John J Sweeney Scholarship

About this opportunity

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.

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

• MSc Peace and Conflict Studies
• MSc Social Policy
• LLM Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice
• LLM Gender, Conflict and Human Rights
• LLM Access to Justice
• MSc Construction Management
• MSc Management and Corporate Governance
• MSc Manufacturing Management
• MSc Business Development and Innovation

Eligibility criteria

The Scholarship will be open to all US citizens who:

• Have been offered a full-time place on one of the above MSc or MA and have made a firm commitment to Ulster University during the admissions phase;
• Are a US union member; or;
• Have a familial connection to a US union member (mother, father, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent); or;
• Can provide a reference letter from a union sponsor.

How to apply

• Candidates must apply via the online application form.
• Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed with all additional requirements attached to the application.

These include:

• Scanned copy of original degree certificate demonstrating achievement of GPA of 2.8 or above
• Where applicable, reference letter from a US Union sponsor
• 500 - 750 word personal statement
• Two academic reference letters
• A scanned copy of their US passport

Eligible Campus Locations

Students studying at the following campuses are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

• Belfast
• Coleraine
• Magee