The purpose of the 1916 Bursary is to encourage participation and success by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and who are from groups most under-represented in higher education. In order to be considered for a bursary, applicants must meet College Entry, Financial and Target Group eligibility criteria. Each college has a limited number of bursaries; they will be awarded to the eligible applicants that present the greatest need. 

There are three different types of bursaries – Tier 1, 2 and 3.

  • Tier 1: €5,000 per year for the normal duration of an undergraduate programme – or up to a maximum of six years for a part-time programme.
  • Tier 2: €2,000 per year for the normal duration of an undergraduate programme – or up to a maximum of six years for a part-time programme.
  • Tier 3: Awardees will receive a once-off bursary of €1,500 for the 2025/26 academic year only.

Tier 1 & Tier 2 bursaries will also be paid if the awardee progresses to postgraduate study.

Any students entering year 1 of an (undergraduate) programme full or part-time, with a household reckonable income less than €27,400* who are in the identified priority groups. 

*The Special Rate of grant now has 3 thresholds based on how many dependent children are in the household. Less than 4 = €27,400; 4 to 7 = €30,030; 8 or more = €32,555. The income threshold increases by €4,950 per additional person in college. 

Students who are entering directly to year 2 of a programme can also apply.

For more information, please review the applicant pack and the FAQ documents. Enquiries can be directed to 1916bursaryfund@ul.ie

Application Guidelines

Apply for the 1916 Bursary Fund

Undergraduate Students

1916 Bursary Fund Application