We are happy to share that we recently came together for our annual reception to celebrate our selected scholars on July 26th in Charlotte Quay restaurant, Dublin.

Three exceptional Irish second-level students have been awarded prestigious scholarships by United World Colleges (UWC) to attend partner colleges in Bosnia, Tanzania, and the Netherlands. These scholarships will enable the students to pursue the esteemed International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from 2025 – 2027, immersing them in diverse communities and broadening their horizons.

Following a rigorous online and in-person selection process, three students were chosen for their passion for socio-economic change and strong academic performance. These recipients will now embark on a transformative journey to complete the two-year International Baccalaureate programme, designed to expand their global perspective and foster lifelong learning.

Eoghan (17) from Dublin, Co. Dublin, will attend UWC Maastricht in the Netherlands; Cara (17) from Listowel, Co. Kerry, will travel to UWC East Africa in Tanzania; and Rowan from New Ross, Co. Wexford (16) will attend UWC Mostar in Bosnia. These scholarships were enabled by the generosity of the schools and donations from philanthropists such as Shelby Davis.

A celebratory event took place in Charlotte Quay restaurant, owned by UWC alumnus Conor Bereen, to honour and celebrate the exceptional students selected for the 2025-2027 scholarship programme. While Eoghan was unable to attend, our new scholars, Rowan and Cara joined us , as well as Eoghan's parents. We also had great attendance from current students and alums. The new scholars heard from recent scholars, Traolach and James, as well as our Chair, Aisling Hassell.

 

Aisling Hassell, Chair of UWC Ireland, spoke during the event about the pressing need for the UWC movement and its ideals: “The ideals of global peace and sustainability that were at the heart of why Kurt Hahn founded the first UWC school in 1962 are now more important than ever. As a National Committee we are delighted to send these three changemakers off on their UWC journey and to bring those ideals forward to the future.”

Commenting on the four scholars commencing their new academic journey, Secretary of UWC Ireland, Paul Hart said: "We are excited for the opportunities that Cara, Eoghan and Rowan have to reshape their communities, experience challenge and growth, and experience a truly transformative educational experience. In a world divided by borders and beliefs, UWC reminds us that shared learning can build bridges that politics cannot.”

 

To date, UWC Ireland has supported over 180 students through the UWC scholarship programme, fostering ambitious young minds at diverse international campuses. The ethos of UWC is to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for a peaceful and sustainable future, with Irish graduates of the programme going on to hold senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations.

Applications for the 2026-28 programme will open in November. Eligible students aged 15 to 17 years old who have completed their Junior Certificates are encouraged to apply.

For more information about the 2026 United World College Scholarship programme and the application process, please visit UWC Ireland’s website or donate to a UWC school, national committee or specific initiatives (such as those in climate action or refugee education) contact fundraising@ie.uwc.org.

We'd like to thank UWC Alum, Conor Bereen for hosting us in his restaurant, Traolach and James, who spoke on the day, and Daniel Anderson for the photos.