University of Limerick International Merit-Based Scholarship 2025

Are you a high-achieving non-EU student dreaming of studying in Ireland? The University of Limerick (UL) is offering a new merit-based scholarship for international applicants. This partial scholarship awards up to €2,500 per year in tuition relief (e.g. €2,000 for many programs), making UL more affordable. It’s available to both undergraduate and postgraduate candidates, and once you apply to a program, you’re automatically considered – no separate scholarship application is needed. This is a great opportunity to get financial aid (tuition grant) for your studies at UL.

The International Merit-Based Scholarship is part of UL’s commitment to global excellence. These awards target talented international (non-EU) students and are entirely based on academic merit. In other words, outstanding grades and strong academic records are key factors – there is no income requirement. Selected students receive a reduction in their annual tuition fees, and the scholarship amount is applied as a grant (financial aid) toward those fees. The decision on scholarship is communicated together with your admission offer, so you can plan your studies and funding together.

Overview of the Scholarship

The University of Limerick’s International (Non-EU) Merit-Based Scholarship is offered across all faculties for the 2025/26 academic year. UL has multiple partial scholarships available, one per qualifying student, and each is a tuition fee waiver. Most UL schools (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering) provide up to €2,000 per year toward tuition. The Kemmy Business School offers an even higher award of €2,500 per year for its eligible international students. The exact amount may vary by program, but all are substantial reductions from the full Non-EU tuition.

These scholarships are merit-based – awarded purely on the strength of your academic record. For example, the Arts & Humanities faculty explicitly states its awards are “based on academic merit”. There is no separate essay or exam for the scholarship; UL simply reviews your grades and application. The only requirement beyond grades is that you enroll in the offered program and commit to the full Non-EU fee (see Eligibility). The amount you get each year is deducted from your tuition – for example, if your program’s Non-EU fee is €18,000 and you have a €2,000 scholarship, you’ll pay €16,000 plus any mandatory student levy.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UL international merit-based scholarship, you must meet all of the following:

• Non-EU international student: You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union (i.e. liable for the full overseas tuition fee).
• Full-time enrolment: You must apply for and enroll in a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at UL. The scholarship is tied to your specific course.
• Academic merit: You should have an excellent academic record. UL evaluates your previous grades – the scholarships are awarded based on merit. (For graduate degrees, typically a bachelor’s GPA roughly equivalent to the Irish NFQ Level 8 is required.)
• Start date: You must begin your studies in September of the academic year (no deferral). UL’s policy states the scholarship is only valid if you enroll on time.
• Tuition liability: You must be paying the full Non-EU tuition fee. If you qualify for any other fee status (e.g. EU fee), you are not eligible for this scholarship.
• One scholarship only: You cannot hold more than one scholarship at UL. If you have external funding or another UL scholarship, you will not be entitled to this award.
• Language & entry requirements: You must meet UL’s general entry criteria for your chosen program (including English proficiency). Typically, that means a strong IELTS/TOEFL score or equivalent.
• Automatic review: There is no separate application form. All eligible international applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship when they apply to UL.

Coverage / Benefits

The UL International Merit-Based Scholarship provides financial assistance in the form of a tuition fee reduction. Key benefits include:

• Tuition grant: The scholarship reduces your annual tuition by a set amount (either €2,000 or €2,500). This is essentially a grant or waiver off the full Non-EU fee.
• Partial scholarship: Note that this is not a full scholarship. It does not cover living expenses or the entire tuition; you must pay any remaining balance and student levies yourself.
• Merit-based award: There is no repayment or bond; it’s a gift toward your studies. You earn it through your academic performance.
• Per-year renewal: These awards typically renew each year for the standard duration of the program (e.g. 3–4 years for a bachelor’s, or 1–2 years for a master’s) as long as you maintain normal academic progress.
• No borrowing needed: As a form of financial aid, this scholarship can greatly reduce the debt you incur. It’s considered a tuition grant, not a loan.

In summary, the scholarship acts as a tuition fee waiver (financial aid grant). For example, if your master’s program costs €20,000 per year for Non-EU students and you receive a €2,000 scholarship, you will only pay €18,000 plus any fees. The exact tuition you owe is the published fee minus the scholarship amount.

Host Country & University Info

The University of Limerick is located in Limerick, Ireland, a vibrant city in the west of Ireland. Ireland is an English-speaking EU country known for its high-quality education system and friendly environment for international students. (The campus is just 5 km from Limerick city centre and 20 km from Shannon International Airport, making it very accessible.)

UL itself is a young, innovative public university (established 1972) with about 18,000 students and 2,000 staff. It has a strong reputation for research and industry partnerships, and many of its programs are highly ranked nationally and internationally. The campus offers first-rate facilities – for example, Ireland’s first Olympic-size swimming pool, an indoor sports arena, a boathouse, and a 1,100-seat concert hall. UL’s degrees are well-regarded by employers. As a graduate of UL, you’d benefit from a recognized qualification in fields like engineering, science, business, arts and more.

Studying in Ireland also means experiencing a rich culture and economy. Dublin, Cork, and Limerick are increasingly popular among international students. Ireland’s tech sector (with companies like Google and Apple) and pharmaceutical industries offer internships and jobs, making it attractive for graduates. Overall, the UL scholarship lets you join a top-tier Irish university while easing the cost of tuition, and experience life in a friendly, English-speaking European country.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Find and check a program: Explore UL’s graduate (or undergraduate) course catalog and choose a program that interests you. Make sure you meet the entry requirements (academic background, English language, etc.).
2. Prepare documents: Gather official transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL), a valid passport, and any required references or a CV.
3. Apply online: Go to UL’s online application portal and create an account. Complete the application form for your chosen program(s), upload the documents, and pay the application fee. (UL often charges a fee that covers two program choices.)
4. Automatic scholarship review: Once you submit your application, UL’s graduate office will automatically consider your eligibility for the International Merit-Based Scholarship. There is no separate scholarship form; it’s part of the admission review.
5. Receive decision: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter from UL. This letter will indicate both admission and any scholarship award (including the amount).
6. Accept and enroll: If you receive an offer with scholarship, follow UL’s instructions to accept it, pay any required deposit or fees, and complete enrollment. Your scholarship amount will be deducted from the tuition fee when you pay your bill. Then begin your studies in September.

Each step is important. Keep copies of all documents and watch for emails from UL. Admission and scholarship decisions are usually sent out together, so be ready to act quickly on the offer and complete any next steps (visas, housing, etc.) by the deadlines.

Important Deadlines

• Non-EU (international) deadline: For Autumn 2025 entry, the deadline to submit applications from visa-required countries is 10 July 2025 (12:00pm UTC). Applications after this date won’t be considered.
• EU deadline: For reference, EU applicants for Autumn 2025 have until 14 August 2025 (noon).
• Spring 2025 intake: Many programs also start in January; check UL’s website. Deadlines for Spring entry are typically in early January 2025.
• Program-specific deadlines: Some courses (especially professional or graduate-entry programs) may have earlier or rolling deadlines. Always confirm on the UL program page.
• No separate scholarship deadline: Remember, the scholarship is awarded during admissions. There is no later scholarship-specific deadline – you simply must apply by your program’s deadline to be eligible.

Meeting the deadline is crucial. Early applications are often reviewed sooner, so it’s wise to apply well before the cutoff. We recommend marking these dates and starting your application process early to avoid last-minute rush.

Tips for Applicants

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather transcripts, translate documents (if needed), and book an English test. Applying early can give you an edge.
• Highlight achievements: Emphasize your academic honors, research projects, publications or awards in your application or resume. UL looks for evidence of excellence.
• Write a clear personal statement: Explain why you chose your program and UL. A focused, enthusiastic statement showing your goals and fit with the university can impress the admissions team.
• Proofread everything: Spelling or grammar mistakes can hurt your impression. Make sure all parts of your application are complete and error-free.
• Show commitment: Since the scholarship requires a small commitment of time (UL’s policy mentions up to 1–2 hours/week for student projects), indicate your willingness to engage in the campus community or projects.
• Meet language requirements: Aim to exceed the minimum English score. A higher IELTS/TOEFL score strengthens your profile. Practice and, if necessary, retake the test to achieve a great score.
• Seek advice: Don’t hesitate to email UL’s international office at ulglobal@ul.ie if you have questions. They can clarify details about programs, visas, and scholarships.
• Stay positive and confident: Remember that UL wants top talent. Present yourself professionally and passionately, and let your hard work speak for itself.

Conclusion

The University of Limerick’s international merit-based scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to fund your education in Ireland. By offering generous partial tuition grants to non-EU students, UL is helping talented scholars achieve their dreams abroad. If you have strong grades and a desire to study in Limerick, don’t hesitate – prepare your application, meet the deadline, and apply! Spread the word to fellow students who may benefit. Best of luck, and we hope to see you at UL soon!

FAQ

What is the University of Limerick International Merit Scholarship?
It’s a partial tuition scholarship for high-achieving non-EU students admitted to UL. Recipients get €2,000–€2,500 off their annual fees.

Who is eligible?
Non-EU international students admitted into a full-time UL bachelor’s or master’s program with a strong academic record are eligible. (Applicants to any faculty are reviewed automatically.)

How much funding does it provide?
The scholarship grants €2,000 per year (in most faculties) or €2,500 per year (Kemmy Business School) toward tuition. It does not cover living expenses.

How do I apply for it?
No separate form is needed. Simply apply to your chosen UL program online, and UL will automatically assess your scholarship eligibility.

What are the deadlines?
For Fall 2025, the deadline for non-EU applicants is July 10, 2025. (Check UL’s site for Spring 2025 deadlines, or any program-specific dates.)

Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, it usually renews each year of your program, provided you maintain the required academic progress (meet UL’s progression standards).

Go for it – a brighter future and a world-class Irish education await you at UL!