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Published: 04 Dec 2024 767 views
There are currently 60 UCD Ad Astra Elite Sports Scholars in the programme in a range of sports including Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Camogie, Cycling, Football, Gymnastics, GAA, Hockey, Hurling, Karate, Modern Pentathalon, Rugby, Soccer, Sailing, Swimming and Table-tennis.
A comprehensive battery of support is available to the Academy’s Elite Sports scholars, including guaranteed on-campus accommodation, academic mentoring, physiotherapy and medical assistance, nutritional and fitness monitoring, sports psychology and strength and conditioning, the latter taking place in our own High Performance Gym, under professional supervision.
Flexible admission arrangements are offered to the Elite Sports Scholars, acknowledging that dedication to elite sport may potentially detract from academic achievement in the latter stages of schooling. As a result, conditional offers to successful applicants are given pending the achievement of subject and grade requirements.
A leading European research-intensive university, UCD is the largest university in Ireland. With a history stretching back to 1854 and an impressive list of notable alumni, including the writer James Joyce and many current and former government ministers, we can rightly claim to have been a formative influence and an integral part of the Irish State since its foundation. In recent years UCD has established itself as Ireland’s Global University, with operations around the world, and more than 5000 international students attending our Dublin campus coming from 124 different countries. T... continue reading
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| Application Deadline | 31 Jan 2025 |
| Value | €3,000 |
| Country to study | Ireland |
| School to study | University College Dublin |
| Type | Undergraduate |
| Course to study | View courses |
| Sponsor | University College Dublin |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Ad Astra Elite Sports Scholars benefit from a scholarship, mentoring and a range of tailored supports. The value of the scholarship for new scholars entering the programme in September 2024 is €3,000 which can be used to offset the cost of fees, accommodation, or used as a bursary. If wishing to live on campus, Ad Astra Elite Sports Scholars may avail of allocated on-campus accommodation.
The scholarship is usually awarded for the first four years of study, subject to meeting the criteria for scholarship renewal each year.
All candidates must meet minimum Matriculation subject entry requirements. The full entry conditions, including points concessions can be found here:
2025 Ad Astra Academy Entry Requirements for Elite Sports and Performing Arts
All scholarships are awarded subject to the general conditions of the Ad Astra scholarships and specific Terms & Conditions for each strand.
Who needs to supply a reference?
Prospective Students - School Leavers:We require two references-one academic and one sporting.
Current students of UCD:We require one sporting reference.An academic reference is not required.
1. Academic reference. A reference is required from the school the student is currently attending. This can be from the headmaster/headmistress or year head. It can also be from a Career Guidance teacher. The reference should be short, accurate and refer to the academic abilities of the candidate.
2. Sporting reference: A reference is required from the coach or National Governing Body and should be short, accurate and refer to the sporting achievements of the applicant and indicate their future potential.
Are Reference contact details enough?
No. We require a written reference to be submitted and this should contain the name/address/telephone number of the referee.
How do I upload the reference?
Under the Application Checklist, click the Upload box beside the Academic Reference and the Sporting Reference.
What size should be uploaded?
Submit either a passport photograph or a photograph from a sporting competition.
Opening Date:
Applications open from 1st November 2024.
Closing Date:
31st January 2025. The closing date is strictly adhered to.
Interview Dates:
Interviews will take place in March or April 2025 and students must be available to attend.
Notification:
Only students who are shortlisted for interview are notified.
All students who are interviewed will be notified of their outcome by the end of June 2025. Some students may be put on a reserve list.
Stage 1 - Application:
Students must complete the UCD Ad Astra Elite Sports application online no later than 31st January 2025.
(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Click here to apply
NB: The closing date of 31 January 2025 will be strictly adhered to.
Stage 2 - Interview:
The applications are reviewed by the University and suitable candidates are selected for interview. Students who make it to the interview stage will be notified in writing.
Stage 3 - Offers:
Following the interview stage, placement offers will be made to successful applicants. These applicants will be expected to achieve certain subject and grade requirements for their programme.
For more details visit: UCD website.
