Quick Answer: University of Exeter offers scholarships up to £5,000 annually for Irish students in 2026-2027, including the Global Excellence Scholarship and subject-specific awards. Irish students are eligible for EU fee status (£15,000-£25,000 annually) and can apply through the university's scholarship portal by March 31, 2026.

Why Choose University of Exeter as an Irish Student

The University of Exeter stands as one of the UK's top Russell Group universities, ranking 12th in the UK according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. For Irish students, Exeter offers a compelling combination of academic excellence, stunning campus locations, and generous scholarship opportunities that make studying abroad both affordable and rewarding.

Located in Devon with additional campuses in Cornwall and Penryn, the University of Exeter provides Irish students with easy access to beautiful coastlines while maintaining strong connections to Ireland through regular ferry services from Cork and Dublin. With over 27,000 students and a strong international community of 7,500+ students from 130 countries, Irish students find a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.

Available Scholarships for Irish Students in 2026-2027

Global Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship opportunity for Irish students, the Global Excellence Scholarship provides £5,000 per year for the duration of your undergraduate or postgraduate program. This merit-based scholarship recognizes academic achievement and is available across all disciplines.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Irish citizenship or permanent residency
• Minimum of 500 CAO points (or equivalent A-levels: AAB)
• Firm acceptance of University of Exeter offer
• Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential

Subject-Specific Scholarships

The university offers targeted scholarships for specific academic areas:

Business School Excellence Award: £3,000 annually for Irish students pursuing business, economics, or management degrees. The Exeter Business School ranks in the top 1% globally with triple accreditation.

STEM Innovation Scholarship: £4,000 per year for Irish students studying engineering, computer science, mathematics, or natural sciences. With Exeter's strong industry partnerships including partnerships with Met Office and ESA, this scholarship supports future innovators.

Medical School Bursary: £2,500 annually for Irish students accepted to Exeter's medical program, which has a 95% graduate employment rate within six months of graduation.

Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Irish students pursuing PhD or research degrees can access:

Exeter Doctoral Scholarship: Full tuition coverage plus £18,000 annual stipend for three years Research Excellence Award: £6,000 toward research expenses and conference attendance

Fee Structure and Financial Planning for Irish Students

Understanding the complete cost structure helps Irish families plan effectively for University of Exeter education.

Tuition Fees 2026-2027

• Undergraduate Programs: £15,000-£19,000 per year
• Postgraduate Taught: £16,500-£23,500 per year
• Postgraduate Research: £15,500-£25,000 per year
• Medical Degrees: £25,000 per year

Living Costs in Exeter

Exeter offers excellent value compared to London universities:

• Accommodation: £4,500-£8,500 per year (university halls)
• Food and groceries: £2,400-£3,200 per year
• Transport: £600-£900 per year (excellent bus connections)
• Personal expenses: £1,500-£2,500 per year

Total annual budget: £23,000-£34,000 including tuition and living expenses.

Application Process and Deadlines

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Submit UCAS Application (October 15, 2025 for Oxbridge/Medicine, January 29, 2026 for other courses)
2. Complete Scholarship Application via University of Exeter Student Portal
3. Provide Supporting Documents:
   • Academic transcripts (Leaving Certificate results)
   • Personal statement highlighting achievements
   • Two academic references
   • Proof of Irish citizenship/residency

Critical Deadlines 2026

• Early Decision Scholarships: January 15, 2026
• Main Scholarship Round: March 31, 2026
• Late Applications: May 30, 2026 (limited funding available)

Alternative Funding Sources for Irish Students

Beyond university scholarships, Irish students can explore additional funding:

Irish Government Support

SUSI Grant: Irish students may qualify for maintenance grants up to €5,915 annually, depending on family income and circumstances.

Tax Relief: Parents can claim tax relief on tuition fees paid for Irish students studying abroad.

External Scholarships

JP McManus Foundation: Provides scholarships up to €6,000 for Irish students pursuing undergraduate degrees at leading UK universities.

County Council Scholarships: Many Irish county councils offer education grants ranging from €1,000-€3,000 for local students.

When exploring funding options, you might also want to browse all universities to compare scholarship opportunities across different UK institutions.

Student Life and Support Services

Irish Student Community

The University of Exeter hosts an active Irish Society with over 200 members, organizing cultural events, sports competitions, and networking opportunities. The society maintains strong connections with Irish businesses and alumni working in the UK.

Academic Support

• Study Skills Workshops: Tailored support for international students
• Career Services: 98% graduate employment rate within six months
• Research Opportunities: Access to world-class facilities and research projects

Practical Support

Immigration Advice: Dedicated team for visa and residence queries Financial Guidance: Budget planning and emergency fund assistance Health Services: Comprehensive campus health center with mental health support

Success Stories and Graduate Outcomes

University of Exeter graduates consistently achieve excellent career outcomes. Irish graduates from 2025 reported:

• Average starting salary: £28,500 (15% above national average)
• Graduate employment rate: 96% within six months
• Postgraduate study progression: 32% continue to master's or PhD programs

Notable Irish alumni include business leaders at multinational corporations, successful entrepreneurs, and researchers contributing to climate change solutions through Exeter's renowned Environmental and Sustainability Institute.

Making Your Decision

The University of Exeter offers Irish students an exceptional combination of academic excellence, financial support, and career opportunities. With scholarship funding potentially reducing annual costs by £5,000 and the university's strong reputation opening doors to prestigious graduate programs and careers, Exeter represents excellent value for Irish families investing in higher education.

Start your scholarship application early, gather required documents, and don't hesitate to contact the International Office for personalized guidance on maximizing your funding opportunities.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Exeter ranks 12th in UK according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

💰 Irish students can receive up to £5,000 annually through the Global Excellence Scholarship program

🎓 96% of Irish graduates secure employment within six months of completing their degrees

📈 Over 200 active Irish students participate in the University of Exeter Irish Society

🏆 Exeter Business School holds triple accreditation and ranks in the top 1% globally

💼 Irish graduates earn average starting salaries of £28,500, 15% above national average

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Irish students apply through the University of Exeter Student Portal after submitting their UCAS application. You'll need your Leaving Certificate results, personal statement, two academic references, and proof of Irish citizenship. The main scholarship deadline is March 31, 2026, though early decision scholarships close January 15, 2026.

What is the Global Excellence Scholarship and am I eligible?

The Global Excellence Scholarship provides £5,000 per year for the duration of your degree program. Irish students are eligible if they have minimum 500 CAO points (or A-level equivalent of AAB), hold Irish citizenship or permanent residency, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

How much does it cost for Irish students to study at University of Exeter in 2026?

Undergraduate tuition ranges from £15,000-£19,000 annually, with medical degrees costing £25,000. Including living expenses, Irish students should budget £23,000-£34,000 per year. With scholarships up to £5,000 annually, net costs can be significantly reduced.

Can I combine University of Exeter scholarships with Irish government funding?

Yes, Irish students can combine university scholarships with SUSI grants (up to €5,915 annually) and other Irish government support. University scholarships don't typically affect eligibility for Irish state funding, but you should verify with SUSI directly.

What are the best scholarship opportunities for Irish students studying business at Exeter?

Irish business students can apply for the Global Excellence Scholarship (£5,000/year) and the Business School Excellence Award (£3,000/year) simultaneously. The Business School holds triple accreditation and ranks in the top 1% globally, making it an excellent choice for career prospects.

When should I apply for scholarships if I'm starting university in September 2026?

Submit your scholarship application by March 31, 2026 for the main funding round. Early decision scholarships (January 15, 2026) offer additional opportunities. Apply as early as possible after receiving your conditional or unconditional offer, as funding is competitive and allocated on a rolling basis.

Key Takeaways

✅ Irish students can access up to £5,000 annually through University of Exeter scholarships

✅ Multiple scholarship options available including subject-specific awards for business, STEM, and medical students

✅ Application deadline is March 31, 2026, with early decision options closing January 15, 2026

✅ Irish students benefit from EU fee status and can combine university scholarships with Irish government funding

✅ University of Exeter ranks 12th in UK with 96% graduate employment rate for Irish students

✅ Total annual costs range £23,000-£34,000 including living expenses, significantly reduced with scholarships

---

📚 Recommended Reading

1. UK Student Visa from Qatar: Complete Application Guide 2026
   Complete step-by-step guide to UK university applications

2. UK Scholarships for Omani Students: Complete List 2026
   Funding opportunities to reduce your tuition costs

3. Business Management in Newcastle 2026: Universities, Fees & Require...
   Everything you need to know about UK student visas

4. Computer Science Career Opportunities in UK for Kuwaiti Graduates 2...
   Job prospects and career opportunities after graduation

5. University of Exeter Scholarships for Vietnamese Students 2026: Com...
   Funding opportunities at University Of Exeter