University of Galway and The Dillon Family Scholarship
University of Galway and The Dillon Family Partnership
The Dillon Family Scholarship supports and empowers undergraduate students from Counties Clare, Donegal and Waterford who are pursuing a business degree at the University of Galway.
This scholarship aims to recognise academic excellence, encourage participation in business education, and provide financial assistance to students who would benefit from additional support during their studies.
The scholarship scheme will open in September 2026 for students enrolling in first year for the 2026/27 academic year.
About The Dillon Family
The Dillon Family Scholarship encourages academic excellence and provides financial assistance to undergraduate students from Counties Clare, County Donegal and Waterford, enrolling in a business degree at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at the University of Galway. The scholarship is funded by the Dillon Family and administered through the Galway University Foundation.
Established by David Dillon, a University of Galway alumnus originally from County Clare, and Carol Dillon (née Corbett), an alumna of Dublin City University, the scholarship seeks to widen access to business education for students who would benefit from additional financial support.
The award reflects the family’s appreciation of the transformative role that higher education, and an active participation in all aspects of university life, played in their own lives. It honours the hard work and determination of their respective parents who, despite illness and financial constraints, and without having had the opportunity of a third-level education themselves, prioritised university attendance for each of their children. It also recognises the wider importance of excellence in business education to Ireland’s economic development and civic life.
About The Dillon Family Scholarship
The Dillon Family Scholarship will be awarded annually to one undergraduate student entering Year 1 of a degree programme within the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway.
The scholarship will support the student for the duration of their undergraduate degree programme, up to a maximum of four years, subject to satisfactory academic progression and continued eligibility.
Impact and Legacy
The Dillon Family Scholarship reflects the Dillon Family’s commitment to supporting access to education and fostering future business leaders. By supporting students at the beginning of their academic journey, the scholarship aims to empower recipients to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to society and the wider business community.
The Dillon Family Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
· Be entering Year 1 of an undergraduate degree programme within the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway
· Be from County Clare, County Donegal or County Waterford
· Demonstrate academic ability, motivation, and commitment to their chosen field of study
· Demonstrate financial need
· Qualify for and be in receipt of financial support through SUSI at Special Rate or Bands 1–4, or be registered as a HEAR, DARE, Mature, FETAC, or Access student
The Dillon Family Scholarship Value
The Scholar will receive €2,500 per annum for each year of their undergraduate studies. (up to €10,000)
The scholarship award will be:
- Applied directly towards tuition fees or
- Issued as a stipend where the student is already in receipt of other financial aid.
How to Apply for The Dillon Family Scholarsip
Application Process
Applicants will be required to complete an online application form and provide a personal statement outlining their academic goals, personal background, and how the scholarship would support their education.
- Applications for The Dillon Family Scholarships must be submitted by Friday, 23 October 2026.
- Applicants must complete the online scholarship application form
- Only fully completed applications received by the closing date will be considered.
- Applicants must ensure that all required supporting documentation is submitted by the deadline.
Selection Process
- Applications will be assessed by the University’s selection panel.
- Where multiple applications are of an equal standard, preference will be given to applicants demonstrating greater financial need.
- The University’s selection decision is final.
- Detailed feedback is not available to unsuccessful applicants.
Terms & Conditions of the The Dillon Family Scholarship
1. The Scholarship will be awarded to one student (the “Scholar”) entering Year 1 of any University of Galway undergraduate degree within the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics.
2. Each Scholar will receive €2,500 in each year of their participation in the degree programme at clause 1 above, up to a maximum of four years.
3. The scholarship award will be applied towards tuition or registration fees at University of Galway or paid directly to the Scholar as a stipend if the student is already in receipt of other financial aid and/or where no tuition or registration fees are payable.
3. The University’s selection process is final. Detailed feedback is not available in the case of an unsuccessful application.
4. If multiple applications are of the same standard, preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need as decided by the University.
5. Students will not be entitled to receive this scholarship in conjunction with any other bursary, scholarship or award of similar description.
6. Students must qualify for and be in receipt of financial support through SUSI at Special Rate or Bands 1–4 or be registered as a HEAR / DARE / Mature / Fetac or Access student from Co. Clare, Co. Donegal or Co. Waterford. The University reserves the right to amend these criteria to comparable criteria in future.
7. Any offer of the Scholarship is dependent upon information being truthful and accurate and upon the applicant fulfilling all of the conditions of the Scholarship. The right to withdraw an offer is maintained in the event of any error or omission whatsoever in the information provided by or on behalf of the Applicant. The Applicant will be given 14 days' notice in writing that the offer is being withdrawn.
8. The Scholarship will only be awarded to Applicants who have been formally offered (and have registered for) a place in any University of Galway Undergraduate Degree within the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics.
9. Each Scholarship is for the named person on the application only.
10. Scholars must successfully complete their programme of study within the standard timeframe. The duration of the Scholarship will be clearly stated upon confirmation of award and will not be extendable to cover any deferred or repeated year. Authorised postponements will be considered only in exceptional circumstances, and for a valid reason. In the event that no reasons are provided, it will remain within the discretion of University of Galway to withdraw the Scholarship.
11. The Scholar will be expected to attend a Scholarship Awards Ceremony to be formally presented with the award.
12. The scholarship is available to you on the basis that you are willing to participate in the Student Ambassador programme for not more than 1-2 hours per week during the period of study, if necessary.
13. The Scholar is required to take part in the promotion of this scholarship and may be asked for a photograph and personal statement for use in promotional material and impact reporting. The Scholar's contact details (email address, phone number and postal address) will be retained by University of Galway for the purpose of administering the Scholarship only.
14. If a scholarship holder withdraws from the programme for which s/he has registered or fails to continue throughout the year to meet the attendance and other requirements for the programme, including examination entry, s/he may be required to repay to the University the whole or part of the bursary in which case the University shall, in consultation with and subject to the agreement of the Donor, determine an alternative application for the refunded funds, consistent with the wishes of the Donor and informed by its original purpose.
15. The Scholar will agree to allow the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics to share certain data (name, course, student ID number, etc.) with other parties within the University as required with the Scholar's express permission.
16. All scholarship recipients must adhere to the University of Galway Student Code of Conduct.
17. University of Galway, in consultation with the supporter, reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions on notice to the scholars where necessary.
18. Each Scholar will agree to attend an annual meeting/lunch/dinner in Galway with the Donor and other recipients of the scholarship to network and develop a community of 'The Dillon Family' Scholars who will assist each other and stay connected.
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