Aspiring students helped by anonymous donor

A scholarship fund gifted by an anonymous donor will give 12 graduates the chance to attend UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School this September.

The successful graduates will have half of their chosen programme fees paid for. The donor is giving €500,000 to the Aspire scholarship fund as a contribution to the recovery of the economy and the fund will send 60 students to UCD Smurfit School over five years.

The closing date for entry is Apr 30, and applications can be made at www.smurfitschool.ie/aspire.

The 2012 Aspire Scholarship Programme, launched yesterday, is offering up to three MBA and nine MSc scholarships. Over 20 previous scholars have already benefited from the private donor’s generosity since 2010

Speaking at the launch of Aspire 2012, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, dean of UCD Business Schools, said the fund gives young people with lesser financial means the chance to further their education.

“Today, many young people have the drive and the academic ability to continue with their studies in a leading business school such as UCD Smurfit School. However, financial circumstances beyond their control mean that they are simply not in a position to do so. The Aspire programme means that 12 students who are bright, and have a passion to learn and a drive for success will have an opportunity to nurture their talents at UCD Smurfit School.”

Prof Ó hÓgartaigh said the selection of candidates will be based on financial need and ability. He said that the university wanted to ensure that these scholarships go to students who are worthy recipients.

Successful candidates will commence their studies in Sept 2012 and special arrangements are in place to allow students to borrow the balance of the fees, if necessary, with repayments starting two years after completing the course.