The UCD Ad Astra Academy Scholarship Programme

The Ad Astra Academy recognises exceptional students when they join, as well as those who develop their talents while studying at UCD. The Academy has scholarships in Academia, Elite Sports and Performing Arts.

The Ad Astra Academic Scholarship is a leadership programme that seeks motivated students who have a proven track record of academic excellence, leadership and a desire to continue to achieve at the highest level.

The Ad Astra Elite Sports Scholarship Programme supports students who are competing and succeeding at the highest sporting levels. Athletes in the Academy compete at international level and in the case of GAA, they compete at inter-county level.

In addition, the university offers Sports and Graduate Sports Scholarships.

The Ad Astra Performing Arts Scholarship programme offers opportunities to students who excel in theatre performance (actor, playwright, director, designer etc.)/classical music and wish to develop their performance talents while pursuing a degree in UCD.

Applications for the Elite Sports and Performing Arts Scholarships for September 2025 will open this November and will close on 31st January 2026. The Academic Scholarship Applications for September 2025 will open in February and close on 24th August 2026.