Program Overview

Quercus Talented Students' Programme

The Quercus Talented Students' Programme is a prestigious scholarship program offered by University College Cork (UCC). The program aims to recognize and support talented students who demonstrate exceptional excellence in their chosen field.

General Criteria

To be eligible for the Quercus Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be either a registered UCC student or apply through CAO for a place on an undergraduate/level 8 programme at University College, Cork in 2026/27.
• Read the criteria and Terms of Reference of the Quercus Active Citizenship Scholarship.
• Apply through the online application process for Quercus Active Citizenship Scholarship and submit it by 4:30pm on Wednesday 4th February 2026.
• Include the two required references.

Applying for a Quercus Scholarship

Successful applicants will:

• Meet the minimum entry requirements (matriculation) of their desired undergraduate/level 8 programme, while currently registered students will need to have attained higher honours in their end of year examinations to be eligible.
• Be able to provide evidence of sustained engagement in Active Citizenship and have demonstrated significant impact through a regional or national profile for leadership in active citizenship.
• Evidence of:
  • Leadership
  • Sustained commitment and
  • A discernible outcome or impact in one or more of the following domains of active citizenship: Volunteering, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Social Regeneration, Social Entrepreneurship would be required.
• Have exhibited excellence and the potential to develop that excellence in their chosen field with recognition at regional, national, or international level for their Citizenship efforts.

Memorandum of Understanding

Scholars can expect:

• An email confirming the award of the prestigious Scholarship.
• The opportunity to work with a mentor from within or outside the University to help the development of their active citizenship.
• The opportunity to work with a mentor from within the University to help ensure that a healthy and appropriate lifestyle balance is maintained whilst at University College Cork.
• The renewal of your Quercus Scholarship on an annual basis (excepting years spent abroad or on a work placement) subject to your adherence to the terms and conditions below.

Terms and Conditions

As a Quercus Scholar of UCC, you must agree to abide by the following terms and conditions. Failure to abide by the following terms and conditions may result in your Scholarship being revoked with immediate effect.

• Engage with, and participate in, the activities of the Quercus Talented Students' Programme as advised to them from time to time.
• Be available to meet potential undergraduate/level 8 applicants at one University Open Day per academic year.
• Be available as a peer mentor where required.
• Support the University's overall student recruitment strategy.
• Play an active role in UCC where appropriate.
• Be always a positive ambassador for UCC including the promotion of UCC in any external interviews or publications associated with your field.

Withdrawal or Suspension of Studies and Repeat Years

• Withdrawal: Scholars who withdraw from their scholarship commitments or from UCC will have all future scholarship payments/benefits cancelled.
• Suspension of Studies: Scholars who suspend their scholarship commitments or academic studies will have all future scholarship payments/benefits cancelled.
• Repeating an Academic Year: Scholars who are required to repeat an academic year will not receive scholarship payments/benefits during the repeat year of study.

Exceptional Circumstances

Students withdrawing from, suspending or repeating their studies, due to illness, bereavement or other exceptional circumstances will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.