Quick Answer: Irish students can access Teesside University scholarships worth up to £5,000 annually, including the International Excellence Scholarship (£3,000-£5,000) and Academic Achievement Awards (£2,000). Applications open in February 2026 with automatic consideration for most scholarships upon university application submission.

Introduction

Teesside University, ranked among the top 50 young universities globally by Times Higher Education 2026, offers exceptional scholarship opportunities for Irish students seeking quality higher education in England. Located in Middlesbrough, this innovative institution has invested over £300 million in campus facilities and provides generous financial support to international students from Ireland.

This comprehensive guide covers all available Teesside University scholarships for Irish students in 2026, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and tips to maximize your chances of securing funding for your studies.

Teesside University International Excellence Scholarships

Scholarship Value and Duration

The International Excellence Scholarship represents Teesside University's flagship financial support program for Irish students. This merit-based scholarship offers:

• Undergraduate students: £3,000 per year for the full degree duration
• Postgraduate students: £5,000 for the complete program
• PhD students: £3,000 per year for up to three years

The scholarship is renewable annually, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum 60% average in their studies.

Eligibility Requirements for Irish Students

To qualify for the International Excellence Scholarship, Irish applicants must:

• Hold Irish citizenship or be permanently resident in Ireland
• Achieve minimum academic grades: A-levels ABB, IB 32 points, or Irish Leaving Certificate 350+ points
• Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5)
• Submit a complete university application by May 31, 2026
• Accept an offer for full-time study at Teesside University

Application Process

Irish students are automatically considered for this scholarship upon submitting their university application through UCAS or directly to Teesside University. No separate scholarship application is required, making the process streamlined and accessible.

Academic Achievement Awards for Irish Students

Award Structure

Teesside University's Academic Achievement Awards specifically recognize outstanding Irish students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance:

• High Achievers Award: £2,000 for students with Irish Leaving Certificate 400+ points
• Excellence Award: £1,500 for students with 375-399 points
• Merit Award: £1,000 for students with 350-374 points

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Certain academic schools at Teesside University offer additional scholarships for Irish students:

Business School Scholarships:

• International Business Excellence: £2,500 annually
• Entrepreneurship Innovation Award: £2,000

Engineering and Technology:

• STEM Excellence Scholarship: £3,000 annually
• Digital Innovation Award: £2,500

Health and Life Sciences:

• Healthcare Heroes Scholarship: £2,000 annually
• Research Excellence Award: £3,500 for postgraduate research

Sports and Creative Arts Scholarships

Elite Athlete Scholarship Program

Teesside University recognizes talented Irish athletes through comprehensive support packages:

• Financial award: £2,000-£4,000 annually
• Access to elite training facilities
• Flexible study arrangements for competition schedules
• Sports science and physiotherapy support

Irish students competing at county level or above in sports such as rugby, football, athletics, or swimming are eligible to apply.

Creative Arts Excellence Awards

For Irish students pursuing creative disciplines, Teesside offers:

• Digital Arts Scholarship: £2,500 for animation, game design, or digital media students
• Performing Arts Award: £2,000 for drama, music, or dance students
• Creative Writing Scholarship: £1,500 for English literature or creative writing students

Postgraduate Research Scholarships

PhD Funding Opportunities

Irish students pursuing doctoral studies can access substantial funding through:

Teesside International PhD Scholarships:

• Full tuition fee waiver (worth £15,000-£20,000 annually)
• Monthly stipend of £1,200 for living expenses
• Research and conference funding up to £2,000 annually

Research Council Partnerships: Teesside University collaborates with UK research councils to offer joint funding for Irish PhD students in priority areas including:

• Digital technologies and AI
• Sustainable energy and environment
• Health and social care innovation
• Advanced materials and manufacturing

Application Timeline and Deadlines for 2026

Key Dates for Irish Students

February 1, 2026: Scholarship applications open May 31, 2026: Priority deadline for International Excellence Scholarships June 30, 2026: Final deadline for all undergraduate scholarships July 31, 2026: Postgraduate scholarship application deadline August 15, 2026: Scholarship decisions communicated September 2026: Academic year begins

Application Tips for Success

1. Submit Early: Applications received before April 30, 2026, receive priority consideration
2. Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and connection to Ireland
3. Academic References: Ensure references specifically mention your potential for success at university level
4. Portfolio Preparation: Creative arts applicants should prepare digital portfolios showcasing their best work

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Estimated Annual Costs for Irish Students

• Tuition fees: £14,000-£16,000 (undergraduate), £15,500-£18,000 (postgraduate)
• Accommodation: £4,500-£7,200 (university halls)
• Living expenses: £8,000-£10,000
• Total annual cost: £26,500-£34,200

Additional Support Services

Irish students at Teesside University benefit from:

• Emergency Financial Assistance: Up to £1,000 for unexpected hardships
• Part-time Employment Support: Career services help secure on-campus and local employment
• Fee Payment Plans: Flexible payment options to spread costs across the academic year

The university's dedicated International Student Support team provides ongoing assistance with financial planning and budgeting throughout your studies. When researching your options, you can find your perfect university match based on your academic interests, financial needs, and career aspirations.

Campus Facilities and Student Experience

World-Class Infrastructure

Teesside University's £300 million campus investment includes:

• Curve Building: Award-winning teaching and learning facility
• MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art): On-campus contemporary art gallery
• Sports Village: Olympic-standard facilities including swimming pool, climbing wall, and fitness suites
• Digital City: Purpose-built space for technology and digital media students

Support for Irish Students

The university maintains strong connections with Ireland through:

• Irish Student Society: Active community organizing cultural events and social activities
• Pre-arrival Webinars: Virtual sessions specifically for Irish students covering visa requirements, accommodation, and campus life
• Peer Mentoring: Current Irish students paired with newcomers for transition support

Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes

Teesside University graduates enjoy excellent career prospects, with 94% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The university's strong industry partnerships provide Irish students with:

• Placement Opportunities: 12-month industry placements with companies across the UK and Ireland
• Graduate Recruitment: Direct recruitment partnerships with major employers
• Alumni Network: Active Irish alumni network providing career guidance and networking opportunities

Conclusion

Teesside University offers comprehensive scholarship support for Irish students, with funding opportunities worth up to £5,000 annually across various academic disciplines. The combination of generous financial support, excellent facilities, and strong career prospects makes Teesside an attractive choice for Irish students seeking quality higher education in England. Begin your application early to maximize your scholarship opportunities and secure your place for September 2026.

Key Statistics

📊 Irish students can receive up to £5,000 annually through Teesside University's International Excellence Scholarship program

💰 Total scholarship funding available exceeds £2 million annually across all international student programs at Teesside University

🎓 94% of Teesside University graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2026)

📈 Teesside University invested over £300 million in campus facilities, ranking among top 50 young universities globally

🏆 Over 85% of scholarship applicants from Ireland receive some form of financial support at Teesside University

📅 Applications submitted before April 30, 2026 receive priority consideration for all scholarship programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Most Teesside University scholarships for Irish students are awarded automatically when you submit your university application through UCAS or directly to the university. The International Excellence Scholarship and Academic Achievement Awards require no separate application. However, subject-specific scholarships, sports scholarships, and PhD funding require additional applications with supporting documents. Submit your university application by May 31, 2026, for priority scholarship consideration.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Teesside University scholarships?

Irish students need minimum Irish Leaving Certificate points of 350+ for basic scholarships, with higher awards requiring 375+ or 400+ points. A-level students need ABB grades minimum, while IB students require 32+ points. Postgraduate applicants typically need a 2:1 honors degree or equivalent. English language proficiency of IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) is required for all international scholarships.

How much can I expect to pay annually at Teesside University after scholarships?

After scholarships, Irish students typically pay £21,500-£29,200 annually including tuition, accommodation, and living costs. With the maximum International Excellence Scholarship (£5,000), costs reduce significantly. Undergraduate tuition fees are £14,000-£16,000, accommodation £4,500-£7,200, and living expenses £8,000-£10,000. Additional subject-specific scholarships can further reduce costs by £1,000-£3,500 annually.

What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships at Teesside University?

Undergraduate scholarships are typically worth £3,000 annually and renewable for the full degree duration (3-4 years). Postgraduate taught scholarships offer higher one-time awards of £5,000 for the complete program (usually 1 year). PhD scholarships provide the most comprehensive support with full fee waivers (£15,000-£20,000) plus monthly stipends of £1,200. Research scholarships also include conference and research funding up to £2,000 annually.

How competitive are Teesside University scholarships for Irish students?

Teesside University scholarships are moderately competitive, with over 85% of eligible Irish applicants receiving some form of financial support. The International Excellence Scholarship has the highest success rate as it's merit-based with clear grade requirements. Subject-specific scholarships are more competitive, typically requiring additional applications and supporting materials. Sports and creative arts scholarships are highly competitive, requiring demonstrated excellence in respective fields.

When will I know if I've received a scholarship from Teesside University?

Scholarship decisions are typically communicated by August 15, 2026, for applications submitted by the priority deadlines. Automatic scholarships (International Excellence and Academic Achievement) are usually confirmed within 2-4 weeks of receiving your university offer. Subject-specific scholarships may take 6-8 weeks to process. PhD scholarship decisions can take 8-12 weeks due to the comprehensive review process including research proposal evaluation and interview requirements.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at Teesside University?

Yes, Irish students can often combine multiple scholarships at Teesside University, though some restrictions apply. You can typically combine the International Excellence Scholarship with subject-specific awards, potentially receiving up to £8,000 annually. However, scholarships covering the same criteria (like two merit-based awards) usually cannot be combined. The university's scholarship office reviews each case individually to determine the maximum funding package available while ensuring fair distribution among students.

What support services are available for Irish students at Teesside University?

Teesside University offers comprehensive support for Irish students including a dedicated International Student Support team, active Irish Student Society, and peer mentoring programs. Financial support includes emergency funding up to £1,000, flexible fee payment plans, and part-time employment assistance. Academic support features pre-arrival webinars, study skills workshops, and language support if needed. The university also maintains strong connections with Ireland through alumni networks and cultural events throughout the academic year.

Key Takeaways

✅ Irish students can access up to £5,000 annually through automatic scholarship consideration at Teesside University

✅ No separate application required for most scholarships - automatic consideration upon university application submission

✅ Priority deadline of May 31, 2026 ensures maximum scholarship opportunities for September 2026 entry

✅ Subject-specific scholarships in Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences offer additional £1,000-£3,500 funding

✅ PhD students can receive full fee waivers plus £1,200 monthly stipends through research scholarship programs

✅ Over 85% of eligible Irish applicants receive financial support, making Teesside highly accessible for Irish students