Achieve Your Dreams with the Ad Astra Scholarship at UCD Ireland 2023
Imagine pursuing your bachelor’s degree fully funded at Ireland’s largest university. The prestigious Ad Astra Scholarship at University College Dublin (UCD) makes this dream a reality for exceptional students worldwide in 2023. Keep reading to learn all about this life-changing opportunity.
Introduction to University College Dublin
Established in 1854, University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s largest university with over 30,000 students. Spread across a parkland campus of 133 hectares, UCD offers world-class education through its five colleges:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences and Law
- Engineering and Architecture
- Science
- Health Sciences
Ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions globally, UCD is also Ireland’s most internationally diverse university with students from over 160 countries. Graduates thrive in impactful careers worldwide.
UCD’s Location in Vibrant Dublin, Ireland
UCD’s main campus is based in Dublin, Ireland’s capital and largest city. Voted one of the world’s friendliest cities, Dublin blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy.
The campus is just 4 km from Dublin’s energetic city center. Students love Dublin’s cozy pubs, live music scenes, historic landmarks like Trinity College, and the beautiful Irish coastline nearby.
The Ad Astra Scholarship at UCD
The Ad Astra (“to the stars”) Scholarship is UCD’s premier undergraduate scholarship for non-EU students. It covers your full tuition, accommodation, and other costs to complete a UCD bachelor’s degree.
Up to 10 Ad Astra Scholarships are awarded annually to international applicants who demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Exceptional extracurricular accomplishments
- Passionate ambition to excel
Ad Astra Scholars gain access to a prestigious community that opens up diverse personal growth and networking opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ad Astra Scholarship at UCD, you must:
- Be a non-EU citizen applying for your first undergraduate program at UCD
- Achieve top exam results equivalent to 7 Irish Honour Grades
- Showcase impressive success beyond academics like awards, leadership, entrepreneurship, or community impact
- Meet UCD’s English language requirements
Students worldwide who meet the merit criteria are welcome to apply. Women and STEM candidates are strongly encouraged.
Ad Astra Scholarship Benefits
The Ad Astra Scholarship is valued at up to €112,000 covering:
- Full tuition fees for a 4-year UCD bachelor’s degree
- Accommodation expenses (shared room)
- Annual stipend of €3,000 for living costs
- Dedicated academic mentorship opportunities
- Access to the Scholars’ Room for study and socializing
- Profound alumni connections and graduate opportunities
Scholars also take part in enriching personal development workshops, events with inspiring guest speakers, and classes to hone leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
How to Apply
Applications for the Ad Astra Scholarship at UCD usually open in early spring for enrollment in September of the same year.
Submit your online application via the UCD Scholarship Application System alongside:
- Academic transcripts and exam results
- A personal statement highlighting your ambitions and suitability for this scholarship
- Curriculum vitae summarising your stellar extracurricular activities and achievements
- Reference letters endorsing your character and abilities
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews and skills assessments. Selection decisions are made based on application strength and interview performance.
Stand Out with a Stellar Application
To stand out among top global talent applying to the Ad Astra Scholarship, make sure your application highlights:
- Consistent academic excellence and interests aligned with UCD majors
- Unique extracurricular accomplishments that demonstrate grit
- Evidence of leadership experience, teamwork, and communication abilities
- Commitment to creating positive change in your community
- The life experiences that shaped your ambitions and worldview
- Your character, passions, and intellectual individuality
- Well-defined career goals and interest in sharing your skills with Ireland
The Key to an Exciting Future
In summary, the prestigious Ad Astra Scholarship represents a truly life-altering opportunity to earn a fully funded UCD degree in Ireland and join a community of change-makers and visionaries. If you are an academically brilliant and civic-minded student ready to reach for the stars, apply for a future brighter than you can imagine!
