Full PhD / Doctorate

Ad Astra PhD Scholarship at University College Dublin

· University College Dublin

Award

Full

Awards

—

Eligible

Open

Deadline

Rolling

Overview

UCD Ad Astra Academy Scholarship Programme recognises exceptional students when they join, as well as those who develop their talents while studying at UCD. The Academy has scholarships in Academia, Elite Sports and Performing Arts.

The UCD Ad Astra Academy Academic Scholarship is described as a leadership programme for motivated students with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership, and a desire to continue to achieve at the highest level. The programme is also described as aiming at highly motivated undergraduate students who aspire, achieve and excel.

The UCD Ad Astra Academy Elite Sports Scholarship Programme supports students competing and succeeding at the highest sporting levels, where athletes in the Academy compete at international level and, for GAA, compete at inter-county level. The UCD Ad Astra Academy Performing Arts Scholarship Programme is for students who excel in theatre performance or classical music and wish to develop their performance talents while pursuing a degree at UCD.

Eligibility

Academic Scholarship: motivated students with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership, and a desire to continue to achieve at the highest level.
Elite Sports Scholarship Programme: students who are competing and succeeding at the highest sporting levels.
Elite Sports Scholarship Programme: athletes in the Academy compete at international level; for GAA, athletes compete at inter-county level.
Performing Arts Scholarship Programme: students who excel in theatre performance (actor, playwright, director, designer etc.) or classical music, and wish to develop their performance talents while pursuing a degree at UCD.

Benefits

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How to apply

Submit an application for the relevant Ad Astra Academy scholarship during the stated application window.
For Elite Sports and Performing Arts Scholarships: applications closed on 31st January 2026.
For the Academic Scholarship: applications will accept applications from 1st February 2026 and close on 24th August 2026 at 23:59.

Documents required

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Student visa for Ireland

International students who wish to study in Ireland must obtain an Irish Student Visa. This visa allows students to pursue full-time courses...

Processing time: Typically 8 to 12 weeks Application fee: Typically between €60 and €300 Proof of funds: Approximately €7,000 - €12,000 per year

Read the full student-visa guide

Please note: scholarship values, the number of awards, eligibility and deadlines change from year to year and are indicative here. Always confirm the current details on the official provider or university website before applying, and beware of any third party asking for payment to “secure” a scholarship.

Apply on official site

Official source: https://www.ucd.ie/adastraacademy/