There is absolutely no cost for a student to apply.
Non-academic pursuits are basically any interest you have outside school such as entering the STRIPEYS, Sci-Fest, Olympiads, Music, All Sports, Dance and the Arts, Volunteering etc. We are just trying to get a more rounded view of candidates as a whole so our decisions are not based solely on exam performance.
The final deadline to apply is Midnight on 29th June 2026.
You can apply within our deadlines and complete your CAO choices and then change your mind later. When you complete your application to us in August by uploading your LC results and CAO offer online, there is a box with a space to explain any change of mind details from your original application.
No once you submit your application to us, you cannot access it again. However when you complete your application to us in August by uploading your LC results and CAO offer online, there is a box with a space to explain any changes to your original application.
Yes applications are accepted from students who re-sit their Leaving Certificate exams.
Applications are only accepted from students who intend to commence University in the September of the year they sit their Leaving Certificate. In exceptional circumstances this may be re-considered.
No automatic email is sent out when results are submitted. When you submitted them online a pop up box would have appeared saying results submitted.
No unfortunately we can only judge applications based on Leaving Certificate results and first round CAO offers as all of our scholarship applications have to be read during a tight time frame. In exceptional circumstances this can be re-considered.
No unfortunately we can only judge applications based on Leaving Certificate results known in mid-August as all our scholarship applications have to be read during the last week of August.
We have no problem with an Applicant receiving a local authority grant however it is important to check with your local authority office or SUSI if this is ok with them.
A Naughton Scholarship is currently worth €24,000 (€6,000 for each year of a four year undergraduate degree) or €18,000 for a three year degree.
Scholarship Winners will be contacted by mid October. Our full list of Scholarship Winners will be announced and emailed to all Applicants after this date.
1. Focus on Your Why: Tell us exactly why you want to study your chosen STEM course.
2. Highlight Non-Academic Pursuits: Use this space to show us who you are outside the classroom.
3. Authenticity: It is best to avoid using AI chatbots to write your personal statement. The committee values your genuine, personal voice far more than a perfectly "polished" but robotic reply. We want to see your personality, and AI simply cannot replicate your own experiences. Excessive reliance on AI to draft or "polish" your statement may disqualify your application from being considered for the award
Your referee plays a vital role in your Naughton Scholarship application. They may provide the selection committee with an insight into your character and potential that grades alone cannot show.
Who Qualifies as a Referee?
A referee should be someone in a professional or academic capacity who knows you well. Ideal choices include:
School Leadership: Your School Principal or Deputy Principal.
Educators: A teacher who has mentored you or seen your growth over several years.
Supervisors: An employer or a leader of a volunteer organization where you have been active.
What does the Scholarship Committee look for?
Choose a referee who can:
Speak to your character, resilience, and personality.
Discuss your potential as a future leader or innovator.
Provide a holistic view of who you are "outside the classroom" rather than just as a student of a specific subject
Who will be able to verify information we may check about you.