The University of Galway is offering sports scholarships to students who have performed at a high level in sport recognised by a national sports governing body and the Sports Council.
These scholarships were designed and developed to support the best Irish sporting talent and reward students’ ability and performance, while also supporting those who wish to succeed and develop in their chosen sport while successfully completing their academic studies. Some previous notable recipients include international football player Niamh Fahey, Olympic rower Aifric Keogh, Irish rugby player Hugh Gavin, camogie player Carrie Dolan, and Fortune Igbokwe, who represented Ireland in basketball.
The University of Galway offers two types of sports scholarships. The first is the CAO Performance Points Scholarship, and the second is the University of Galway Elite Athlete Sports Scholarship.
While the criteria for both scholarships are very similar, applicants for the CAO Performance Points Scholarship must meet the following requirements: they must be new entrants to the University of Galway, be under 21 years of age on April 1 in the year of application, achieve a minimum of 350 CAO points, and meet all entry requirements from a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
These scholarships apply to full-time undergraduate courses only and do not apply to Medicine (GY501 ). CAO Performance Points Scholarships cannot be deferred. Students awarded this scholarship will receive 40 CAO bonus points. Applicants to the Performance Points Scholarship will also be automatically considered for the Elite Sports Scholarship, so there is no need to apply for both.
The second scholarship, the Elite Athlete Sports Scholarship, is more flexible and open to a wider range of students. Applicants may include new students entering the University of Galway in 2026, current students as well as students transferring from another university. Successful applicants will receive a subsistence grant, coaching support, medical and physiotherapy services, advice on performance nutrition and sports psychology, strength and conditioning support, performance planning and mentoring, as well as career development support.
Applications for both scholarships must be made online, and the closing date is Friday, April 17 2026, so be sure to apply soon. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants will receive an acknowledgement upon successful submission of their application. An interview forms part of the selection process, and the University will notify applicants well in advance.
You can apply now using the online form available on the University of Galway sports page.
