HSSCU Higher Education Scholarships
At HSSCU, we are passionate about helping our members with their educational pursuits. We are well aware that education can be one of the most important aspects of someone’s life and we are thrilled to help make it easier for our members. With that in mind, we provide €50,000 in scholarship funds each year. Whether studying for a degree, diploma, master’s, or any further education course, our members can apply for a HSSCU scholarship. So far we have helped with physiotherapy, art courses, disability studies, and more. What’s more, it doesn’t matter what year of your course you’re in! This year, we decided to extend our application closing date to September 17th due to the later Leaving Certificate results. Please see the below testimonial from one of last year’s winners – the fabulous Deirdre Laverty!
Deirdre Laverty Testimonial
Hi Deirdre, tell us about yourself!
My name is Deirdre Laverty and at the ripe old age of 51 years, I decided to advance my professional development and applied to do a master’s course in Dementia Nursing at Dublin City University. This was a huge step for me, working full time, mum of 5, and regular taxi driver for my football-playing daughters! In addition, was the early morning commute to Dublin every second Thursday during term time. An early start leaving home around 5.30 on the dark mornings was great crack! I signed up for the master’s in Dementia Nursing at Dublin City University. A wonderful campus with excellent support from academic staff, for anyone contemplating taking that step.
How did you hear about HSSCU’s Higher Education Scholarships?
I read about the HSSCU scholarship on the HSSCU website. Initially, I was apprehensive about applying, worrying that there were others more entitled than I. However, like most nurses these days, money is not plentiful, and I had part-funded the course myself. Eventually, I decided to apply, and I am so glad now that I did.
How did you find the application process?
The application process was so simple and straightforward. I wrote my statement in a very honest manner and really didn’t expect to hear anything about it. I was absolutely stunned and delighted when Pádraig contacted me to tell me I had been granted the scholarship. Pádraig reassured me that I had won, as I was almost disbelieving. My laptop had recently packed up and I knew instantly where my money was going!
How did the scholarship help you with your education?
The added worry of having to fund my course along with study and everyday living was difficult. To be honest, I may have finished my course at postgrad level had it not been for the funding from HSSCU, and now I am in the last throes of completing my master’s. I am so grateful to HSSCU for choosing me.
Would you recommend to other members to apply for a HSSCU scholarship?
I would absolutely urge anyone considering applying for this year’s scholarship to do so. I came so close to not applying. Had I not received the funding I did, I believe I may have left the course earlier due to financial constraints. This is a wonderful opportunity, and I would encourage anyone to apply. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Thanks, HSSCU!
Would You Like to Apply?
To apply for a HSSCU scholarship this year, simply visit our scholarships webpage and download our application form. We are very excited to be able to afford this opportunity to a host of new members this year. You can see a wonderful video testimonial from a previous winner Alan O’Connor on our YouTube page.
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Team HSSCU
