Program Overview

Quercus Talented Students' Programme

The Quercus Talented Students' Programme is a scholarship programme offered by University College Cork (UCC) to support talented students in various fields. The programme provides financial support, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help students achieve their full potential.

Active Citizenship Scholarships

The Active Citizenship Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and civic engagement skills. The scholarships provide financial support and access to exclusive networking events and mentorship opportunities.

• Active Citizenship Scholar Testimonials:
  • Reuban Murray: "The support from the Programme was a massive help in giving me the space to pursue my active citizenship without compromising my education."
  • Mohammad Naeem: "Being part of the Quercus Programme ... gave me the freedom to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular pursuits without compromise."
  • Cian Walsh: "...living with fellow scholarship recipients created a supportive and motivating environment."
  • Emer Neville: "I was always encouraged to speak up and ask for help if I was struggling which was incredibly beneficial."
  • Anna O'Connor: "The biggest impact of the Quercus Programme this year has no doubt been my mentor Clíona Ó Gallchoir."
  • Fidaa Marouf: "I believe that this successful programme heavily participates in creating the future leaders, influencers, scientists and artists..."

Creative and Performing Arts' Scholarships

The Creative and Performing Arts' Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and achievement in the arts. The scholarships provide financial support and access to exclusive networking events and mentorship opportunities.

• Creative and Performing Arts' Scholar Testimonials:
  • Iona Ritchie: "It has also been amazing to work and meet like-minded people through the Quercus programme who are just as passionate about music as me."
  • Grainne Ahern: "Overall, Quercus has offered me opportunities, friendships, and support I genuinely couldn't have imagined."
  • Rere Ukponu: "With Quercus I was also able to meet people I would have most likely never met before."
  • Donnchadh Hughes: "It has allowed me to dedicate so much of my time to my creative and artistic pursuits which have brought such great success."
  • Ruby Falvey: "The programme has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians in different academic years and from other musical genres."
  • Michael Holden: "Without question, Quercus has helped me to make the most of my university experience."
  • Sarah Stafford: "Quercus has afforded me the opportunity to continue to train and develop my skills as an actor and a performer whilst giving me the opportunity to continue my formal education."

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholarships

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The scholarships provide financial support and access to exclusive networking events and mentorship opportunities.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholar Testimonials:
  • Nick Cotter: "Being a part of the Quercus programme has had a transformative effect on the achievement of my entrepreneurial ambitions."
  • Alex Goodison: "It has been a joy to live with motivated people who are incredibly talented at what they do, which has in turn made me more motivated."
  • Annie Madden: "I knew I always wanted to go to college and get my degree, but I did not want to have to give up my business to be able to do that and because of Quercus I can have them both."
  • Emma Coffey: "As a result of Quercus I have been able to integrate my education with my business endeavours and grow as both a young entrepreneur and a UCC student."

Sports Scholarships

The Sports Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional athletic ability and achievement. The scholarships provide financial support and access to exclusive networking events and mentorship opportunities.

• Sports Scholar Testimonials:
  • Sarah Murphy: "Knowing that there is a Quercus team that has put faith in me and is there to provide any support I need and is egging me on to do well in hockey is really encouraging for me."
  • Ellie O'Brien: "One of the biggest benefits was having access to advice and resources. The workshops, mentoring, and one-on-one check-ins helped me plan my time better and stay focused on my goals."
  • Lauren Cripps: "I have really enjoyed being a Quercus scholar this year as I feel it has helped me reach my sporting and academic goals."
  • Shane Barrett: "...having workshops such as the nutrition ones are helpful in trying to reach high level performance."
  • Sean Edogbo: "I have learned through speaking to Quercus Scholars that we all go through ups and downs in both our sports and in our lives & that it is about how we can take that hit and bounce back is what counts."
  • Ger Millerick: "This programme has made a huge difference in my sporting career but it has also provided me with much more holistic support and experiences I would have never had only for this scholarship."

University Scholarships

The University Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. The scholarships provide financial support and access to exclusive networking events and mentorship opportunities.

• University Scholar Testimonials:
  • Marieke Buckley: "The Quercus programme has helped me to develop self-belief, trust and confidence in myself and my abilities."
  • Eabha Murphy: "My mentor has provided insightful guidance, encouragement, and perspective that have helped me navigate both academic challenges and long-term career planning."
  • Amergín Quinlan: "...enabled me to optimise my time in college and plan strategically to achieve various academic and extracurricular goals."
  • Siobhán Cronin: "It is no doubt the most prestigious Undergraduate Scholarship in the country."
  • Aine Ginty: "Attending the Quercus Lecture Series was an enlightening experience - offering insight into the incredible range of talent & skill of my peers in UCC."
  • Hannah Keohane: "Academically, being a part of Quercus opened up many doors for me."