TUS University of Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Award is an initiative of University of Sanctuary Ireland, to encourage and celebrate good practice of universities, colleges and other education institutes welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into their university communities and fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion for all those seeking sanctuary. TUS was designated a University of Sanctuary in June 2022 becoming the first Technological University in Ireland to be given the award.

TUS offers 10 undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships per academic year for students living in Ireland who have refugee status/subsidiary protection/leave to remain but do not have access to SUSI or the Free Fees initiative.

For information and educational supports available to those who wish to pursue further education and are living in international protection an information booklet prepared by the Irish Refugee Council is available here: Higher Education (HE) – Irish Refugee Council

Eligibility Criteria for TUS Sanctuary Scholarships

To apply, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria and verify their circumstances. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Incomplete applications and/or applications without the required supporting documentation will not be considered.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

The Applicant must: 

(a) be a current International Protection Applicant, or have been granted Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection or Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) as a result of their application for international protection, 

(b) have applied through the CAO for a place on a full-time undergraduate course at the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest as a Leaving Certificate, QQI or Mature Student applicant, 

(c) be ineligible for ‘free fees’ for a full-time undergraduate course or for a SUSI fee grant or for the Student Grant Scheme for International Protection Applicants (if applicable for 2026/27), 

(d) have been residing in the State for a continuous period of not less than 12 months prior to the commencement of the academic year in which you intend to study,

(e) not previously have been living in Ireland on the basis of a Stamp 2 or Stamp 2A visa, 

(f) be living within a 50km distance of the campus on which you intend to study.

Please note that preference will be given to Applicants who have been granted Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection or Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) as a result of their application for international protection and who are otherwise ineligible for ‘free fees’ for a full-time undergraduate course or for a SUSI fee grant or for the Student Grant Scheme for International Protection Applicants (if applicable for 2026/27).

What supports will I receive with a TUS University of Sanctuary Scholarship?

• Scholarship will pay all fees (tuition & registration)
• A subsistence support stipend €960 (payable in four equal instalments throughout the academic year) to assist with travel, books, and meals
• Please note the scholarship does not include University accommodation. 

How to Apply – TUS Undergraduate Sanctuary Applicants

• Applicants are required to apply for their course through the usual CAO channels/FETAC/Mature Student Route. For further info please click link: Further Information

Applicants will need to complete the form at the link below to apply for the TUS Sanctuary Scholarship:

Sanctuary Scholarships Opening Date: Tuesday 12^th May 2026

Sanctuary Scholarships Closing Date: Friday 28^th August 2026

Applications will remain open for Leaving Certificate students until the end of September 2026.

If you have any queries about the application process, please contact mona.khan@tus.ie

If you are a mature applicant (over 23) please apply at the below link:

If you have sat/will sit the Irish leaving certificate please apply at the below link:

Access/Transition to Higher Education Programme Students

TUS offers 10 Sanctuary scholarships for students living in international protection studying on the Access/Transition to Higher Education programme at TUS.

The TUS one year Access course runs on both our Athlone and Limerick campuses and equips candidates with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to progress to third-level education at TUS. The access course gives students an understanding of computing, basic technology, science, engineering, business and humanities. Teaching methods include a combination of lectures, tutorials, project work and other assignments. The course is an excellent pathway towards a full-time undergraduate programme at TUS. There are 10 Sanctuary scholarships available for Access students.

Applicants are required to apply for the Access/Transition to Higher Education Programme before completing the Sanctuary Scholarship Application form.

To apply for the Access course Sanctuary scholarship please apply at the below link:

For further information on the Limerick Transition to Higher Education (Access) programme, click the link below:

For further information on the Athlone Access programme, click the link below: