Ulster Futures Inspire Scholarships now open

Ulster University has announced 27 new Ulster Futures Inspire Scholarships.  20 Scholarships have a value of £3,000 a year for each year of their degree up to a maximum of £9000 (placement year excluded), and a further 7 scholarships with a value of £2,000 a year for each year of their degree up to a maximum of £6000 (placement year excluded).  The Ulster Futures Inspire Scholarships are aimed at removing financial barriers that prevent many students from accessing higher education.

Purpose of scholarships:

The scholarships will remove some of the financial barriers and support 27 students who meet an agreed set of criteria to study at Ulster University.

The Ulster Futures Inspire Scholarships aim to address inequality by supporting students who have faced challenges on their educational journey, and who have potential and ambition who may be put off going to university simply due to financial barriers.

Who can apply?

The Ulster Futures Inspire Scholarships are open to individuals who are currently in final year of an acceptable Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels, BTEC or equivalent at a Northern Ireland educational institution, and who also have a permanent home address in Northern Ireland.

Applicants must:

• Be in receipt of an offer from Ulster University and have confirmed Ulster as their first choice.
• Have a permanent home address in Northern Ireland.
• Be in their final year of an acceptable Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels, BTEC or equivalent at a Northern Ireland educational institution.
• Meet agreed financial criteria, i.e. have an annual household income of £22,500 or less e.g. be in receipt of FSM/EMA OR be care experienced.

In addition to meeting all of the above criteria, all applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be first in family this means your parent(s) have not gone to university) to undertake an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in the UK, Ireland or abroad.  However, if a parent is currently studying for their first degree or has graduated within the last 5 years, the application will still be considered.  You can apply if you have siblings who are at university or who have graduated.
• Be the main carer for a family member or dependent.
• Be Estranged. A student not financially supported by their parents/guardians. (As assessed by Finance NI/Student Loan Company).
• Be care experienced.
• Be in receipt of disability living allowance/personal independence payments.
• Permanently reside in an area of high deprivation/low participation.

Explanations for each of the criteria is available on the webpage

The Scholarships are only open to students who are studying a Full-time degree on one of Ulster University’s three Campuses Belfast, Coleraine or Derry.

Applications close on 16 June 2025.  To apply online and for more information including full criteria, please visit:

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/scholarships/inspire-scholarships