For the seventh consecutive year, graduates from across Ireland are being given the opportunity to secure a scholarship to attend Ireland’s leading business school, beginning this September. The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Aspire Scholarship Programme 2016 was launched today and is offering up to three MBA and nine MSc scholarships to graduates who may have thought a business masters was beyond their means. The closing date for entry is 29th April 2016. Applications can be made at www.smurfitschool.ie/aspire.

The Aspire Scholarship Programme was established in 2010, after an anonymous benefactor of the School committed €500,000 to establish the programme. The donor provided the funds specifically for those who could not otherwise afford to study at UCD Smurfit School and as a contribution to the recovery of the Irish economy. Since 2010, almost 70 scholars have benefited from the donor’s generosity and many of these scholars are employed in leading companies such as Google, Citi, KPMG, Ulster Bank, PepsiCo, Microsoft, AIB, Accenture, Mitsubishi and PwC, among others.

Speaking at the launch of the Aspire scholarship programme today, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean, UCD Business, said, “We are very grateful to our donors for their continued generosity and unwavering commitment to the school. At UCD Smurfit School our primary purpose is to educate future business leaders who will have a profound impact on society. The Aspire Scholarship Programme enables graduate students with the talent, drive and initiative, but without the necessary financial means, to advance their career prospects by securing an MBA or MSc at Ireland’s leading Business School. This scholarship programme defines us as a School, and adds to our experience and that of our students. UCD Smurfit School stands for equality of opportunity and talent. Today, we are encouraging all graduates to submit their applications.”

The scholarship will pay for 50% of the successful candidates’ chosen course fees at UCD Smurfit School. Students will commence their studies in September 2016 and can choose to study any of the wide range of MBA and MSc courses on offer. A special Selection Committee has been established to decide who will be awarded the scholarships and will be chaired by Cormac McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer, Paddy Power, and representatives from UCD Business.

Clyde Gjini, an Aspire Scholarship MSc in Marketing Practice student added, “Being awarded the Aspire Scholarship has allowed me to meet and connect with a diverse alumni network. I feel proud to be part of such a prestigious network that are welcoming and always willing to help. The Aspire scholarship has given me the opportunity for educational and professional development that I would have otherwise never been able to accomplish. Receiving the Aspire Scholarship has given me the chance to attend a reputable distinguished graduate business school, which I believe will benefit my career prospects immensely. Being part of the Aspire alumni network is an honour that I will treasure and believe will be beneficial in my career prospect and future career development. Being a recipient of such a scholarship is valued among employers and I have been lucky enough to be able to list this on my CV.”