The Foundation Scholarship Programme

The Foundation supports a programme of scholarships to provide world-class educational opportunities for outstanding young Irish scholars to undertake post-graduate education in their chosen field and in an institution or university of their choice. O'Reilly Scholars are individuals who have an excellent academic record and have demonstrated leadership qualities as well as the potential and desire to make a significant contribution to the future of Ireland.

The Foundation supports scholarships for post-graduate studies at Ph.D. or equivalent level. Applicants should have a first class or at least 2:1 honours undergraduate record to date with reasonable expectation of a first class or at least a 2:1 honours degree in the current academic year. Graduates with a similar high honours degree or with equivalent professional qualifications, or who are completing a master's degree and wish to continue their studies to Ph.D. or equivalent level, are also eligible to apply.

While outstanding candidates of any recognised academic discipline are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to those planning their doctoral studies in the following academic areas:

 —Business Studies
 —Law
 —Marketing
 —Media Studies
 —Science
 —Technology
 —Arts

Applications will be adjudicated by an independent selection board comprising business persons and academics and chaired by Professor John Kelly.

Background Notes

Below is a more detailed description of the Scholarship Programme:

1. The award will be of the order of EUR€25,400 per annum per scholar.

 

2. The award will generally be for two years maximum. The Foundation may, at its discretion, extend or reduce this period to meet the particular circumstances of the scholars.

 

3. The Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, Section 193, entitled Scholarship Exemption, clearly indicates that scholars receiving monetary awards from The O'Reilly Foundation will be exempt from income tax in Ireland on such awards.

 

4. Eligibility of candidates:
   
   * Persons normally resident in the island of Ireland are eligible.
   
   * Applications will be accepted from students who hold first class or at least 2:1 honours undergraduate records to date with reasonable expectations of a first class or at least 2:1 honours degree in the current academic year. Graduates with similar high honours degrees or with equivalent professional or academic qualifications, or who are completing a master's degree and wish to continue their studies to Ph.D. or equivalent level, are also eligible to apply. It is expected that a candidate will have been in contact with the admissions office of a suitable post-graduate institution.
   
   * Applicants should state how they expect to make a significant contribution to Ireland's welfare on completion of their studies.



5. Eligible courses:
   
   * Ph.D. or equivalent standard courses, or programmes in reputable institutions which will enable applicants to exercise a significant role in the economic, social or cultural development of Ireland.

 

6. Duties of Scholars:


* Scholars should maintain regular contact with the Secretariat of The O'Reilly Foundation Scholarship Programme and keep it informed of the progress of their studies.

* They should forward copies of any formal reports on their studies, as well as any publications resulting from their work. It is expected that The O'Reilly Foundation will be appropriately acknowledged in all such publications, as well as in their Ph.D. or other theses.

* They are also expected to join in the arrangements made to promote collegiate relationships with other O'Reilly Scholars, during and after their scholarship period.


7. This website gives information on the O'Reilly Foundation and the Scholarship Programme.

 

8. The Secretariat is located as follows :
   The O'Reilly Foundation
   Scholarship Programme,
   2 Fitzwilliam Square,
   Dublin 2,
   Ireland.