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Ulster University's Irish Government mobility funding
The University is currently waiting on confirmation of Irish Government funding to support student mobility for 2025/26. If you're undertaking a study or work placement during the 2025/26 academic year outside of the UK, you may be eligible for funding once we receive notification from the Irish Government.
Once further details of University funding has been confirmed, the Global Opportunities will update this page with further information.
It is important that you are aware that Irish Government mobility funding is not guaranteed and you should consider how you will be able to support yourself financially if you do not receive funding. Please note that Irish Government funding is intended as a contribution towards costs, and is not intended to cover all expenses for students’ mobility.
The grant will be paid in pounds sterling into a UK bank account. The grant is administered by the Global Opportunities team and the specific amount a student will receive, as well as the terms and conditions, will be set out in a grant agreement signed by the student.
You will need to be completing a study or work placement in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of 28 days and up to 12 months in duration to apply for this funding.
The study or work placement must be approved by your Studies Advisor or Placement Tutor in your school before applying for funding.
Applications for 2024/25 are now closed.
Please see below for more information on deadlines and eligibility criteria.
The grant amount will be calculated based on the number of days on placement. Duration is calculated from the first day a student is required to be at their place of study or work until the last date they need to be present. The grant can vary depending on the destination country and whether you meet the criteria under the scheme for additional support as a student from a disadvantaged background. The exact amount of funding you will receive will be outlined in your Student Grant Agreement.
Grant Rates
The amount of funding provided towards the cost of living for each participant will vary depending on the sector and destination country/territory.
Destination countries/territories will be grouped into two categories:
- Group 1 (higher cost of living)
- Group 2 (lower cost of living)
A full list of country groups is provided below. The rates that will be provided are:
| Country Group | Period | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Placements lasting 4-8 weeks | £19 per day |
| Group 2 | Placements lasting 4-8 weeks | £17 per day |
| Group 1 | Placements lasting more than 8 weeks | £14 per day |
| Group 2 | Placements lasting more than 8 weeks | £12 per day |
Please note that placements lasting more than 8 weeks will receive the rates identified for this category for the full duration of the mobility, including the first 8 weeks.
Additional Financial Support
Students who meet the specific criteria for additional financial support as a student with Widening Access and Participation background will be entitled to receive a higher cost of living grant as outlined below:
| Country Group | Period | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Placements lasting 4-8 weeks | £23 per day |
| Group 2 | Placements lasting 4-8 weeks | £21 per day |
| Group 1 | Placements lasting more than 8 weeks | £18 per day |
| Group 2 | Placements lasting more than 8 weeks | £16 per day |
Travel Grant
Students who meet the specific criteria for additional financial support as a student with Widening Access and Participation background will also receive a contribution towards the direct costs of one return journey to the destination country. Receipts will be required. The travel grant amounts vary between different destinations.
Group 1 (higher cost of living) | Group 2 (lower cost of living) |
|---|---|
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You will be eligible for a higher rate of funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You come from a low income household or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive income-related benefits or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care or are a care leaver
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
The Irish Government grant will be paid directly to your bank account in two allocations.
The first allocation will amount to 80% of your total grant and will be paid when you have completed and submitted the following:
- Approval for Placement form
- The ‘Before the Mobility’ section of your Learning Agreement for Traineeship/Studies
- Signed Student Grant Agreement
- Completed Student Medical Disclosure
- Completed Pre-Mobility Survey
- Signed Certificate of Arrival
The remainder of your grant will be paid to you when you have successfully completed your placement and submitted the following within 10 days of your mobility end date:
- The ‘After the Mobility’ section of your Learning Agreement for Traineeship/Studies
- Your signed Certificate of Completion
- The Post-mobility Survey
You can find these documents below.
All forms to be submitted to the Global Opportunities Team
As an Ulster student in receipt of Irish Government mobility funding, you will be required to:
- Keep in touch with the Global Opportunities Team, as well as your Ulster study adviser / placement tutor
- Inform us of any placement changes, such as, but not limited to: start date, end date, location.
- If you return early from your placement, if you fail your year abroad, or if you breach the terms of your Student Grant Agreement, it is likely that you will have to return some or all of your grant.
- Complete all required documentation within the appropriate timeframe; if you do not, you should be aware that you may be considered ineligible to have received the grant and will be asked to return any money you have already been paid.
If you return early from your placement or if you contravene the terms of your Student Grant Agreement, it is likely that you will have to return some or all of your Irish Government-funded grant.
In any of these cases, you must let the Global Opportunities team know as soon as possible of any changes in your situation which may affect your eligibility to receive a grant.
Yes. Registered students Full Time students from all nationalities and backgrounds are welcome to apply for Irish Government mobility funding.
Forms and Documents - 2025/26
Completion of all the relevant documents is a compulsory condition of receiving Irish Government mobility funding. Failure to complete any item may have consequences for your grant payments, up to and including full repayment or withholding of funds.
Please note, for all forms requiring a signature that we accept electronic signatures, however typed signatures cannot be accepted and their use may result in a delay to your application being processed.
If you have questions about your Irish Government mobility grant or the required documentation, please contact the Global Opportunities team.
| Document | Description | Due date |
|---|---|---|
This form needs to be signed by your Study Adviser or Placement Tutor to approve your placement. | Your fully signed Approval form must be returned to the Study Abroad Team before your start date. | |
Learning Agreement for Traineeships Before Mobility section | The Learning Agreement outlines the programme of study/work that you will follow. You will need to complete the 'Before the mobility' section before you start your placement. | Your fully signed 'Before the mobility' section of the Learning Agreement must be returned to the Global Opportunities Team by email before the first day of your placement. |
Student Grant Agreement | A contract which you must sign in order to qualify for Irish Government mobility funding. A personalised agreement will be sent to your Ulster email address. | Before the first day of your placement. |
For students to complete before they commence their mobility programme. | Before the first day of your placement. | |
| Medical Disclosure Form | The aim of this form is to ensure the Global Engagement team is delivering the best possible service and support to our students during their time abroad | At least 2 weeks before your placement. |
Confirmation that you have arrived and begun your placement. | As soon as you arrive at your placement. | |
Learning Agreement for Traineeships | The 'During Mobility' section of the Learning Agreement - To be completed if/when you make changes to the course choices or type of work stated in your 'Before the mobility' section of the Learning Agreement. | As applicable throughout your placement. |
For students to complete once they have ended their mobility programme. | Within 10 days of the end of your placement. | |
Learning Agreement for Traineeships After Mobility section | Traineeships - The Trainee Certificate recognises your work with the host institution and confirms the start and end date of your placement. Studies - Confirmation of the start and end date of your placement and transcript request. | Within 10 days of the end of your placement. |
Confirmation that you have successfully completed your placement. | Within 10 days of the end of your placement. |
