Top students urged to apply for £5,850 scholarship as A-Level and BTEC results are released

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with students Naomi Duncan-Todd and Jay Curry encouraging eligible students to apply for the prestigious All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.

Thousands of students across Northern Ireland receiving their A-Level and BTEC results are being encouraged to check whether they could qualify for a scholarship worth £5,850 a year to help cover the cost of university.

The All Ireland Scholarship Scheme, funded by the JP McManus Trust, is now open for applications, with 25 scholarships available in Northern Ireland for students beginning higher education this autumn.

The annual award has increased from £5,500 to £5,850, providing additional financial support for high-achieving students from lower-income households.

Support for students from lower-income families

The scholarships are aimed at students from grant-aided schools and further education colleges who were receiving Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and are due to start higher education in autumn 2026.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the scheme helps ensure talented students are not held back by their financial circumstances.

“These scholarships recognise academic excellence and help ensure that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of opportunity. They are changing lives and opening doors for talented young people right across our communities.

“The success of the scheme speaks for itself. More than €51million has been invested in students across the island of Ireland and 376 young people from the north have already benefited. I encourage all eligible students to consider applying.”

Scholarship has supported hundreds of Northern Ireland students

Since the scheme was launched, 376 students from Northern Ireland have received scholarships. Across the island of Ireland, more than €51 million has been awarded, helping over 1,500 studentscomplete their university education.

Former recipients say the financial support allowed them to concentrate on their studies while reducing the pressures associated with university life.

Naomi Duncan-Todd, who studies Geography at Queen’s University Belfast, said:

“Receiving the scholarship made a real difference to my university experience. It eased the financial pressures that can come with higher education and allowed me to focus more fully on my studies. It also gave me the opportunity to take part in activities and experiences that have strengthened my CV and supported my future career ambitions.”

Jay Curry, a Chemical Engineering student at Queen’s University Belfast, added:

“The scholarship reduced a lot of the financial stress that students can face. It meant I could spend more time focusing on my course, take on less debt and make choices about accommodation that would have been much more difficult without this support. The award has had a significant positive impact on my time at university.”

Application deadline

Applications for this year’s scholarships close at 4pm on Thursday 27 August 2026.

Students can find full eligibility criteria and application information through nidirect and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).

• Apply and check eligibility via the nidirect All Ireland Scholarship page: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/all-ireland-scholarships

• Further guidance is also available from CCEA: https://ccea.org.uk/news/2026/march/all-ireland-scholarship-scheme-2026

For eligible students preparing to start university this autumn, the scholarship could provide thousands of pounds in support throughout their studies, helping reduce financial pressures while allowing them to focus on achieving their academic goals.