John J Sweeney Scholarship

This special scholarship is named in honour of AFL-CIO President Emeritus John J. Sweeney, the son of Irish immigrants, who dedicated his life to advancing the well-being of working people, making outstanding contributions to working people both in the US and internationally which will live on for years to come.

For students entering the 2027/28 academic year, applications will open from 1 October 2026.

Value

The John J Sweeney Scholarship has a value of $20,000 and that is used towards the Scholar’s tuition fees for an MSc or LLM at Ulster University.

This scholarship is generously supported by funds raised by the AFL-CIO, the American Labor community, business and civic organisations, and individuals.

*Any balance remaining may be used to purchase study materials/equipment, support course-related activities and/or in support of the Scholar’s living expenses and travel costs.

The John J Sweeney Scholarship supports US students enrolled to study full-time on the following MSc or LLM at Ulster University:

• LLM Access to Justice
• LLM Gender and Human Rights
• LLM Human Rights
• LLM Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice
• MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies FT
• MSc Business Development and Innovation
• MSc Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
• MSc Communication and Public Relations
• MSc Construction Management
• MSc International Business
• MSc Management and Corporate Governance
• MSc Manufacturing Management
• MSc Marketing
• MSc Peace and Conflict Studies
• MSc Social Policy

The Scholarship will be open to all US citizens who:

• Have been offered a full-time place on one of the above MSc or LLM and have made a firm commitment to Ulster University during the admissions phase;
• Have or will have graduated with bachelors demonstrating an academic achievement of a GPA of 3.2 or above
• Are a US union member; or
  • Have an immediate or extended family connection to a US union member and provide official proof of union affiliation; or
  • Provide a formal letter of recommendation from a recognised US labour union.

How to apply

These include:

• Scanned copy of official degree certificate demonstrating achievement of GPA of 3.2 or above
• Scanned copy of official transcripts
• If applicable, recommendation letter from a US Union sponsor or familial proof of union affiliation
• 500 – 750 word personal statement
• Two academic reference letters
• A scanned copy of their US passport

Submission