Quick Answer: Oxford Brookes University offers several scholarship opportunities for Irish students in 2026, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship worth up to £3,000 annually and subject-specific awards ranging from £1,000-£2,500. Irish students benefit from EU status for certain funding schemes and can apply through the university's online portal with deadlines typically in March-May 2026.

Why Choose Oxford Brookes University as an Irish Student

Oxford Brookes University, ranked 64th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, presents exceptional opportunities for Irish students seeking quality higher education just across the Irish Sea. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university offers over 150 undergraduate programs and maintains strong industry connections that benefit international students, particularly those from Ireland who share cultural and educational similarities with the UK system.

With approximately 1,200 Irish students currently enrolled, Oxford Brookes has established robust support systems specifically designed for students from the Republic of Ireland. The university's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its comprehensive scholarship program, which allocated over £2.8 million in student support funding for the 2025-26 academic year.

Oxford Brookes University Scholarships Available to Irish Students

Academic Excellence Scholarship

The flagship Academic Excellence Scholarship represents the most substantial funding opportunity for Irish students at Oxford Brookes. This merit-based award provides up to £3,000 annually for the duration of your undergraduate degree, totaling £9,000 over three years.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum of 520 CAO points (equivalent to AAB at A-Level)
• Must be enrolling as a first-year undergraduate student
• Irish citizenship or permanent residency in Ireland
• Demonstrate academic consistency across Leaving Certificate subjects

Application Process:

• Submit application through Oxford Brookes online portal by March 31, 2026
• Include personal statement highlighting academic achievements and career aspirations
• Provide official Leaving Certificate results or predicted grades
• Submit one academic reference from your secondary school

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Oxford Brookes offers targeted scholarships across various disciplines, particularly beneficial for Irish students entering high-demand fields:

Business and Management Scholarship

• Award value: £2,500 per year
• Available to students entering Business School programs
• Requires minimum 480 CAO points
• Application deadline: April 15, 2026

Engineering and Technology Scholarship

• Award value: £2,000 per year
• Supports students in STEM fields where Ireland has skills shortages
• Includes potential placement opportunities with UK tech companies
• Preference given to students with Higher Level Mathematics

Healthcare Professions Bursary

• Award value: £1,500 per year plus £500 practical training allowance
• Available for Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy programs
• Recognizes Ireland's healthcare sector demands
• Requires relevant work experience or volunteering

International Student Support Fund

This needs-based scholarship specifically assists students facing financial hardship during their studies. Irish students can access emergency funding of £500-£1,500 for unexpected expenses such as:

• Medical emergencies not covered by health insurance
• Essential equipment for practical courses
• Emergency travel to Ireland for family situations
• Technology requirements for remote learning periods

Financial Benefits for Irish Students

Tuition Fee Structure

As an Irish citizen studying at Oxford Brookes, you benefit from the established educational agreements between Ireland and the UK. For the 2026-27 academic year:

• Annual tuition fees: £9,250 (same as UK students for most programs)
• No additional international student surcharges
• Access to UK student finance options through Student Finance England
• Potential for retrospective fee adjustments based on residency status

Living Cost Advantages

Oxford's proximity to Ireland offers practical financial benefits:

• Direct flights from Dublin to London (1.5 hours) with budget airlines starting at €29
• No currency exchange fees when using Euro cards in many Oxford establishments
• Familiar food products available, reducing adaptation costs
• Strong Irish community providing informal support networks

Application Strategy for Irish Students

Timeline for 2026 Entry

September 2025 - December 2025:

• Research programs and scholarship options
• Begin UCAS application process
• Request academic references from teachers
• Draft scholarship personal statements

January 2026 - March 2026:

• Submit UCAS application (deadline January 15, 2026, for most courses)
• Complete Oxford Brookes scholarship applications
• Arrange English language testing if required (though typically waived for Irish students)

April 2026 - June 2026:

• Scholarship decision notifications (typically by May 15, 2026)
• University offer confirmations
• Accommodation applications open
• Visa/residency documentation preparation

Maximizing Your Scholarship Chances

Academic Performance: Focus on achieving consistent high grades across all Leaving Certificate subjects. Oxford Brookes considers your overall profile, not just individual high scores. Students from Irish schools typically perform well due to the comprehensive nature of the Leaving Certificate curriculum.

Extracurricular Activities: Highlight involvement in activities that demonstrate leadership, community service, or subject-relevant experience. Irish students often excel in areas such as:

• Gaelic sports leadership roles
• Young Scientist competitions
• Community volunteering through local organizations
• Part-time employment balancing with studies

Personal Statement Optimization: Address your motivation for studying in Oxford specifically, demonstrating research into the university's unique offerings. Mention how your Irish background brings diverse perspectives to the university community while showing commitment to contributing to campus life.

When researching universities and comparing options, many Irish students find it helpful to find your perfect university through comprehensive comparison tools that consider both academic programs and financial support available.

Alternative Funding Sources for Irish Students

Irish Government Support

Irish students may still access certain home-country funding while studying in the UK:

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland):

• Maintenance grants available for students whose family income qualifies
• Must meet residency and means testing requirements
• Can be combined with Oxford Brookes scholarships
• Application opens February 2026 for September entry

Student Loan Scheme:

• Available through participating Irish banks
• Covers tuition fees and living expenses
• Competitive interest rates for education purposes
• Repayment typically begins after graduation

External Scholarship Opportunities

Enterprise Ireland Innovation Scholarships:

• Available for students in technology and innovation fields
• Worth up to €5,000 annually
• Includes potential internship placements with Irish companies in the UK
• Application deadline: February 28, 2026

Irish Research Council Scholarships:

• Primarily for postgraduate students but some undergraduate research opportunities
• Covers full tuition plus stipend for living expenses
• Highly competitive with approximately 15% success rate

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Career Prospects

Oxford Brookes graduates, including Irish students, enjoy strong employment outcomes:

• 94% graduate employment rate within six months of graduation
• Average starting salary of £26,500 for UK-based positions
• Strong alumni network in Ireland with over 3,000 graduates
• Graduate visa opportunities allowing two years of UK work experience

Pathway to UK Residency

For Irish students considering long-term residence in the UK, Oxford Brookes provides excellent foundation:

• Access to graduate job market without visa restrictions
• Eligibility for skilled worker visa sponsorship after graduate visa period
• Professional networking opportunities through university career services
• Industry placement programs with major UK employers

Practical Considerations for Irish Students

Accommodation Options

University Halls:

• Guaranteed accommodation for first-year international students
• Irish students often request halls with diverse international communities
• Costs range from £130-£180 per week depending on facilities
• Include utilities, internet, and basic meal plans

Private Accommodation:

• Shared houses popular among second and third-year Irish students
• Average cost £100-£140 per week in Oxford
• Many Irish students group together for familiar social environment
• University housing office provides approved landlord lists

Healthcare and Insurance

Irish students benefit from continued EU healthcare arrangements:

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergency medical treatment
• University health center provides primary healthcare services
• Comprehensive student insurance recommended for non-emergency situations
• Mental health support services available through university counseling

Conclusion

Oxford Brookes University scholarships provide substantial financial support for Irish students pursuing UK higher education in 2026. With awards ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 annually, combined with the university's strong academic reputation and career prospects, these opportunities represent excellent value for Irish families investing in international education. Start your application process early and consider the comprehensive support available to maximize your chances of securing funding.

Key Statistics

📊 Oxford Brookes allocated over £2.8 million in student support funding for 2025-26 academic year

🎓 94% of Oxford Brookes graduates find employment within six months of graduation

💰 Academic Excellence Scholarship provides up to £3,000 annually, totaling £9,000 over three years

🇮🇪 Approximately 1,200 Irish students currently enrolled at Oxford Brookes University

📈 Oxford Brookes ranks 64th in the UK according to The Complete University Guide 2026

✈️ Direct flights from Dublin to London cost as little as €29 with budget airlines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Oxford Brookes University scholarships as an Irish student?

Irish students apply for Oxford Brookes scholarships through the university's online portal after submitting their UCAS application. The process involves completing scholarship-specific applications by March 31, 2026, for most awards, providing Leaving Certificate results or predicted grades, academic references, and a personal statement. Each scholarship has specific requirements, so review eligibility criteria carefully and apply for multiple scholarships to maximize funding opportunities.

What is the Academic Excellence Scholarship and who qualifies?

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is Oxford Brookes' flagship merit-based award worth up to £3,000 annually for undergraduate students. Irish students qualify with minimum 520 CAO points (equivalent to AAB at A-Level), Irish citizenship or permanent residency, and enrollment as first-year undergraduates. The scholarship renews annually based on academic performance and can total £9,000 over a three-year degree program.

How much does it cost for Irish students to study at Oxford Brookes University?

Irish students pay £9,250 annual tuition fees at Oxford Brookes, the same rate as UK students for most programs. Additional costs include accommodation (£130-£180 per week in university halls), living expenses (approximately £800-£1,200 monthly), and travel between Ireland and Oxford. With scholarships, total annual costs can be reduced by £1,000-£3,000, making Oxford Brookes competitive with Irish university expenses when including living costs.

Can Irish students combine Oxford Brookes scholarships with other funding sources?

Yes, Irish students can typically combine Oxford Brookes scholarships with other funding sources including SUSI maintenance grants, Irish student loans, and external scholarships like Enterprise Ireland awards. Students should declare all funding sources during application processes and verify that scholarship terms don't prohibit combining awards. Many Irish students successfully fund their studies through multiple sources, reducing overall education costs significantly.

What are the application deadlines for Oxford Brookes scholarships in 2026?

Key scholarship deadlines for Irish students in 2026 include: Academic Excellence Scholarship (March 31, 2026), Business and Management Scholarship (April 15, 2026), Healthcare Professions Bursary (April 30, 2026), and Engineering & Technology Scholarship (May 1, 2026). The International Student Support Fund operates on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Students should submit UCAS applications by January 15, 2026, before applying for scholarships.

Do Irish students need visas or special documentation to study at Oxford Brookes?

Irish citizens do not require student visas to study in the UK due to the Common Travel Area agreement between Ireland and the UK. However, students should carry valid Irish passports and may need to provide residency documentation for certain funding applications. Irish students can work unlimited hours during studies and remain in the UK after graduation under current arrangements, though Brexit-related changes should be monitored for updates.

Key Takeaways

✅ Oxford Brookes offers scholarships worth £1,000-£3,000 annually for Irish students with various eligibility criteria

✅ Irish students pay the same tuition fees as UK students (£9,250) without international student surcharges

✅ Application deadlines for major scholarships fall between March-May 2026, requiring early preparation

✅ Irish students can combine Oxford Brookes scholarships with Irish government funding and external awards

✅ Strong graduate employment rate (94%) and established Irish alumni network provide excellent career prospects

✅ No visa requirements for Irish citizens studying at Oxford Brookes due to Common Travel Area agreements

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