If you’re an aspiring athlete planning to study in Ireland, the National College of Ireland (NCI) Sports Scholarship is a great way to get financial and sporting support while you study. This partially funded scholarship supports talented and promising sportspeople with bursaries, training support and other benefits to help you balance sport and academics.
Who can apply?
- Students who have already competed or who show the potential to compete at international, national, inter-provincial or inter-county level in Ireland.
Requirements (quick checklist)
- Apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate programme at National College of Ireland (NCI).
- Submit a separate sports scholarship application (in addition to the standard NCI admissions application).
- Provide evidence of sporting achievement or potential (e.g., competition records, coach references, videos, awards). (Check NCI’s official sports scholarship page for exact supporting documents required.)
- Any additional documents requested by NCI (varies by year / programme).
Deadline & Important Dates
| Item | Date / Note |
|---|---|
| Admission deadline Bachelor’s (September intake) | July 1, 2025 (varies by programme). |
| Admission deadline Bachelor’s (January intake) | October 31, 2025 (example). |
| Scholarship specific deadline | No single fixed scholarship deadline apply before the relevant NCI admissions deadline. |
Tip: Always apply for your chosen course first through NCI admissions, then complete the separate sports scholarship application.
What the scholarship offers (at a glance)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary | €2,000 award (partial funding). |
| Admissions concession | 30 points concession on the application. |
| Gym membership | Annual gym membership included. |
| Training & nutrition support | Assistance for training and nutrition planning. |
| Financial support for sports | Additional support for sports activities (where applicable). |
| Branded kit | Branded sporting materials provided. |
How to apply
- Apply for admission to your chosen undergraduate degree at NCI via the official admissions page.
- After (or while) applying for admission, complete the separate Sports Scholarship application on the NCI website this is required in addition to your course application.
- Prepare and upload supporting documents showing sporting achievements/potential (references, competition results, coaching endorsements, videos).
- Check NCI’s Sport/Scholarship pages for any additional steps or interviews.