University of Sheffield & University College Dublin (UCD) Scholarships 2026 for International Students – Fully Funded UK & Ireland Opportunities
Finding the right scholarship can change the course of your study plans — and your life. This guide brings together two high-value opportunities for international students aiming to begin study in autumn 2026: the Jayshree Periwal International School Scholarship 2026 at the University of Sheffield (UK), and a roundup of current scholarship opportunities at University College Dublin (UCD) (Ireland). Each section below is a standalone, step-by-step guide (eligibility, application process, deadlines, selection criteria, FAQs), so you can jump straight to the scholarship that fits you best.
Section 1 — University of Sheffield: Jayshree Periwal International School Scholarship 2026 (UK)
Overview
The Jayshree Periwal International School Scholarship 2026 is a targeted undergraduate scholarship for students who are currently studying at Jayshree Periwal International School and who plan to begin an undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield in September 2026. This competitive award aims to recognise academic promise, extracurricular initiative, and a clear link between a student’s achievements and their chosen course at Sheffield.
Scholarship Value & Structure
- This award is offered as a tuition fee discount.
- It is worth £10,000 off tuition in the first year and £2,500 in each subsequent year (subject to progression criteria — see below).
- Total possible value varies depending on course length; the award applies to tuition only (no cash alternative).
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for this scholarship you must satisfy all listed criteria:
- Be currently studying at Jayshree Periwal International School at point of application.
- Have an offer to start an undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield in September 2026 (all courses included except Medicine A100/A101 and Dentistry A200).
- Be an overseas fee-paying student (i.e., eligible to pay the overseas tuition fee and not a sponsored student).
- Choose University of Sheffield as your firm or insurance choice by 4:00pm (UK time) on Wednesday 3 June 2026 where required by the application process.
How the award is applied
The award is applied as a tuition fee discount. If selected, you’ll receive £10,000 off your first-year tuition fee, and £2,500 off in later years (subject to meeting progression requirements such as achieving a minimum mark and credit load in the previous academic year).
Important Conditions & Exceptions
- The scholarship cannot be used with other University-offered scholarships or departmental discounts unless explicitly stated.
- The scholarship will not be awarded in any intercalating year, during years abroad, or for any course categorized as postgraduate (e.g., MArch considered postgraduate here).
- If you become a sponsored student (where a sponsor covers your tuition) you are not eligible for this award.
- If your offer conditions are not met and your offer is withdrawn, the scholarship will also be withdrawn.
- If you change degree programme and must start again at level 1, you may forfeit the scholarship.
Application Process (Step-by-step)
- Hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate course at the University of Sheffield commencing in autumn 2026 (except Medicine and Dentistry).
- Wait for the scholarship application opening notice on the University of Sheffield scholarship page — applications open on the scholarship page and must be submitted by the published deadline.
- Complete the application with evidence of current attendance at Jayshree Periwal International School and the personal statement that links achievements to your intended course and future ambitions.
- Your school counsellor at Jayshree Periwal School will nominate/select the strongest application to send forward for the award (this process is part of the selection criteria).
Application Deadline & Timeline (Key Dates)
- Application deadline: 1:00pm (UK time) on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
- Firm/Insurance selection deadline for applicants: 4:00pm (UK time) on Wednesday 3 June 2026 (required for eligibility).
- Successful applicants notified: Before the end of January 2026.
- Scholarship acceptance deadline for awardees: 1:00pm (UK time) on Wednesday 6 May 2026.
- Scholarship is applied to the first year of tuition on enrolment; later-year continuation depends on meeting progression criteria.
Selection Criteria — What do selectors look for?
The selection process is competitive. The school counsellor and scholarship panel look for applicants who demonstrate:
- Excellent academic profile and potential.
- Clear examples of achievement in educational, voluntary, or extra-curricular activities.
- Strong connection between past achievements and the chosen course at Sheffield — how the applicant’s experiences make them fit for the course and future ambitions.
How to strengthen your application
- Write a focused personal statement linking specific achievements to your chosen degree and career goals.
- Ask a teacher or counsellor who knows your extracurricular work to highlight concrete examples of leadership or initiative.
- Show evidence of consistent academic performance and explain any gaps or dips candidly.
FAQs — Common Questions (Sheffield)
Q: Can I apply if I am not studying at Jayshree Periwal School?
A: No — this scholarship is specifically for students studying at Jayshree Periwal International School at the point of application.
Q: Can I combine this with other scholarships from University of Sheffield?
A: Usually no — the scholarship cannot be combined with other University-offered scholarships or departmental discounts unless the University explicitly permits it.
Q: What happens if I defer my place?
A: This particular scholarship cannot be deferred — if you defer entry you will forfeit the award.
Q: If I receive predicted grades but fail to meet them, can the university withdraw the scholarship?
A: Yes — the University reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship if it was awarded based on predicted grades and you do not meet those conditions.
Section 2 — University College Dublin (UCD): Current Scholarship Opportunities 2026 (Ireland)
Overview
University College Dublin (UCD) offers a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students — from undergraduate awards to graduate studentships and research scholarships. UCD’s scholarship programme includes merit-based awards, country-specific scholarships, departmental scholarships and funding attached to specific research degrees. The exact availability, eligibility, and application processes vary by scheme and year.
Types of Scholarships at UCD (2026 snapshot)
UCD’s funding landscape typically includes:
- Undergraduate scholarships — merit-based awards and country-specific fee reductions.
- Postgraduate taught scholarships — fee discounts, partial scholarships tied to specific masters programmes.
- Research scholarships & PhD studentships — paid research assistantships, scholarship stipends for doctoral study, and funded PhD projects administered by schools and research centres.
- International scholarships — awards for high-performing applicants from particular countries or regions (varies year to year).
- External sponsored awards — scholarships funded by government agencies, charities, or partner institutions.
Eligibility — what to expect
Eligibility differs by scheme, but common conditions include:
- Holding an offer for the relevant UCD programme (undergraduate, taught masters, or research).
- Meeting academic merit criteria (e.g., minimum grades or classification levels).
- For some awards, being an international/offshore fee-paying student is required.
- Some awards may require a separate application form; others are awarded automatically on application to the programme.
Application Process (Typical Steps)
- Apply for your UCD programme and receive an offer (conditional or unconditional) where required.
- Check the UCD “Fees, Funding and Scholarships” portal for scholarships that match your profile and programme.
- Complete any separate scholarship application forms by the stated deadlines (if required).
- Submit supporting documents (transcripts, references, personal statements) as requested.
- Wait for award decisions which are normally communicated through the UCD admissions or scholarship office.
Key Deadlines & Timeline
Deadlines vary by scholarship. Some awards close early in the admissions cycle (e.g., winter/early spring), while sponsored or departmental scholarships may review applications alongside programme applications. Always check the specific scholarship page for exact deadlines and documentation requirements.
How awards are chosen
Selection methods vary: some awards use a merit-score (grades + references + statement), others include interviews, and some require nomination by the applicant’s home institution or academic supervisors. For PhD studentships, schools typically evaluate research fit and supervisor availability.
Tips to improve your chances at UCD
- Apply early: many awards are decided on a rolling basis or early in the admissions cycle.
- Tailor statements: for programme-specific scholarships, tailor your statement to describe research or study intentions and explain why UCD is the right environment.
- Contact schools: for research funding, reach out to potential supervisors to discuss fit and funding opportunities.
- Provide strong references: academic references that can comment on research potential or course fit strengthen applications.
FAQs — Common Questions (UCD)
Q: Are UCD scholarships open to international students?
A: Yes, UCD has many awards that are specifically for international students, though eligibility and availability depend on the award.
Q: Do I need to apply separately for all scholarships?
A: Not always. Some scholarships are applied automatically based on your programme application and grades; others require a separate scholarship application — always check the individual award details.
Q: How much do UCD scholarships typically cover?
A: Coverage varies widely — some scholarships are partial fee waivers, others offer full fees plus stipend (more common for research/PhD awards). Make sure to read the award description for exact value.
Comparing Sheffield & UCD Scholarships — Which fits you better?
Both institutions offer quality support for international students, but they serve different aims:
- Sheffield’s Jayshree Periwal Scholarship is highly targeted: it’s for specified school students and structured as a tuition discount with clear continuation criteria.
- UCD’s scholarships are broader and include a wide range of awards (undergraduate, masters, research). UCD’s options are diverse but each award has specific eligibility and application steps.
If you are a student at Jayshree Periwal International School, Sheffield’s scholarship is a clear single-target opportunity with a strong tuition discount. If you are applying across many programmes and want multiple funding routes (including research stipends), UCD’s varied portfolio might offer more pathways.
Final tips
- Keep all application documents (transcripts, references, test scores) ready early.
- Keep a calendar of deadlines for both admissions and scholarships.
- Ask your school counsellor to help with nominations and references when required.
- Prepare short, precise statements that connect your prior work to your chosen course and goals.
Official Website
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