time undergraduate programme of three or more years’ duration in engineering, science, or technology at a publicly funded university or third‑level institution in Ireland (including Northern Ireland).

Eligible Courses

Nearly all third‑level courses of three or more years’ duration in publicly funded Irish institutions (including Northern Ireland) related to engineering, science, and technology are eligible. Courses must be recognised by and registered with the CAO system (Republic of Ireland) or the UCAS system (Northern Ireland).

Not eligible: Courses in England, Scotland, and Wales. Generally, scholarships are awarded for general science, technology, maths, and engineering degrees rather than focused practitioner courses such as dentistry, medicine, nursing, veterinary, or architecture. If unsure whether your chosen course is eligible, email info@thenaughtonfoundation.ie.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Panel evaluates applications based on several criteria, with significant importance given to candidates who achieve the highest combined results in the Leaving Certificate Applicable Subjects. Other criteria include:

• Interest, ability, and potential to study the chosen field

• Existence and severity of any disadvantages or barriers that may prevent or impede the candidate

• Motivation, commitment, and disposition to benefit from third‑level education and complete the course successfully

• Personal statements – these bear strongly on the likelihood of success

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship is renewable each year for the duration of the undergraduate programme (up to three or four years, as applicable), subject to satisfactory academic performance. No scholarship amount is paid for any repeated academic year. Exact conditions are outlined to successful candidates at the time of the offer.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Read the full Terms and Conditions for 2026 (downloadable from the foundation’s website).

Step 2: Complete the online application form, which opens on 2 March 2026. Create only one account using one email address. For Dublin and Cork students, choose your location based on the City/County Council where your school is located.

Step 3: Pay special attention to the personal statements in Section III of the application form – they have a significant bearing on your application.

Step 4: Submit your application by midnight on 29 June 2026. You will receive an automated response email upon submission. If you do not receive this email, contact info@thenaughtonfoundation.ie.

Step 5: After receiving your Leaving Certificate results and CAO offer, upload them to the foundation’s website via the uplink before the specified deadline.

Step 6: Scholarships are awarded to successful candidates subject to verification of Leaving Certificate results, verification of application information, and confirmation of registration on the relevant third‑level course.

For additional financial aid options across Ireland, explore financial aids for students in Ireland.

Important Notes

• Use a correct email address – all communications will be sent by email, and it is the only method by which the foundation will communicate your password.

• It is your responsibility to upload your Leaving Certificate Results and College Offer once received.

• The foundation holds and processes personal details only as they relate to the Scholarship Program. Details are kept private and safe on secure servers and are not shared with anyone, except that scholarship winners’ names and images will be announced and displayed on the website.

• You may request a copy of your application, or request to update, amend, or delete your application details by emailing info@thenaughtonfoundation.ie.

Final Thoughts

The Naughton Foundation Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for Irish second‑level students (including Northern Ireland) who excel in maths and science subjects and wish to pursue STEM degrees at Irish universities. With a focus on academic excellence, personal motivation, and overcoming barriers, this scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.

The deadline is 29 June 2026. Prepare your application early, write compelling personal statements, and submit before the deadline.

For a complete list of open scholarships in Ireland, visit list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Apply Now for Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2026