MIC GPA Scholarship Scheme

The MIC GPA Scholarship Scheme is open to GPA members only who have applied for and are successful in securing a place on MIC’s postgraduate programmes in education and the liberal arts. Two scholarships will be offered on an annual basis with at least one being awarded to a female player. MIC will contribute 50% of the programme fee to a maximum of €2,300 with the GPA contributing the remaining 50% of the programme fee to a maximum of €2300. If the programme fee is higher than €4,600 then the successful applicant will be liable for any shortfall that may exist. The successful MIC GPA Scholars will play an active role on MIC’s football, camogie or hurling teams and will act as ambassadors for their sport within the College community.

Interested applicants can inquire about the scheme and make their initial scholarship application by submitting their CV and cover letter to PostgradScholarships@gaelicplayers.com.

The GPA is dedicated to the personal and professional development of male and female inter-county players. The ethos of the GPA is all about people and potential. In a fundamental way the GPA goals and aspirations match those of Mary Immaculate College (MIC) – to be a development partner with its students.

The MIC GPA Scholarship builds on the on the track-record of the organisations in promoting sport and education. It constitutes the development of a relationship between the GPA and MIC, culminating in the award of MIC/GPA scholarships for each of the following academic years: 2021/2022, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25.

• MIC agrees to make available to members of the GPA (male and female) two postgraduate scholarships per annum for an initial period of three years.
• The scheme will be referred to as the MIC GPA Scholarship Scheme and successful applicants will be referred to as MIC/GPA Scholars.
• The value of each scholarship will be up to €4,600 for one year only and will be delivered through a full or partial fee waiver as applicable.
• MIC will contribute 50% of the programme fee to a maximum of €2,300 with the GPA contributing the remaining 50% of the programme fee to a maximum of €2300. If the programme fee is higher than €4,600 then the successful applicant will be liable for any shortfall that may exist.
• The duration of the MIC GPA Scholarship is for one Academic Year only. However, successful applicants may apply for successive years
• Students in receipt of a Postgraduate Studentship / Assistantship are ineligible to apply for the MIC GPA Scholarships.
• This scheme is applicable to all Postgraduate Programmes as currently offered by MIC subject to the programme running that year and all the necessary entry requirements being met. See full list of MIC postgraduate programmes.
• It is desired that the scholarships will be awarded to one (1) male and one (1) female applicant.
• Scholarships will be awarded based on merit. All applications will be assessed using a set of criteria as pre-agreed between MIC and the GPA.
• The scholarship candidates will be nominated by the GPA and the names communicated in writing to MIC. On nomination, the candidates will apply through the normal academic application procedure of MIC. Once the application procedure has been completed, MIC will inform the candidates of their success or otherwise in meeting the entry criteria for the programme of their choice. MIC will inform the GPA that the candidate has accepted the place on the programme.
• MIC will inform the GPA of who has been awarded a scholarship in advance of informing the successful candidate(s).
• MIC will inform the successful candidate(s) that they have been awarded an MIC GPA scholarship for the forthcoming academic year and confirm to the GPA when the candidate has accepted their offer(s) of a place.
• Once accepted the scholarship cannot be deferred for another year.
• Once registered onto the programme, the student will be subject to the rules and regulation of MIC.

The GPA will assist in the promotion of MIC and the suite of programmes on offer to their members in the following ways:

• Engage in an annual launch of the scholarship programme, including using their network of contacts to build national and local media presence at this launch.
• Actively promote MIC/GPA scholarships to their membership through their suite of communications channels.
• Ensure that the MIC Logo is included on all GPA promotional material relating to GPA scholarships.
• Include representatives of MIC in scholarship related network events that the GPA operate.
• Provide guest speakers on a regular basis for business/sports seminar events that MIC GAA run.

The MIC GPA Scholar(s) will be expected to contribute to MIC in the following ways:

• Actively participate in MIC GAA, LGFA or Camogie club.
• Perform ambassadorial duties as deemed appropriate.