Gaining real-world experience is one of the most valuable things you can do during your degree—but sometimes the cost of taking up an internship, placement, or volunteering role can feel like a barrier.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student at Trinity and money worries are holding you back from saying yes to a great opportunity, the Summer 2026 Employability Bursary might be exactly what you need.

Applications for the 2026 round opened on 2th March 2026 and will close at 12 noon on 13th April 2026, so now is the perfect time to get organised.

 

What is the Trinity Employability Bursary?

The Trinity Employability Bursary is designed to give undergraduates the financial support they need to take up career‑building opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’ve secured an internship, a shadowing opportunity, a project, or relevant voluntary work in Ireland, abroad, or virtually, this bursary can help reduce the financial pressure. 

To be eligible, the experience must:

  • Help you build skills that support your future career
  • Not be a formal, assessed part of your degree programme
  • Meet the standards of the Trinity Volunteer Charter if it involves volunteering

Who can apply

You can apply if:

  • You are a full‑time undergraduate student at Trinity (EU or non‑EU).
  • You are not already receiving funding from the Careers Service (for example, through the Laidlaw Scholarship).

Final-year students can apply too—as long as the work experience begins before the end of the summer following your final exams.

How much funding can you receive?

You can apply for up to €500 in total during your entire undergraduate degree.

You’re welcome to submit more than one application over the years, but once you reach the €500 limit, you’ll no longer be eligible.

What costs does the bursary cover?

The bursary can support expenses that arise directly from taking part in your work experience, such as:

  • Travel
  • Accommodation
  • Child or family care
  • Essential equipment
  • Appropriate clothing for the workplace

You’ll need to break down your costs clearly. Instead of asking for “€200 for clothing,” list each item and its approximate price—for example:

  • Trousers: €40
  • Shirts: €60
  • Shoes: €80
  • etc.

For travel or accommodation, include the provider, price, and any relevant details.

What you’ll need for your application

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

  1. A one-page CV
  2. A breakdown of the amount you’re requesting and how you plan to use it
  3. A personal statement (300 words max) explaining why you should receive the bursary
  4. Proof of the work experience offer, such as a letter or email

It’s important to apply before you begin your work experience—retroactive funding isn’t available.

All applications are reviewed individually by the Bursary Review Committee.

Why you should apply

Work experience can be life-changing—but it shouldn’t be limited to students who can afford the associated costs. This bursary is designed to help level the playing field and ensure all Trinity students have the chance to build their skills, grow their confidence, and explore career paths.

If financial pressure has ever made you hesitate about applying for an internship or project, this is your chance to change that.

To apply and for more information about the bursary👉 HERE