The O’Connor Scholarship: Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits of the Scholarship

5 minute read
10 shares
The O’Connor Scholarship

The O’Connor Scholarship at University College Cork, also known as UCC, provides financial support to graduate students with a strong academic record who wish to pursue a Master’s degree program at UCC. While the scholarship itself doesn’t have restrictions on specific programs or specialisations, UCC offers a vast selection of Master’s degree programs across several fields, including Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, and Law.

The O’Connor Scholarship value is €10,000, which covers tuition fees for one year of full-time Master’s study, with the possibility of renewal for a second year corresponding to maintaining excellent academic performance. Keep reading to learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, selection process, and how this O’Connor scholarship can help you achieve your academic goals at UCC.

About the O’Connor Scholarship

The O’Connor Scholarship is an endowment funded to commemorate Frances P. Doherty, Catherine E. Doherty, and Kathleen L. Doherty. It is awarded annually by University College Cork (UCC) to graduates who wish to pursue a postgraduate (master’s level) program at UCC.

The award is EUR 10,000 approx. for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Only one scholarship is usually offered per year. 

Scholarship NameThe O’Connor Scholarship
Level of StudyMaster’s Degree Program
Target AudienceTalented students from Ireland and other developing countries
Award€10,000
DeadlineFalls in September
Offered UniversityUniversity College Cork
Official linkwww.ucc.ie

Also Read: Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA

Benefits of The O’Connor Scholarship

The O’Connor Scholarship at UCC offers several significant benefits for qualified graduates pursuing a Master’s degree at University College Cork.

  • The value of the scholarship is c. €10,000.
  • It covers the tuition fees for one year of a Master’s program at UCC.
  • By covering tuition fees, the scholarship allows you to focus on your studies without worrying about the financial strain of tuition fees.
  • Being awarded the O’Connor Scholarship signifies academic achievement and can be a valuable addition to your resume or CV.
  • Receiving this O’Connor scholarship can strengthen your profile within UCC.
  • Financial security from the scholarship allows you to dedicate more time and energy to your studies.
  • Having a prestigious scholarship like the O’Connor Scholarship on your record can be advantageous when applying for jobs or further academic pursuits after your Master’s degree.

Eligibility Criteria For The O’Connor Scholarship

The UCC – O’Connor Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria to get a scholarship.

  • Be a graduate born in Ireland.
  • Have a parent whose surname at birth was O’Connor.
  • Be a graduate of University College Cork (UCC).
  • Must be applying for a Master’s degree program at UCC.Maintain satisfactory academic performance to be eligible for renewal for a second year.

NOTE: While the scholarship announcement doesn’t mention a minimum GPA requirement, it emphasises a strong academic background. And the number of scholarships offered might be limited (usually one per year), so competition can be high.

Application Process For The O’Connor Scholarship

The application process for UCC’s O’Connor Scholarship seems to be a bit different from the typical online application. Here’s based on the UCC official portal.

  • First, students can visit the official website at https://www.ucc.ie/en/scholarships/.
  • You can submit your application by providing a “Curriculum Vitae (CV)” with a focus on your academic achievements.
  • Applications typically close around early September.
  • Email your CV to Dr Katalin Meagher Albert at the UCC Scholarship Unit.
  • Include “The O’Connor Scholarships” in the subject line of your email.

Summary of the Application Process

Get a quick overview of the O’Connor Scholarship application steps, including key deadlines, required documents, and submission guidelines for aspiring UCC postgraduates. Here is a summary of the application process: 

  1. Prepare your CV highlighting your academic achievements.
  2. Convert your CV to a PDF document.
  3. Around early September, email your CV and any references (optional) to [email protected] with “The O’Connor Scholarships” in the subject line.
  4. Ensure your CV is well-formatted and easy to read.
  5. Proofread your CV and email carefully before submitting.
  6. Consider contacting the Scholarship Unit ([email protected]) for any clarifications you may have about the application process.

Courses Covered Under The O’Connor Scholarship

The O’Connor Scholarship can be applied to any Master’s degree program offered by UCC. UCC offers a vast selection of Master’s programs across various fields, giving you a lot of flexibility in choosing your area of study. Here’s a glimpse into some of the broad academic areas covered by UCC’s Master’s programs:

  • Arts and Humanities: Archaeology, English, History, Music, Philosophy, and more.
  • Business and Law: Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business Law, and more.
  • Engineering and Science: Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, and more.
  • Medicine and Health: Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Also Read: 23+ UK Masters Scholarships for International Students

Selection Process For The O’Connor Scholarship

The O’Connor Scholarship at UCC is a sign of academic success and opens up a world of benefits for your Master’s journey. But to get this renowned award, you have to go through a tough selection process. This part goes into more detail about how UCC picks grant winners, describing the most important factors that are taken into account and giving you useful tips to make your application stronger.

  • The first step likely involves confirming that applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria, such as Irish citizenship, O’Connor surname requirement, UCC graduate status, and intended Master’s program enrollment.
  • Since the scholarship emphasises a strong academic background, your academic achievements highlighted in your CV will likely be a key factor.
  • It includes your undergraduate GPA, academic awards, research experience, and relevant coursework.
  • The selection committee might shortlist a few qualified candidates based on their academic merit.
  • The shortlisted candidates’ CVs (and potentially references, if submitted) might be reviewed by a committee within UCC, likely consisting of faculty members or scholarship administrators.

Factors Affecting Selection for The O’Connor Scholarship

Understanding the key elements that influence selection, including academic performance, eligibility criteria, program choice, and the overall strength of your application.

Here’s a breakdown of the likely factors that influence a candidate’s chances of being chosen.

  • You must strictly meet all the eligibility criteria, including Irish citizenship, O’Connor surname requirement, UCC graduate status, and intended Master’s program enrollment.
  • Given the scholarship’s emphasis on a strong academic background, your CV is important.
  • Recognition, such as Dean’s List or academic honors highlights your academic excellence.
  • Highlight coursework aligning with your chosen Master’s program.
  • A well-formatted and easy-to-read CV with clear descriptions of your achievements is important.
  • Consider including a concise statement within your CV explaining your academic goals and how the scholarship aligns with them.
  • If possible, tailor your CV and statement to the specific Master’s program you’re applying for.

Also Read: Free Scholarships to Study Abroad for International Students

The O’Connor Scholarship stands as a prestigious opportunity for UCC graduates of Irish origin with O’Connor heritage to advance their postgraduate studies with financial support and recognition. With its generous funding, strong academic focus, and cultural legacy, this scholarship not only eases the cost of education but also honors family roots and academic excellence. By preparing thoroughly and applying on time, eligible candidates can take a meaningful step toward their academic and professional goals at University College Cork.

FAQ’s

What is the full form of UCC in Ireland?

University College Cork (UCC) is the world’s first college or university to get a fifth Green Flag.

What is the University College Cork Scholarship 2025?

You can use the Naughton scholarship to study Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math.

Does UCC offer fee-paying?

There are ways for candidates and applicants to pay fees if they don’t hit the tough cut-off points set by the Joint Admissions Committee.

Related Reads 

Chevening Interview Preparation: Complete Guide for Indian Students (2026-27)Unlock Your Future With Acadia University Scholarships for International Students
K C Mahindra Scholarships for Post Graduate Studies AbroadKarlstad University Global Scholarship Program
Reference Letters for Chevening India Scholarship 2026-27Postgraduate Merit Scholarships – University of Galway: Complete Details

Exploring study abroad scholarships? Not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

*

*