Trinity offers PhD Scholarship award to student of sanctuary

Trinity College Dublin is inviting applications from students of sanctuary for a Trinity Research Doctorate (TRD) Award (Level 10). 

The news follows formal approval for the measure by Trinity’s University Council today.  

The successful applicant for this award, for which applications open on 1 February 2024, will start their PhD programme in Trinity during the 2024/2025 academic year, with all tuition fees covered for four years and a stipend of €25,000 per annum. 

Applicants must be resident in Ireland, and be either in the international protection system, temporary protection, seeking asylum, or have refugee status or permission to remain in Ireland on humanitarian grounds. 

They must also have met academic requirements and have secured an unconditional offer for admission by 1 May 2024 to the full-time PhD register in Trinity.  

The outcome of the award evaluation process is expected on 14 June 2024.  

Provost Dr Linda Doyle said  

“An award like this has the power to change lives and I’m glad that we have reached a point where we can offer funding for a doctorate, having already provided a number of undergraduate scholarships. 

“I want to thank the team in Trinity who have created this opportunity, and I am looking forward to seeing the applications that will now be made by students of sanctuary. 

 “Trinity is committed to providing a welcoming space for refugees and people in the asylum system. At this time of global turmoil, it is vital that we extend a helping hand to those who are seeking sanctuary, and that we support them in fulfilling their academic potential”.

Gillian Wylie, Chair of Trinity’s University of Sanctuary Steering Committee said: “Trinity was designated a University of Sanctuary in February 2021, committing us to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for all those seeking sanctuary. Since then, we have awarded a total of 11 undergraduate scholarships to sanctuary students. This Level 10 award represents a logical progression for the University of Sanctuary programme and we are delighted to be able to offer it to a deserving student”. 

Professor Martine Smith, Dean of Graduate Studies, said :  

“This award is one of a total of 52 Trinity Research Doctorate Awards to be made this year and we are delighted to have been approved to ringfence this award for a student of sanctuary. Our vision for postgraduate education in Trinity is that all students, regardless of economic circumstances, have an opportunity to thrive. University Council's commitment to dedicating an award specifically to support a student of sanctuary represents one small but important step in bringing that vision to reality".

Nick Henderson, chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council, said :  

“We very much welcome Trinity’s initiative in offering this award, which, we hope, will pave the way for many more Level 10 awards to be made available to students of sanctuary in Ireland”. 

Further details on the application process for the TRD Sanctuary Award can be found here.  

Each completed application will be evaluated by a panel, chaired by the Dean of Graduate Studies, and including the Chair of the University of Sanctuary Steering committee, an academic representative from each faculty, and a representative of the Irish Refugee Council. 

Ends

Media Contact:

Catherine O’Mahony | Media Relations | catherine.omahony@tcd.ie