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Foundation Scholarship

Foundation Scholarship is a College institution with a long history and high prestige. Some of our greatest alumni – such as Edmund Burke and Samuel Beckett - were Scholars. It is a distinctive feature of student life here at Trinity.

This academic year the Foundation Scholarship Examinations will be scheduled to begin on Monday 7 January 2013 (although it may be necessary to schedule some examinations in the preceding week). Applications to sit this examination must be submitted to the Examinations and Timetables Office, West Theatre, between Thursday 1 November and Thursday 15 November 2012 (by 4.30pm). No applications will be accepted after this date.

The objective of the Foundation Scholarship examination is to identify students who, at a level of evaluation appropriate to the Senior Freshman year, can consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge and understanding of their subjects. The searching examination requires candidates to demonstrate skill in synthesising and integrating knowledge across the full range of the set examination materials; to demonstrate rigorous and informed critical thought; and, in appropriate disciplines, to demonstrate a highly-developed ability to solve problems and apply knowledge.

Scholarship is awarded solely on the basis of this examination performance– and no other factors are taken into account. A Scholarship at Trinity College remains the most prestigious undergraduate award in the country, an award that has undoubtedly helped to foster long-lasting links between many outstanding graduates and the College. A principal aim of the College is the pursuit of excellence: one of the most tangible demonstrations of this is the institution of Scholarship.

As you may be aware, a proposal is currently being brought forward to restrict (from 2013/14 on) the sitting of the examination to students in their Senior Freshman year, except in exceptional circumstances. However this will not apply to students who wish to sit the Scholarship examination this year.

Successful candidates, those achieving an overall first class result in the examination for Scholarship, are elected by the Board on Trinity Monday. They enjoy significant benefits including Commons free of charge, rooms free of charge for up to nine months of the year and, where a student is not in receipt of outside scholarships or grants, fee remission for up to five years to the value of the EU fee level.

More detailed information on the examination is available in the University Calendar (S1-S14).

Many schools and disciplines hold meetings to inform prospective candidates about the examination. Any student interested in taking the examination is strongly encouraged to discuss their candidature with a member of the academic staff familiar with their work and best able to advise them.

Foundation Scholarship Application form

Important Scholarship Dates

Scholarship Examination Paper details

Foundation Scholarship Examination Timetables

Calendar information on Foundation and Non-Foundation Scholarships (PDF)

Deferral of Foundation Scholarship

Intermission of Scholarship

 

 


Last updated 25 February 2013 Vice-Provost / Chief Academic Officer (Email).