2026/27 Ulster GAA Student Bursary Scheme open

The GAA has announced details of the 2026/2027 GAA National Student Bursary.

The scheme reiterates the Association’s commitment to the ongoing educational development of its players and members by acknowledging their interest in our Games and supporting their educational development.

It is open to members of the Association who are attending a full-time Higher Education course (except those who hold another GAA-related or college scholarship/bursary) and who are active participants in their Higher Education GAA club.

The scheme is administered by the respective Provincial Councils and recipients will again be selected based on a range of criteria focused on their commitment to Higher Education GAA. A number of awards will be reserved for those excelling in the areas of coaching, officiating and administration.

Ulster GAA welcomes applications from those students from our province regardless whether their attendance is at a college inside or outside of Ulster.

• Be attending a full-time undergraduate course at a university or third-level college.
• Be eligible, under the Comhairle Ardoideachais Constitution and Bye-Laws, to play in Higher Education GAA competitions.
• Be in their second year of study or above; therefore, first-year students (“Freshers”) are ineligible to apply.
• Not be in receipt of any other bursary, scholarship, or sports academy scholarship where they receive “in-kind” benefits.
• Be actively involved in their Higher Education GAA club, committee (e.g. playing, coaching, refereeing, Chairperson, Secretary, Communications Officer, etc.).
• Be actively involved in a GAA, Camogie, Handball or Ladies Gaelic Football club.

• They are a first-year student (“Fresher”)
• They have received an award from the Ulster GAA Student Bursary Scheme in the past (ineligible to apply for a second award)
• They are in a Postgraduate or Master’s Degree Course.
• They are senior Inter-County players on their County’s Senior Panel in 2026 (these players should apply for Bursaries via the Gaelic Players Association; further information at www.gaelicplayers.com)

**The closing date for applications will be Friday 4th December 2026**

Applicants will be informed by Friday 29th January 2027 via email if they have been successful

Those who are successful will not receive their bursary until:

• After the Higher Education GAA competitions are completed in 2026/27
• They have attended the Ulster GAA Bursary presentation in Ulster University Belfast Campus, York Street, Belfast, in February 2027.

All eligible students are invited to apply, via competing the application form here

For further information please contact Declan Sherlock at: declan.sherlock.ulster@gaa.ie