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About the University College Dublin Global Excellence Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships
The University College Dublin (UCD) Global Excellence Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships is a prestigious initiative designed to support outstanding African students who wish to pursue their higher education in Ireland. Funded by UCD International, this scholarship program aims to attract high-achieving candidates to UCD’s diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, offering them the opportunity to study at one of Ireland’s most respected universities. The program encourages early applications and is highly competitive, making it a significant opportunity for academically gifted students across Africa.
UCD is committed to fostering global diversity, and this scholarship initiative strengthens the university’s ties with Africa while enabling talented students to access world-class education. Recipients of the scholarship will benefit from financial assistance, access to cutting-edge research opportunities, and an enriched academic environment.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is exclusively available to students from African countries. However, applicants from the following North African nations are not eligible under the African Global Excellence Scholarship but will instead be considered for the Middle East and North Africa Global Excellence Scholarship:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Sudan
Applicants from other African nations are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this outstanding educational opportunity.
Eligible Fields
The scholarship applies to a wide range of full-time Master’s programs at UCD. However, it is important to note that some programs are not eligible, including:
- All clinical programs
- Master’s programs offered by the Smurfit School of Business
- Joint master’s programs
- Online programs
- MSc in Digital Investigation & Forensic Computing
Students interested in eligible undergraduate and graduate taught programs should confirm that their intended course is covered under the scholarship before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UCD Global Excellence Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- African Nationality & Residency: Applicants must be citizens of an African country and must currently reside in an African country at the time of application.
- Non-EU Status: Applicants must be classified as non-EU students for tuition fee and application purposes.
- Eligible Programs: The scholarship is open to students applying for full-time, taught undergraduate or master’s programs based in Dublin, Ireland. Programs where degrees are awarded by another institution or are delivered partly online are not eligible.
- Academic Excellence: The scholarship is highly competitive, and successful candidates typically have a first-class honors degree (for master’s applicants) or an excellent academic record for undergraduate applicants.
- Self-Funded Students: Only self-funded students are eligible. Candidates receiving other significant scholarships may not qualify.
- Maintaining Eligibility: Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum annual grade point average (GPA) of 3.08/4.2 (upper second class) to continue receiving the award in subsequent years.
- Offer Requirement: To apply, students must have received an Offer, Conditional Offer, Accept, or Conditional Accept status for their UCD application.
Selection Criteria
The selection process for this scholarship is highly competitive. Candidates are evaluated based on:
- Academic Records: Outstanding grades and a strong educational background.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English language skills through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Overall Merit: Holistic review of the candidate’s profile, including extracurricular activities and leadership experience.
- Research Achievements (for graduate applicants): Previous research work or relevant academic projects.
- Personal Statement & References: Candidates must submit a compelling application that demonstrates their motivation, goals, and how the scholarship will benefit them.
Benefits of the UCD Global Excellence Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships
The UCD Global Excellence Scholarships provide significant financial relief to recipients, covering a substantial portion of their tuition fees. The scholarships are offered in two categories:
- 100% Global Excellence Tuition Fee Scholarship – This scholarship covers full tuition fees, allowing students to study at UCD without worrying about tuition costs.
- 50% Global Excellence Tuition Fee Scholarship – This scholarship covers half of the tuition fees, significantly reducing the financial burden on the student.
Recipients of these scholarships benefit from access to UCD’s world-class academic resources, networking opportunities, and a vibrant international student community. The scholarship opens doors to career development, internships, and global exposure, positioning graduates for success in their fields.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Secure an Offer from UCD: Applicants must first receive an Offer, Conditional Offer, Accept, or Conditional Accept status from UCD for an eligible program.
- Prepare Application Documents: Ensure all required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of nationality, English proficiency scores, and personal statements, are ready.
- Complete the Scholarship Application: Visit the UCD Scholarship Application Portal and fill out the online application form.
- Submit Before the Deadline: The application deadline is 31st March 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
- Await Selection Results: Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and may be required to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
Final Thoughts
The UCD Global Excellence Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships is a golden opportunity for African students to study in one of Europe’s leading institutions. With full and partial tuition fee coverage, this scholarship program enables bright students to access world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse learning environment. If you are an ambitious student looking for an opportunity to excel, this scholarship could be your stepping stone to a bright future.
Start your application today and take the first step toward achieving your academic and professional dreams in Ireland!
Good luck to all applicants!
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
