Those applying for a bursary must meet the following Criteria:

Common Criteria (Categories 1,2 & 3)

• All applicants must be a member of Comhar Linn
• Applicants must have completed the Leaving Certificate Examination
• Completed applications must be received by the specified deadline (previously June 30th, now September 19th, 2025).
• Must be accepted/enrolled in an accredited institution
• Evidence of College attendance or acceptance to College must be supplied with their application (Student Number and College Fee invoice will be accepted)

Category One Criteria

1. Available only to students in the four teacher training colleges in Ireland:

• DCU St Patrick’s College
• Mary Immaculate College
• Maynooth College
• Marino Institute of Education

2. As a successful candidate for Category One, you will act as a proactive College Ambassador for Comhar Linn, promoting our brand within your college community. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining a strong Social Media presence for Comhar Linn at College
• Identifying and pursuing sponsorship opportunities
• Participating in Comhar Linn Student Council to enhance our relevance to students
• Proactively reporting to the Marketing Manager each month, showcasing your activities and ideas for promoting Comhar Linn's brand

3. Awards will be given based on:

• Quality of entry application form
• Interview process
• Contribution to school/community e.g. student committee, prefect, Gaisce Awards, Youth Club leader, etc.
• Knowledge of Credit Unions and their value to society

4. The winners will be invited to participate at an Awards Ceremony at each of the colleges the students will be attending in November (TBC)

Categories Two and Three Criteria

Available to applicants commencing or continuing their full-time, Third-Level Education, at any approved University or third level educational institution within the EU.

All applications must be submitted by 19th September 2025.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

1. Staff, Management, Directors, Board Oversight Committee members of Comhar Linn and their families are not eligible to apply.
2. A family may be in receipt of only one Education Bursary at any one time.
3. An applicant may apply under one category only.
4. To ensure eligibility for Category 1 of the Scholarship Programme, applicants must be actively enrolled in college when the winners are announced in October.

Application and Award Terms

1. The successful winners will be announced in October.
2. The scholarship funds will be lodged directly into the winner's Comhar Linn member account once they have been announced as a winner.

Obligations of Winners

1. For Category 1 winners and Brand Ambassador, winners will be required to maintain regular contact with the Marketing Manager and provide proactive updates on activities.
2. By applying for the Scholarship, you are agreeing to participate in promotional activities and allow the use of your name and photo across social media and press media outlets.

We understand that academic priorities are important, and we will not expect activity during exam periods. However, consistent engagement and activity are essential to fulfilling the requirements of being a Category 1 winner and Brand Ambassador. By accepting the scholarship, you agree to actively promote Comhar Linn Credit Union and participate in agreed-upon activities.

Administrative Terms

1. The Board of Directors of the Credit Union reserves the right to alter any of these terms and conditions at its sole discretion without prior notice.
2. Unforeseen circumstances concerning eligibility will be reviewed if they arise during the tenure of an award.
3. The decision of the assessment panel will be final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Data Protection and Reapplication

1. Comhar Linn Credit Union is committed to protecting the personal data of our scholarship applicants.
2. Previous winners of the Comhar Linn Scholarship Fund are not eligible to reapply for the same category. However, they may be eligible to apply for a different category in subsequent years, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

Yes a family member can apply for our bursary programme, they must become a member first before they can apply.

No, our bursary programme is only available to members only. To apply you must first need to apply for membership.

Yes all fields must be completed by the member to apply for this category.

Yes you need to be accepted into one of the colleges of education to apply for this category. Proof of college acceptance is required.