The University College Cork (UCC) Bank of Ireland Executive MBA Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support experienced professionals pursuing the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Cork University Business School (CUBS) — one of Ireland’s leading business schools. While definitive details for the 2026 intake have yet to be published, the scholarship’s structure and objectives are expected to mirror the most recent 2025–2027 cycle.
What the Scholarship Offers
The scholarship typically provides:
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💶 Full tuition coverage — up to €32,414 for the duration of the two-year Executive MBA programme.
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🎓 Opportunity to study a part-time Executive MBA at UCC’s Centre for Executive Education in Cork, Ireland.
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🌍 Exposure to international business leadership education with a diverse cohort of professionals.
This funding removes a major financial barrier, enabling leaders with demonstrated impact, especially in the social sector, to further develop strategic and managerial expertise.
Who the Scholarship Is For
Unlike many MBA scholarships that focus broadly on business applicants, the Bank of Ireland scholarship specifically supports professionals working in the Not-for-Profit/Charity sector. Candidates are typically expected to:
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Be employed in the not-for-profit or charity sector at the time of application.
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Meet the academic and professional entry requirements for the Executive MBA (course CKL11) at UCC, which generally includes a recognised undergraduate degree and significant managerial experience.
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Apply and gain admission to the Executive MBA programme before submitting the scholarship application.
Application Requirements
Applicants usually must submit:
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✍️ A personal statement (max. 1,000 words) detailing educational background, professional achievements, leadership experience, future goals and reasons they merit the scholarship.
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📄 An up-to-date CV outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
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Formal offer acceptance to the UCC Executive MBA programme.
The personal statement is a core component — it allows candidates to articulate how an MBA will amplify their impact in the not-for-profit sector and how they align with the scholarship’s mission.
Selection Process
For the most recent scholarship cycle:
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A selection panel reviewed written applications and shortlisted candidates for interview.
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Shortlisted applicants were interviewed by representatives including the Dean of Cork University Business School, the MBA Academic Director, and Bank of Ireland/University Foundation figures.
Selection decisions were based on professional merit, leadership potential, and the candidate’s future contribution to the social impact ecosystem.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The UCC Bank of Ireland Executive MBA Scholarship reflects a strategic partnership between academia and industry — with Bank of Ireland supporting leadership development in sectors that deliver high societal value. For not-for-profit professionals, an Executive MBA:
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Strengthens strategic leadership skills.
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Expands networks across industries and global markets.
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Enhances career progression opportunities, including higher management and executive roles.
Graduates often return to their organisations with refined capabilities in governance, innovation, sustainable growth and organisational change.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Cycle Expectations
UCC and Bank of Ireland traditionally announce their scholarship offerings ahead of each academic cycle. Based on past timelines:
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Applications for the 2025 scholarship closed in June 2025, with interviews in late June.
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It is reasonable to expect that the 2026 scholarship application period will open in the spring of 2026 with a similar deadline window.
Interested candidates should routinely check the UCC scholarship portal and the Executive MBA programme page for the most current updates.
Where to Find Official Updates
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📌 University College Cork (UCC) Scholarships Page — official listings of all scholarships.
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📌 Executive MBA Programme Page at UCC — details on the MBA structure, entry requirements and contact information.
By building strong pathways into executive education for social impact leaders, the UCC Bank of Ireland Executive MBA Scholarship continues to foster innovation, strategic insight and sustained organisational transformation across the not-for-profit sector.