Quick Answer: Nottingham Trent University offers several scholarships for Irish students in 2026, including the International Scholarship worth £2,000-£4,000, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship up to £3,000, and subject-specific awards. Irish students benefit from EU-equivalent fees at £14,500 per year and don't require student visas.

Why Irish Students Choose Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has become increasingly popular among Irish students seeking high-quality education in England. Ranked 37th in The Guardian University Guide 2026, NTU is renowned for its industry connections, modern facilities, and strong graduate employment rates of 95.2%. For Irish students, the university offers the perfect combination of academic excellence and financial support through various scholarship programmes.

The university's strategic location in Nottingham provides Irish students with easy access to major UK cities while maintaining affordable living costs compared to London or Edinburgh. With over 1,200 Irish students currently enrolled, NTU has developed comprehensive support systems specifically tailored to Irish student needs.

Available Scholarships for Irish Students at NTU

International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship is NTU's flagship award for international students, including those from Ireland. This merit-based scholarship offers:

• Award Value: £2,000 to £4,000 per year
• Duration: Throughout the degree programme
• Eligibility: Minimum A-level grades of ABB or equivalent
• Application: Automatic consideration upon application

Irish students with strong academic records, particularly those achieving H1-H2 grades in their Leaving Certificate, are well-positioned for this scholarship. The award is renewable each year based on maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship recognises exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential:

• Award Value: Up to £3,000 per year
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic record plus demonstrated leadership
• Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, personal statement, and extracurricular activities
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

Irish students involved in community work, sports leadership, or academic societies have strong chances of securing this scholarship. The selection committee particularly values students who can contribute to NTU's diverse campus community.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

NTU offers targeted scholarships across various disciplines popular with Irish students:

Business School Scholarships

• Value: £1,500-£2,500 annually
• Available for: MBA, MSc programmes, and undergraduate business degrees
• Special consideration for students with relevant work experience

Art and Design Excellence Awards

• Value: £2,000 per year
• Eligibility: Portfolio-based assessment
• Perfect for Irish students from creative backgrounds

STEM Scholarships

• Value: £1,800-£3,200 annually
• Available for: Engineering, Computer Science, and Science programmes
• Priority given to underrepresented groups in STEM fields

Fee Structure and Financial Benefits for Irish Students

Irish students enjoy significant financial advantages at NTU compared to other international students:

Tuition Fees 2026-27

• Undergraduate: £14,500 per year (EU-equivalent rates)
• Postgraduate Taught: £15,800-£17,200 per year
• Postgraduate Research: £16,500 per year

These fees represent substantial savings compared to international rates of £16,500-£19,000 annually. The EU-equivalent status for Irish students continues post-Brexit through special arrangements.

Living Costs in Nottingham

• University Accommodation: £4,500-£7,200 per year
• Private Accommodation: £350-£450 per month
• Living Expenses: £8,000-£10,000 annually

Nottingham's cost of living is approximately 30% lower than Dublin, making it an attractive option for Irish families concerned about education costs.

Application Process and Tips for Irish Students

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Choose Your Programme: Research courses through UCAS or directly via NTU's website. Irish students can also explore UK universities to compare options before making final decisions.

2. Submit UCAS Application: Deadline January 29, 2026 for most courses

   • Art and Design courses: January 29, 2026
   • Medicine courses: October 16, 2025

3. Scholarship Applications: Submit by March 31, 2026

   • Complete online scholarship form
   • Upload supporting documents
   • Write compelling personal statement

4. Document Requirements:

   • Leaving Certificate results or predicted grades
   • English language proficiency (if required)
   • Personal statement and references
   • Portfolio (for creative courses)

Maximising Scholarship Success

Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades throughout your Leaving Certificate. Aim for H1-H2 grades in core subjects related to your chosen field.

Personal Statement Quality: Highlight your achievements, career goals, and what you'll bring to NTU's community. Connect your Irish background to your academic and professional aspirations.

Leadership Experience: Document involvement in school committees, sports teams, volunteer work, or part-time employment that demonstrates leadership skills.

Early Application: Submit applications well before deadlines. Scholarship funds are limited, and early applicants often receive priority consideration.

Visa and Immigration Benefits

Irish students enjoy unique advantages when studying at NTU:

• No Student Visa Required: Irish citizens can study in the UK without visa applications
• Work Rights: Can work part-time during studies and full-time during holidays
• Post-Study Options: Access to Graduate Route visa for two years post-graduation
• Healthcare Access: Entitled to NHS services during studies

These benefits represent significant savings in visa fees (typically £363) and provide greater flexibility compared to other international students.

Alternative Funding Sources

Irish Government Support

• SUSI Grants: Irish students may qualify for maintenance grants
• Student Loan Scheme: Postgraduate students can apply for loans up to €7,000
• Tax Relief: Parents can claim tax relief on tuition fees paid

External Scholarships

• Fulbright Ireland: For postgraduate students
• Irish Research Council: PhD funding opportunities
• Professional Body Awards: Field-specific scholarships from Irish professional organisations

Student Life and Support at NTU

Nottingham Trent University provides comprehensive support for Irish students:

Irish Student Society: Active community organising cultural events, sports activities, and social gatherings. The society helps new students settle in and maintains connections to home.

Academic Support: Dedicated international student advisors, study skills workshops, and peer mentoring programmes ensure academic success.

Career Services: Specialised career guidance for Irish students, including networking events with Irish companies operating in the UK and job placement assistance.

Accommodation Services: Priority housing allocation for international students, with many Irish students choosing Clifton Campus accommodation for its modern facilities and vibrant community atmosphere.

Making the Most of Your Investment

Nottingham Trent University's strong industry connections provide Irish students with excellent career prospects. The university's graduate employment rate of 95.2% reflects its commitment to practical, industry-relevant education. Notable employers recruiting NTU graduates include Rolls-Royce, IBM, BBC, and major consulting firms with Irish operations.

The scholarship opportunities at NTU, combined with the university's reputation and lower living costs, make it an attractive option for Irish students seeking quality UK education. With proper planning and early application, Irish students can significantly reduce their education costs while gaining access to world-class facilities and career opportunities.

Start your application early to maximise your scholarship chances and secure your place at one of England's most dynamic universities.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 1,200 Irish students currently study at Nottingham Trent University in 2026

💰 Irish students save £2,000-£4,500 annually compared to international fee rates

🎓 95.2% graduate employment rate for NTU students within six months of graduation

🏆 Ranked 37th in The Guardian University Guide 2026 for overall student satisfaction

💸 Scholarships worth up to £4,000 per year available for qualifying Irish students

🏠 Living costs in Nottingham are 30% lower than Dublin for student accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Nottingham Trent University scholarships as an Irish student?

Irish students can apply for NTU scholarships through the university's online portal by March 31, 2026. Most scholarships require completion of the general scholarship application form along with your course application. Some scholarships like the International Excellence Scholarship offer automatic consideration based on your academic grades, while others like the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship require additional documentation including personal statements and evidence of leadership experience.

What are the entry requirements for Irish students at Nottingham Trent University?

Entry requirements vary by course, but typical requirements include Leaving Certificate grades of H2-H3 in relevant subjects, equivalent to A-level grades of BBB-CCC. Business courses typically require H2 in Mathematics and English, while STEM programmes may require H1-H2 in relevant sciences. Some courses require additional portfolios or entrance exams, and English language proficiency may be required if English wasn't your primary language of instruction.

How much does it cost for Irish students to study at Nottingham Trent University in 2026?

Irish students pay EU-equivalent fees of £14,500 per year for undergraduate programmes and £15,800-£17,200 for postgraduate taught courses in 2026-27. Combined with living costs of £8,000-£10,000 annually, the total cost ranges from £22,500-£27,200 per year. However, scholarships can reduce these costs by £1,500-£4,000 annually, and living costs in Nottingham are 30% lower than Dublin.

What is the difference between NTU scholarships and other UK university funding options?

NTU offers specifically competitive scholarships for Irish students, with automatic consideration for high achievers and no separate visa costs. Unlike other UK universities that may charge full international fees (£16,500-£19,000), NTU provides EU-equivalent rates for Irish students. The university also offers ongoing support through dedicated Irish student societies and career services, making it more accessible than universities without established Irish student communities.

Do I need a student visa as an Irish citizen to study at Nottingham Trent University?

No, Irish citizens do not need a student visa to study at Nottingham Trent University due to the Common Travel Area agreement between Ireland and the UK. This saves approximately £363 in visa fees and provides additional benefits including the right to work part-time during studies, access to NHS healthcare, and eligibility for the Graduate Route visa after completion. This makes NTU particularly attractive compared to other international study destinations.

When is the best time to apply for Nottingham Trent University scholarships?

The optimal application timeline starts in September 2025 for 2026 entry. Submit UCAS applications by January 29, 2026, and scholarship applications by March 31, 2026. Early applications receive priority consideration as scholarship funds are limited. Start researching programmes in summer 2025, prepare application materials in autumn, and apply for both courses and scholarships simultaneously to maximise your chances of securing funding and your preferred programme place.

Key Takeaways

✅ Irish students qualify for EU-equivalent fees of £14,500 annually, saving £2,000-£4,500 compared to international rates

✅ Multiple scholarship options available worth £1,500-£4,000 per year, with automatic consideration for high achievers

✅ No student visa required for Irish citizens, providing work rights and NHS access during studies

✅ Strong graduate employment rate of 95.2% with extensive career support specifically for Irish students

✅ Application deadline March 31, 2026 for scholarships, with early applications receiving priority consideration

✅ Living costs in Nottingham are 30% lower than Dublin, with comprehensive student support services available