UCC Sport Scholarship Programme 2026 – Support for Talented Student Athletes in Ireland

University College Cork (UCC) offers the UCC Sport Scholarship Programme for talented dual‑career athletes who wish to progress their studies while pursuing excellence in sport.

The programme provides financial support, coaching, training, strength and conditioning advice, sports medical and physiological support, academic and life‑skills assistance, and more. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Ireland, explore fully funded scholarships in Ireland for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: UCC Sport Scholarship Programme 2026/27

• Host University: University College Cork, Ireland

• Eligible Applicants: Talented athletes (team or individual sports) recognised by Sport Ireland

• Application Opens: 2 April 2026

• Application Deadline: 2 September 2026 (8:00 PM)

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

Types of UCC Sports Scholarships

The programme is divided into two main strands:

UCC Individual Sport Scholarship – Open to applicants involved in team sports or individual sports (other than the core sports). The sport or sporting organisation must be recognised by Sport Ireland.

UCC Team Sport Scholarships – Covers the following sports:

• Hockey

• Rugby

• Soccer

• Gaelic games: Gaelic Football, Hurling, Ladies Gaelic Football, and Camogie

Additionally, there are several sponsored scholarships within these programmes:

• MJ Dowling Hurling Scholarship

• Moss Keane Rugby Scholarship

• R&A Golf Scholarship

The Quercus Talented Students' Programme also supports excellence in academia, sport, creative and performing arts, active citizenship, and innovation/entrepreneurship.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship assists student athletes in developing their sporting careers by offering:

• A financial bursary

• Coaching and training support

• Strength and conditioning advice

• Sports medical and physiological support

• Academic and life‑skills support

All sports scholars must be available to play or compete for their UCC club for the duration of the scholarship term. Scholars must successfully complete their academic programme and provide end‑of‑year evidence of successful completion.

Key Dates for 2026/27

• Applications open online: 2 April 2026

• Closing date for applications: 2 September 2026 at 8:00 PM

• Scholarships confirmed: 18 September 2026

• Contracts issued to athletes: 21–30 September 2026

• Athlete induction, performance planning, and contracts completed: 30 September 2026

• Programme induction and workshop: Weeks 1 and 2 of October 2026

• Launch: October 2026

• First scholarship payment: 30 November 2026

• Submit Semester 2 exam results: 30 June 2027

• Second scholarship payment: 30 June 2027

Terms and Conditions

The UCC Sports Scholarship is managed and administered by the Department of Sport and Physical Activity (DSPA). Any breach of the agreement by the sports scholar will lead to termination of the scholarship and may leave the scholar liable, at the discretion of the University, to repay the amount already paid while in receipt of the scholarship.

The full terms and conditions for the 2026/27 programme can be downloaded from the UCC Sport website.

How to Apply

The application process for the 2026/27 scholarship programme opens on 2 April 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the UCC Sport website. The closing date is Wednesday, 2 September 2026, at 8:00 PM. Late applications will not be accepted.

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

Final Thoughts

The UCC Sport Scholarship Programme is an excellent opportunity for talented athletes who want to combine their academic studies with high‑performance sport. With comprehensive support services and a financial bursary, this programme helps dual‑career athletes reach their full potential both in the classroom and on the field. Apply online between 2 April and 2 September 2026.

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

Apply Now for UCC Sport Scholarship Programme 2026