We are thrilled to announce that applications for the Co-operative Housing Ireland Scholarship are now open.

This programme supports undergraduate students in their academic pursuits, with a generous award of €5,000 per year, paid in two instalments at the start of each semester.

The scholarship is designed to ease financial pressures and allow students to focus on their studies and personal growth. At Co-operative Housing Ireland, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities that enable bright minds to thrive.

The extended closing date for applications is Friday, 5 September 2025, at 5:00pm. Late applications will not be considered.

Who can apply?

You must:

• Reside in a Co-operative Housing Ireland home
• Be in receipt of the SUSI Special Rate of Maintenance Grant
• Be a new entrant pursuing an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and progressing to higher education for the first time, or entering by advanced entry into year 2
• Have been resident in the Irish State for at least three of the past five years
• Be studying an approved full-time or part-time undergraduate course

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

• Socio-economically disadvantaged communities
• Socio-economic groups with low participation in higher education
• Students with a disability
• Students who are carers
• Students entering via a QQI Further Education award
• Lone or teen parents in receipt of a long-term means-tested social welfare payment
• Members of the Irish Traveller or Roma communities
• First-time or second-chance mature students (returning after a break of at least three years)
• Persons from ethnic minorities who are lawfully present in the State

Key Details

• Award: €5,000 per academic year (two instalments – October and February)
• Duration: For the full length of your undergraduate degree, subject to progression each year
• Number of Scholarships Available: Four

How to apply

• 1. Fill out the application form, including 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 also need to provide official notification of acceptance from their chosen college
  All documents must be clear and legible. Applications without the required documentation will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the scholarship worth?
€5,000 per year, paid in two instalments:

• €2,500 – End of October
• €2,500 – End of February

How long does the scholarship last?
For the duration of your undergraduate degree, provided you progress each semester and year.

Will the scholarship affect my SUSI grant?
No. It will not affect your SUSI entitlement, as it has been deemed an income disregard.

How do I provide my supporting documents?
All relevant documentation must be emailed to scholarship@cooperativehousing.ie.

If submitting paper documents, you must scan them into digital files:

• Use your smartphone camera or an app such as Office Lens (Android/iPhone)
• Or use a printer/scanner at your college (documents will be sent to your student email)

Can I defer a year?
Yes. A scholarship can be deferred once, for up to one academic year, with prior written approval from your Higher Education Institution.

Will the scholarship affect my rent payments?
No. It will not affect the rent you pay to Co-operative Housing Ireland.

What is expected of me if I am awarded a scholarship?
You must keep the Community Engagement team informed of your progress, providing evidence that you have successfully completed each semester and year.

Can postgraduates apply?
No. The scholarship is only open to undergraduate students who are first-time entrants.

Can continuing or repeating students apply?
No. The scholarship is only open to first-time entrants (including advanced entry to year 2).

Does the scholarship cover 4-year undergraduate courses?
Yes. It applies for the full duration of an undergraduate degree.

Can I apply before receiving my college acceptance?
Yes. However, you must send the official acceptance as soon as you receive it.

What happens if I drop out?
The scholarship will end. You will not be asked to repay funds already received, but further payments will stop.

Apply Now

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