Scholarship Overview
Applications for the academic year 2026-2027 are now open
South East Technological University offers 8 scholarships to refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in support of the Universities of Sanctuary initiative which aims to welcome refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into the university community. SETU’s staff and students on our three campuses in Carlow, Waterford and Wexford, join with partners in the City of Sanctuary and Schools of Sanctuary movements, in wishing to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion for all those seeking sanctuary both within our higher education institutions and within the region.
SETU has a strong track record of contributing towards diversity, inclusion and internationalisation in higher education, having been a leading Institute in internationalisation within the University for almost two decades. The University has a long tradition of reaching out to and supporting migrant and refugee students in its local area. The Office for International Relations served for many years on the Executive Committee of the Irish Council for Overseas Students, which is an advocacy body for all overseas students.
South East Technological University supports the University of Sanctuary initiative which aims to welcome refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into our college community, and to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion for all those seeking sanctuary.
SETU has a strong track record of contributing towards diversity, inclusion and internationalisation in higher education, having been a leading Institute in internationalisation within the University for almost two decades.
The University has a long tradition of reaching out to and supporting migrant and refugee students in its local area. The Office for International Relations was a lead contributor to the development of standards in the provision of higher education for international students, and served for many years on the Executive Committee of the Irish Council for Overseas Students which is an advocacy body for all overseas students.
You are eligible to apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:
- Are a non-EU citizen who is an International Protection Applicant (person seeking asylum) and not eligible for state support, (meaning ‘free fees’, the state Student Support Scheme for people in the International Protection System, SUSI grant, social welfare payments)
or
- Are a non-EU citizen with Permission to Remain, Subsidiary Protection, Family Reunification, or Refugee Status and not eligible for state support and designated as Non-EU fee status
- All applicants must have been offered a programme to study at a SETU campus through the CAO process.
- Applicants must be registered with the Department of Justice and documentation of status will be required. You must include evidence of your status (e.g., a copy of the letter issued to you from the Department of Justice and Equality confirming details of your permission to reside in Ireland or your Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services card.)
- Students must commence their course of study and be a registered student at SETU for the scholarship to become valid.
Note: Priority is given to students residing within a commutable distance of the campus on which the course they wish to pursue is being offered. (In this regard, a commutable distance is defined as within approximately 45km of the relevant campus)
- The SETU University of Sanctuary scholarship programme is funded by SETU and aims to support excellent students who wish to access SETU’s programmes of study.
- These scholarships are open to refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in the south east of Ireland or who are separated/unaccompanied minors who are in the care of the Child and Family Agency/HSE in the south east of Ireland.
- In order to be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must:
- have applied through the standard application routes for entry to SETU;
- for new entrants to undergraduate programmes, must have applied for entry through the Central Applications Office (CAO) before the normal closing date of application (see www.cao.ie), and must have selected an SETU programme as their CAO preference by the CAO change of mind date;
- for continuing students, must be in good standing on their current academic programme and eligible for progression to the next year; In extenuating circumstances repeat students may be considered on a case by case basis for support.
- must meet the entry requirements of the programme applied for including specific programme entry requirements as outlined in SETU’s prospectus, which is also detailed online at www.setu.ie;
- must satisfy the English language requirements of their chosen programme;
- must provide evidence of status (e.g. a copy of the letter issued from the Department of Justice and Equality confirming details of permission to reside in Ireland or an Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services card);
- must provide evidence of an address in the south east of Ireland;
- must provide evidence of academic achievement to date along with a supporting reference.
- have applied through the standard application routes for entry to SETU;
- Only completed applications received before the scholarship closing date will be considered.
- Successful candidates will be selected solely on the basis of academic merit.
- Scholarship will pay all fees (tuition & registration). The scholarship will also award a financial support stipend of €1200 payable in two instalments the start of each semester (i.e. September and January). The issued scholarship will be deducted from the University fee account. In order to maintain a scholarship, applicants will need to reapply in the following year. These scholarships do not cover costs associated with repeating the programme, or costs associated with carrying out repeat examinations or assessments. In the event that the recipient becomes eligible for a grant to support higher education studies and is successful in their grant application the scholarship will cease.
- Enrolment on an SETU programme is without prejudice to an application for International Protection (asylum) and cannot be used as a basis for seeking to stay in the country in cases where the Protection Application is refused.
- SETU reserves the right to make the SETU Sanctuary Scholarship programme applicable to certain SETU academic programmes.
- The SETU University of Sanctuary Scholarship Scheme applies to entry into SETU programmes for the upcoming academic year only.
- Once scholarship awards are issued, students must accept their offer within two weeks of notification. It is the student’s responsibility to formally accept the scholarship offer, a non-response will be considered as declining the offer.
- A student who declines an initial offer of admission and accompanying scholarship offer will not retain his/her scholarship offer if he/she reapplies at a later date.
- A student who withdraws, cancels or becomes inactive, enrolls less than full-time, is suspended, or dismissed from the University will lose his/her scholarship eligibility. A student who takes such a status due to medical reasons may appeal in writing to Scholarship Committee to have his/her scholarship reinstated. The appeal must be submitted with supporting documentation, such as a letter from a doctor. In such a case, for there to be a possibility for reinstatement, a student’s leave from the University cannot exceed two consecutive semesters.
- SETU encourages all scholarship holders to become involved in the student, sporting and cultural life whilst at SETU. Scholarship students may be encouraged to participate in student panels, focus groups, write blogs, and partake in other activities as requested from time to time by the University of Sanctuary committee and other offices of the University. On completion of their programme of study, scholarship students who participated in the above-mentioned activities will receive a letter of reference from the Sanctuary committee.
Step 1
For Year 1 Students: You must apply for a SETU course through the CAO at www.cao.ie by 1 May. Note that applicants can still change their order of preference up until 1 July.
For Continuing Students: Existing Sanctuary Students will not need to follow this application process for reapplication. An existing sanctuary student’s scholarship is guaranteed as long as the following are met: you must be eligible to progress to the next year of your SETU course, obtain first division grades and not be eligible for a SUSI grant. We will contact you separately if you are a continuing student.
Step 2
- Apply for the SETU University of Sanctuary Scholarship before deadline.
- Complete the online application in full.
- Please also include the name and email address of your referee(s) as they will be contacted to provide a reference to support your application.
Step 3
All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email (to the email address provided on the application form) before the start of the new academic year.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Sanctuary scholarships are open to both new CAO entrants and continuing students. For a full list of criteria and how to apply, please read the details carefully. If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].
Due to the competitive nature of this scholarship, we strongly encourage candidates to keep other options open in case your scholarship application to Sanctuary at SETU is unsuccessful. This is not necessarily a reflection on your application, but down to the high number of applications we receive. This also includes applying to other Universities of Sanctuary as well as considering further education and training progression routes into higher education. Courses on offer can be found through the Further Education and Training Course Hub. The Irish Refugee Council has a very helpful webpage for State Funding options.
Please see the table below for alternative options:
| Option | Eligibility | Award Type |
| IP Student Scheme (Gov) | Asylum Seekers (3+ Years RI) | Tuition + Stipend/Living Allowance |
| SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) | Refugees with Stamp 4 and 3+ years RI | Tuition + Stipend/Living Allowance |
| VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) | Age 21+, Stamp 4 (check scheme page for more details) | Tuition + Living Allowance |
| BTEA (Back To Education Allowance) | Stamp 4 (check scheme page for more details) | Living Allowance |
| IRC Education Fund | IP/refugee in EI/HE | €100–€500+ |
| SETU Student Assistance Fund | All Non-Sanctuary SETU students | ~€500–€1,000 |
Aside from financial support, other useful resources can also be found below:
- Weekly Youth Group – Irish Refugee Council: Supports young people, aged 16-25 through peer networking, support and group activities and workshops.
- A Place to Call Home – Irish Refugee Council: Supports refugees wanting to leave Direct Provision
- Education and Training Board (ETB): ETB believes in lifelong learning and supports pathways to education for everyone.
- Further Education and Training (FET) - Irish Refugee Council: Under FET, since 2021 anyone with a work permit can pay local fees for level 5/6 one-year full-time Post Leaving Certificate (PLC). PLC courses at Level 5 & 6 can be used to gain entry to Undergraduate Degrees at Level 7 & 8. FET guidance via ETB can also be found through their website page at Adult Education Guidance Service (AEGS).
- Nasc Ireland: Nasc is an NGO based in Cork. They work towards protecting refugees, asylum seeks and migrants rights and helping their integration into Irish society. They can be contacted through their webpage on casework service.
Doras: Doras is an NGO based in Limerick promoting and protecting the rights of refugees, asylum seeks and migrants. They can be contacted through their website.
1. What is the SETU Sanctuary Academic Scholarship?
The SETU Sanctuary Academic Scholarship is designed to support students seeking international protection, including asylum seekers, refugees, and other eligible individuals, in accessing higher education at South East Technological University (SETU).
2. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must:
- Be seeking international protection (e.g., asylum seekers, refugees, or those with permission to remain)
- Reside in Ireland
- Meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen programme
- Be unable to access standard funding supports (e.g., SUSI grants)
Specific eligibility criteria may vary slightly each year, so applicants should review the full guidelines before applying.
3. Can I get the sanctuary scholarship if I am not a resident of Ireland nor an IPA?
No. This scholarship is offered only to International Protection Applicants, people with Permission to Remain, Subsidiary Protection, Family Reunification, or Refugee Status, and who are not eligible for state support. We cannot offer a scholarship to someone who does not meet this criterion. Please read our sanctuary webpage for other supports, and keep options open for help with alternatives to the sanctuary scholarship.
4. Do applicants need to receive a university offer before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants will need to submit their Central Applications Office (CAO) number in the sanctuary application, which will only be obtained after applying to a course at SETU. We would advise the applicant to apply to their desired course before February.
5. What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship generally includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- A financial stipend
- Access to academic and student support services
6. What is the application process?
The process is simple. The applicant only needs to fill out a medium-length form with 2 small essays and 1 or 2 references. If shortlisted, the candidate is called for an online or in-person interview. Results are announced in August, and the applicant confirms their place prior to joining their course programme in September.
7. Do I need to add two references?
It is advised that you add two to strengthen your application, but only one referee is mandatory.
8. I don’t have work experience, should I still apply?
Yes. Even without work experience, academic performance plays a vital role. Please also mention volunteer work here if you have any.
9. When do applications close?
Applications close on 31st July. We advise candidates to apply well before July. As applications are assessed on a cyclical basis, it is advised to apply soon, as shortlisted candidates are contacted as soon as they are shortlisted.
10. When are results announced?
Results are announced in August, in line with the CAO office.
11. How many scholarships does SETU award?
SETU awards 8 Sanctuary Scholarships a year, not counting continuing scholars. The number may vary depending on funding and capacity.
12. How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic potential and preparedness
- Personal circumstances and financial need
- Motivation and commitment to education
- Supporting documentation
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
13. Do I need to submit or prepare any special documents for my legal status?
No, we only ask for proof of legal status. This can be any existing document, for example:
- Copy of the letter issued to the applicant by the Department of Justice and Equality proving their status, or
- IRP card, or
- IPO/TRC card
14. What kind of personal statement should I include?
Your personal statement should outline your educational background, your interest in the chosen course, your future goals, and how the scholarship would support your journey.
15. What level of English is required?
Applicants must meet the English language requirements for their chosen programme. If you do not yet meet these requirements, guidance may be available on suitable pathways or supports.
16. Can I apply for more than one course?
Yes. You may apply for multiple courses through the CAO, but you should ensure you meet the entry requirements for each and clearly indicate your preferred choice.
17. Is my place on sanctuary guaranteed after the first year?
Yes, provided the student meets the following criteria:
- They have progressed to the next year of studies
- They are ineligible for the SUSI grant
- They are scoring above average grades
Re-applicants will need to reapply to sanctuary through a different form which is circulated internally around July.
18. Can I apply if I don’t have all my academic documents?
If you are unable to provide official transcripts due to your circumstances, alternative documentation may be considered. You should clearly explain your situation in your application.
19. Is accommodation included in the scholarship?
No, accommodation is not included. However, SETU may offer guidance on finding suitable housing.
20. Can I work while studying on this scholarship?
This depends on your immigration status and current regulations in Ireland. Applicants should check the conditions attached to their permission to remain.
21. What support is available during my studies?
Students may receive:
- Academic mentoring
- Access to student support services
- Guidance on progression and career planning
SETU aims to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
22. Is there an age limit for applying?
There is no strict age limit. Applicants of all ages are welcome, provided they meet the eligibility and academic requirements.
23. Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
Due to the volume of applications, detailed individual feedback may not always be possible, but general guidance may be provided.
24. Will I lose the scholarship if my circumstances change?
Recipients must continue to meet certain conditions (e.g., academic progress and enrolment). Any significant changes should be communicated to the Sanctuary team.
25. Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful?
Yes. Applicants who are not selected may reapply in future years if they still meet the eligibility criteria.
26. Can I apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship if I have been accepted to a different university?
No. The SETU Sanctuary Academic Scholarship is only available to students applying to study at SETU.
Applicants must have applied for a course at SETU through the CAO and provide their CAO number as part of the application process.
If you have accepted or plan to attend another university, you are not eligible for this scholarship. However, you may wish to explore similar supports offered by your chosen institution.
If you are considering applying, we encourage you to start early, prepare your documents carefully, and contact us for support if needed.