University of Galway and The SMYLYN Scholarship
University of Galway and The SMYLYN Scholarship
The SMYLYN Scholarship supports and empowers students in Year 1 at the University of Galway in the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies or the College of Business, Public Policy & Law. The scholarship recognises academic ambition and provides financial assistance to students who would benefit from additional support at the beginning of their university journey.
The scholarship is supported by the Smyth family of Galway and administered through the Galway University Foundation.
The SMYLYN Scholarship
Supported by the Smyth family of Galway in honor of their parents Nora and Sean Smyth, the SMYLYN Scholarship was established to support students in pursuing their dreams of higher education in the fields of Arts & Business at the University of Galway.
Education is not just about a job, it is about personal growth and developing the character to handle life's challenges .Participants will be the founders of our future and collectively, the beacon of hope for the betterment of our world on their life long enriching journey.
Attitude, Altitude & Gratitude
The SMYLYN Scholarship Details
The SMYLYN Scholarship will be awarded to four students in Year 1 of a programme within:
- The College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies
- The College of Business, Public Policy & Law at the University of Galway.
The scholarship supports students during the first year of their undergraduate studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
· Be in Year 1 of an undergraduate programme within the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies or the College of Business, Public Policy & Law at the University of Galway
· Demonstrate academic potential and motivation
· 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 / Mature / FETAC / Access student, orSubmit a Statement of Liability from the Revenue
Applicants must also have accepted and registered for their place at the University of Galway.
The SMYLYN Scholarship Value
Each Scholar will receive €2,500 in Year 1 of their studies.
The scholarship award will be applied towards tuition fees at the University of Galway or issued as a stipend if the student is already in receipt of other financial aid.
How to Apply for SMYLYN Scholarsip
The closing date for applications will be Friday March 27th 2026.
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. Please apply here: SMYLYN Scholarship – Fill out form
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview. If multiple applications are of the same standard, preference will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need.
The decision of the selection panel is final. Detailed feedback is not available in the case of unsuccessful applications.
SMYLYN Scholarship Terms & Conditions
1. The Scholarships will be awarded to four students in Year 1 of a programme in the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies or in the College of Business, Public Policy, & Law at University of Galway.
2. Each Scholar will receive €2,500 in Year 1 of their studies.
3. The scholarship award will be applied towards tuition fees at University of Galway or issued as a stipend if the student is already in receipt of other financial aid.
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 applicants demonstrating greater financial need.
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/Mature/Fetac or Access student or submit their Statement of Liability from the Revenue.
7. Any offer of a 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. Scholarships will only be awarded to Applicants who have been formally offered a place in the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies or in the College of Business, Public Policy, & Law at University of Galway.
9. Each Scholarship is for the named person on the application only.
10. The Scholar must commence his or her programme of study during the academic year of 2025/26. The Scholar 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 Institution to share certain data (name, course, student ID number, institution, etc.) with other parties within the Institution 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.
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