Quick Answer: Queen's University Belfast offers multiple scholarships for Irish students in 2026, including the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (up to £5,000), academic merit awards, and subject-specific funding. Irish students can apply without visa requirements and benefit from competitive tuition fees starting at £4,710 for undergraduate programs.

Why Queen's University Belfast is Perfect for Irish Students

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) stands as one of the UK's most accessible and prestigious universities for Irish students, ranking 33rd in the Complete University Guide 2026. Located just two hours from Dublin, QUB offers world-class education without the complexities of international student visas. With over 25,000 students and a strong tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1845, Queen's provides Irish students with exceptional opportunities across 300+ degree programs.

The university's commitment to supporting Irish students extends beyond geographical convenience. QUB actively promotes cross-border education through generous scholarship programs and maintains strong partnerships with Irish institutions, making it an ideal choice for students seeking quality UK education while staying close to home.

Main Queen's University Belfast Scholarships for Irish Students

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at Queen's offers Irish students up to £5,000 annually towards tuition fees. This merit-based award recognizes academic excellence and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs starting in September 2026.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Irish citizenship or residence
• Minimum academic requirements: 380+ CAO points or equivalent
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Strong personal statement

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Queen's offers tiered academic scholarships based on entry qualifications:

• Platinum Scholarship: £3,000 annually (400+ CAO points)
• Gold Scholarship: £2,000 annually (380+ CAO points)
• Silver Scholarship: £1,000 annually (360+ CAO points)

These scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process and don't require separate applications.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Physical Sciences

The School of Engineering offers the Innovation Scholarship worth £4,000 for Irish students pursuing engineering degrees. This scholarship particularly supports students interested in renewable energy and sustainable technology.

Medicine and Health Sciences

The Healthcare Heroes Scholarship provides £3,500 annually for Irish students entering medical, nursing, or allied health programs. Given the ongoing healthcare challenges across Ireland and Northern Ireland, this scholarship addresses critical workforce needs.

Business and Economics

The Enterprise Belfast Scholarship awards £2,500 to Irish students demonstrating entrepreneurial potential in business-related programs.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs for Irish Students

Undergraduate Tuition Fees 2026

• Home fees apply: £4,710 per year (same as UK students)
• Medicine: £6,900 per year
• Dentistry: £6,900 per year

Irish students benefit significantly from home fee status, paying approximately 60% less than international students.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees 2026

• Taught Masters: £5,500-£8,000 per year
• Research degrees: £4,710 per year
• MBA programs: £18,500 per year

Living Costs in Belfast

Belfast ranks as one of the UK's most affordable student cities:

• Accommodation: £4,500-£7,200 per year
• Living expenses: £6,000-£8,000 per year
• Total annual budget: £15,000-£20,000

Application Process and Deadlines

Application Timeline 2026

• Early applications: October 15, 2025 (recommended)
• Standard deadline: January 15, 2026
• Final deadline: June 30, 2026
• Scholarship deadline: March 31, 2026

Required Documents

1. Academic transcripts (Leaving Certificate results)
2. Personal statement (500-word limit)
3. Reference letter (from teacher or employer)
4. Portfolio (for creative programs)
5. English proficiency (if applicable)

Application Tips for Irish Students

Maximize Scholarship Chances:

• Apply early (October-November) for best scholarship consideration
• Highlight cross-border activities and community involvement
• Demonstrate understanding of Northern Ireland's unique position
• Emphasize career goals that benefit both Irish and UK communities

Personal Statement Guidance:

• Connect your Irish background to chosen program
• Mention specific Queen's facilities or research centers
• Discuss how studying at QUB aligns with career aspirations
• Show awareness of Belfast's growing reputation in your field

Queen's University Belfast Rankings and Reputation

Queen's consistently performs well in UK university rankings:

• Overall UK ranking: 33rd (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Research quality: 24th (REF 2021)
• Graduate prospects: 78% employment rate within 15 months
• International outlook: Top 200 globally (Times Higher Education)

Notable Programs for Irish Students

Medicine and Dentistry: Queen's medical school ranks among the UK's top 15, with strong clinical partnerships across Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Engineering: The ECIT (Electronics, Communications & Information Technology) Institute offers cutting-edge facilities and industry partnerships with companies like Bombardier and Caterpillar.

Law: Queen's Law School provides unique insights into both UK and Irish legal systems, valuable for students planning legal careers on either side of the border.

Business: The Management School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and maintains strong connections with Dublin's financial district.

Alternative Funding Options

Student Finance Ireland

Irish students at Queen's can access funding through:

• SUSI grants: Up to £5,915 annually
• Student loans: Available for living costs
• Postgraduate grants: Up to £6,270 for Masters programs

External Scholarships

• JP McManus Scholarship: €6,000 annually for Limerick students
• Irish Research Council: Postgraduate funding
• County council scholarships: Various local awards

Part-time Work Opportunities

Irish students can work unlimited hours while studying at Queen's, with Belfast offering:

• Campus jobs: £9.50+ per hour
• Retail positions: Abundant in Belfast city center
• Tutoring: High demand for Irish students helping others

Life at Queen's for Irish Students

Student Societies and Clubs

• Irish Society: Active community of 500+ members
• GAA Club: Hurling and Gaelic football teams
• Celtic Music Society: Traditional Irish music performances
• Debate Society: Regular competitions with Irish universities

Accommodation Options

Queen's offers guaranteed accommodation for first-year Irish students:

On-campus halls:

• Elms Village: £5,200-£7,800 per year
• Mount Stewart: £4,800-£6,500 per year

Private accommodation:

• Shared houses: £350-£500 per month
• Studio apartments: £600-£800 per month

Travel and Connectivity

• Dublin-Belfast: 2 hours by bus/car
• Cork-Belfast: 4.5 hours direct
• Regular flights: From Dublin and Cork to Belfast
• Student discounts: Available on all major transport routes

Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes

Queen's graduates enjoy strong career prospects, particularly Irish students who benefit from job markets in both jurisdictions:

Graduate destinations:

• Northern Ireland employment: 35% of Irish graduates
• Republic of Ireland return: 40% of Irish graduates
• London and UK cities: 20% of Irish graduates
• International opportunities: 5% of Irish graduates

Average starting salaries:

• Engineering graduates: £28,000-£35,000
• Business graduates: £24,000-£30,000
• Medical graduates: £31,000+ (Foundation year)
• Law graduates: £22,000-£28,000

Many Irish students leverage their Queen's education to work in Dublin's growing tech and financial sectors while maintaining UK qualifications.

How to Maximize Your Application Success

Research Preparation

Before applying, prospective students should thoroughly research Queen's offerings and Belfast's opportunities. Consider using resources to explore UK universities and compare different institutions to ensure Queen's aligns with your academic and career goals.

Networking Opportunities

• QUB Open Days: Regular events for Irish prospective students
• Alumni network: Strong presence across Ireland
• Career fairs: Regular visits to Irish schools and colleges
• Online webinars: Monthly information sessions

Final Steps: Your Path to Queen's

Securing a Queen's University Belfast scholarship as an Irish student requires strategic planning and early preparation. With tuition fees at home rates, generous scholarship opportunities, and no visa complications, Queen's offers exceptional value for Irish students seeking world-class UK education.

Start your application early, research scholarship opportunities thoroughly, and prepare compelling personal statements that demonstrate your potential contributions to the Queen's community. The investment in your education at Queen's will provide lifelong benefits and open doors across both Irish and UK job markets.

Key Statistics

📊 Queen's University Belfast ranks 33rd in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)

💰 Irish students pay home fees starting at £4,710 per year, 60% less than international rates

🎓 78% of Queen's graduates find employment within 15 months of graduation

📈 Over 300 degree programs available across 17 schools and institutes

🏠 Belfast living costs average £15,000-£20,000 annually, among the UK's most affordable

⏰ Just 2 hours travel time from Dublin to Belfast for easy family visits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen's University Belfast scholarships as an Irish student?

Irish students can apply for most Queen's scholarships through the standard university application process. Academic Excellence scholarships are automatically considered based on your CAO points, while specific scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship require separate applications by March 31, 2026. Submit your main university application early (October-November) for best scholarship consideration, and ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements of 360+ CAO points.

What is the difference between home and international fees at Queen's for Irish students?

Irish students qualify for home fee status at Queen's University Belfast, paying the same rates as UK students. This means undergraduate tuition starts at £4,710 per year compared to international fees of around £20,000+ annually. Irish students benefit from this 60% discount due to the Common Travel Area agreement between Ireland and the UK, making Queen's extremely cost-effective for Irish families.

How much financial support can Irish students receive at Queen's University Belfast?

Irish students can receive up to £5,000 annually through the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship, plus additional funding through Academic Excellence scholarships (£1,000-£3,000) and subject-specific awards (£2,500-£4,000). Combined with SUSI grants of up to £5,915 annually, Irish students can potentially receive over £10,000 in total financial support. The home fee status also saves approximately £15,000 per year compared to international rates.

Can Irish students work while studying at Queen's University Belfast?

Yes, Irish students can work unlimited hours while studying at Queen's due to the Common Travel Area agreement. Belfast offers numerous part-time opportunities including campus jobs (£9.50+ per hour), retail positions in the city center, and tutoring roles. Many Irish students work 15-20 hours weekly during term time to supplement their income, with summer opportunities available for full-time employment.

What are the application deadlines for Queen's University Belfast scholarships in 2026?

The key deadlines for Irish students applying to Queen's in 2026 are: early applications (October 15, 2025), standard university deadline (January 15, 2026), and scholarship deadline (March 31, 2026). Academic Excellence scholarships are considered automatically with your main application, but specific scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor's International require separate submissions. Apply early for maximum scholarship consideration and accommodation guarantee.

How does Queen's University Belfast compare to Irish universities for career prospects?

Queen's graduates enjoy strong career prospects with 78% employment within 15 months and access to both UK and Irish job markets. The university ranks 33rd in the UK and offers unique advantages like triple-accredited business programs and medical school partnerships across both jurisdictions. Queen's graduates often command higher starting salaries (£24,000-£35,000) and benefit from the university's strong alumni network spanning Dublin's financial district and London's major employers.

Key Takeaways

✅ Irish students qualify for home fees at Queen's (£4,710 vs £20,000+ international rates)

✅ Multiple scholarships available including up to £5,000 Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

✅ No visa requirements and unlimited work rights for Irish students

✅ Belfast offers affordable living costs (£15,000-£20,000 annually) and easy travel to Ireland

✅ Strong graduate employment rates (78%) with access to both UK and Irish job markets

✅ Apply early (October-November) for best scholarship consideration and accommodation guarantee