South East Technological University (SETU), the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland) have launched the annual postgraduate scholarship open to players and former players with the aim of encouraging and supporting the pursuit of postgraduate study among international, League of Ireland and Women’s National League players and ex-players.

The innovative postgraduate scholarship, to be jointly funded by SETU and PFA Ireland/FAI, will be available across 34 postgraduate programmes of study at SETU Carlow Campus, from Higher Certificate to Masters level, across six academic departments: engineering: science; computing and data science; business; digital marketing and design; humanities and social sciences. A full list of the eligible courses is available here

Applications for the annual scholarship are now being accepted at this link with a closing date of 5pm on Monday, August 8th , and the term to commence this September. Successful applicants will be known as SETU Postgraduate PFAI/FAI Scholars.

Speaking at the launch of the postgraduate scholarship, David Denieffe, Registrar and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at SETU said; “SETU is delighted to provide this unique opportunity for football players and ex-players to progress to postgraduate study. This scholarship programme builds on our long-standing and highly successful relationship with the FAI and incorporates PFA Ireland. We look forward to continuing to build on these very strong relationships into the future.”

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Men’s Team Manager Jim Crawford was present for the launch of the postgraduate scholarship programme at SETU alongside FAI Academy Manager Will Clarke, Shelbourne Women’s National League and FAI Cup winner and senior Ireland capped player Rachel Graham and current SETU Football Degree students Ravelli Kilonda (Villa FC, Waterford), Oisin Hand (Shamrock Rovers 19s) and Maeve Williams (Wexford Youths FC).

Well qualified to talk on the subject, Jim Crawford returned to education towards the end of his playing career and completed a Masters degree in his mid-40s. He commented; I know from personal experience that it can be a challenging time for players and ex-players as they look to return to and progress within education. This scholarship has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on the successful applicants.”

SETU Graduate, Rachel Graham said; “This scholarship will be very attractive to a lot of current and former players of senior Ireland squads and the women’s national league clubs. It will be an excellent opportunity to progress with academic qualifications, while continuing to play, coach and work. Especially with the part-time study options, there’s good flexibility and it will be of great benefit to the chosen recipient”

PFA Ireland Player Executive John McGuinness commented; “PFA Ireland is delighted to be working with SETU and the FAI in offering this postgraduate scholarship opportunity for our members. It is an exciting concept and SETU is hugely supportive of players and ex-players in their educational endeavours. We look forward to working with them on this programme, and other similar opportunities in the future.”

Additional Representatives from SETU, PFA Ireland and the FAI were in attendance for the announcement including: Dónal McNally, SETU Director of Sport; Paul O’Reilly, FAI SETU Football Programme Manager; Will Clarke, FAI League of Ireland Academy Development Manager and Luke Hardy, FAI SETU Football Programme Assistant;

To Apply: Click the following link and complete application.

SETU will assess applications and entry criteria for the SETU/ PFA Ireland/FAI Postgraduate Scholarship. For more information contact [email protected] (+353 86-0758499)