Boost Your Academic Journey: Apply for the €5000 CHI Scholarship Today!

We are thrilled to announce that applications for the CHI Scholarship are now open -- this programme is aimed at supporting undergraduate students like you in their academic pursuits. With a generous award of €5000 in two installments at the start of each semester. This scholarship is designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with higher education and empower you to focus on your studies and personal growth.

At CHI, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. We understand the challenges that students face in financing their education, and we are committed to providing opportunities that enable bright minds to thrive. Whether you are pursuing a degree in engineering, literature, economics, or any other field, we encourage you to apply for this prestigious scholarship.

The CHI Scholarship is not just about financial assistance; it is about recognising your potential and investing in your future. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals who demonstrate academic excellence to make a positive impact in their communities.

Do not miss this opportunity to take a significant step forward in your academic journey.

The closing date for this Scholarship is the 2nd September at 5pm. Late applications will not be considered.

Who can apply?

• You must be residing in a CHI home

• You must be in receipt of the SUSI Special Rate of Maintenance grant  

• You must be a new entrant pursuing an undergraduate bachelor's degree and progressing to higher education for the first time

• You must be a member of at least one of these Priority groups:

• Socio-economically disadvantaged communities

• Socio-economic groups that have low participation rates in higher education

• Students with a disability

• Students who are carers

• Students entering based on a QQI Further Education award.

• Lone and/or teen parents in receipt of a long-term means-tested social welfare payment

• Members of the Irish Traveller Community

• Members of the Roma Community.

• First time mature student entrants and 2nd chance mature students (those who started a course that they did not finish and now are returning to after a break of at least three years).

• Persons from ethnic minorities who are lawfully present in the State

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How to apply

1.  Fill out the application form (linked below) which will include a 500-word essay on “Why you have chosen your college course”

2. Send proof of eligibility/ award letter or email for the SUSI Special Rate of Maintenance grant to scholarship@cooperativehousing.ie

3.  Successful candidates will need to send in official notification of acceptance into your chosen college course.

Please note: It is important that e-mailed documents are legible and clear. Please see FAQs for how to upload your documents. Applications without the attached documents will not be considered. 

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Click here to apply

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scholarships are available?

There are 4 Scholarships available.

How much is the scholarship worth?

5,000 euro paid every year in two instalments throughout your undergraduate degree.

How is the scholarship paid?

It will be paid in two instalments into the bank account of the successful applicant

2,500 Euro - End of October

2,500 Euro - End of February

How long does the scholarship last?

Throughout your undergraduate degree. You will need to send us proof that you progress through each semester and year of your course.

Who can apply?

·  You must be residing in a CHI home.

·  You must be in receipt of the SUSI Special Rate of Maintenance grant  

·  You must be a new entrant pursuing an undergraduate bachelor's degree and progressing to higher education for the first time*

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You must be a member of at least one of these Priority groups:

·      Socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

·      Socio-economic groups that have low participation rates in higher education.

·      Students with a disability.

·      Students who are carers

·      Students entering based on a QQI Further Education award.

·      Lone and/or teen parents in receipt of a long-term means-tested social welfare payment

·      Members of the Irish Traveller Community

·      Members of the Roma Community

·      First time mature student entrants and 2nd chance mature students (those who started a course that they did not finish and now are returning to after a break of at least three years)

·      Persons from ethnic minorities who are lawfully present in the State

How do I apply?

·       Fill out the application form(linked below) which will include a 500-word essay on “Why you have chosen your college course”

·      Send proof of eligibility/ award letter or email for the SUSI Special Rate of Maintenance grant to scholarship@cooperativehousing.ie

·      Successful candidates will need to send in official notification of acceptance into your chosen college course.

Please note: It is important that e-mailed documents are legible and clear. Please see FAQ’s for how to upload your documents. Applications without the attached documents will not be considered. 

What are the college entry criteria?

Applicants must:

·       Be anew entrant pursuing an undergraduate course and progressing to higher education for the first time or by advanced entry to year 2

·       Have been a resident in the Irish State for three of the past five years

·       Be studying an approved full-time or part –time course

Will it affect my chances of getting SUSI?

No, it will not affect you SUSI grant as it has been deemed an income disregard.

How do I provide my supporting documents?

All relevant supporting documentation must be uploaded as part of your online application to scholarship@cooperativehousing.ie.

It is advisable to get the documents you need first and only begin your online application once your documents are saved as digital files. If you must wait for documents to be sent to you, you can begin your application online and upload the documents later but still before the closing date.

For any paper documents, you will need to create scanned electronic copies of them to upload online. There are a number of ways to create a scanned electronic copy of your document:

Use your smartphone camera:

Scan your paper documents using the free app Office Lens (Android / iPhone) combined with your camera. If using the camera alone to take photos, ensure the screenshots are of good quality and all information is visible. Save your electronic documentation onto your pc/laptop/USB key/phone. 

Use a printer/scanner at your college:

At a printer, swipe your Student ID card and set the document that you wish to scan face up on the top tray of the printer and click Scan on the printer’s screen. Your scanned document will be emailed to you as an attachment to your college email address. Save your electronic documentation onto your pc/laptop/USB key/phone. It is not advisable to you use the print facility to remotely print confidential documents.

Can I defer a year?

Scholarship holders are permitted to defer their Scholarships at undergraduate level for a maximum of one academic year with the prior written approval of their Higher Education Institution. Deferral may occur before the student commences their studies or during their studies.

Will the scholarship effect my rent payments?

No, it will not affect your rent that you pay for CHI.

What is expected of me if I am awarded a scholarship?

That you keep the Community engagement team informed of your progress by providing evidence that you have progressed through each semester and year of your course.

I am a postgraduate student, can I apply?

No. it is only open to Undergraduate Students who are first-time entrants. 

I am a continuing from first to second year, can I apply?

No. it is only open to Undergraduate Students who are first-time entrants. 

I am repeating first year, can I apply?

No. it is only open to Undergraduate Students who are first-time entrants. 

Does the scholarship cover 4-year undergraduate courses?

Yes, this scholarship will follow you though your undergraduate degree.

Can I apply for the scholarship before being accepted onto a course?

Yes, you can but you will need to send the requested documentation as soon as you receive the information to scholarship@cooperavehousing.ie.

What supporting documentation do I need to provide?

·       A filled-out application form including 500-word essay

·      Send proof of eligibility/ award letter or email for the SUSI Special Rate of Maintenance grant to scholarship@cooperativehousing.ie

·      Successful candidates will need to send in official notification of acceptance into your chosen college course.

Please note: It is important that e-mailed documents are legible and clear.  Applications without the attached documents will not be considered. 

What happens if I drop out?

The scholarship will be finished. You will not be asked to give any of the money back, CHI will just stop payments. If you are struggling, please reach out to those who can help you.