"Coming into UCD my academic goals were just as important to me as my sporting goals. UCD Ad Astra helped me balance both aspects of my life enabling me to represent my country on the athletics track and qualify from my degree with a 1^st. The opportunity to shape my time in UCD to best suit my sporting calendar was most notably the biggest benefit for me, for which I also have to thank UCD School of Physiotherapy."

Ciara Mageean – 2016 European Bronze Medallist, 2016 Rio Olympian

“My Ad Astra Scholarship has been absolutely invaluable to me during my time in UCD. I firmly believe that it has allowed me to compete in my sport at the highest possible level while affording me the chance to have an enjoyable and authentic college experience. My time in UCD has been fantastic both on and off the field and this would not have been possible without the support I received”

Jack McCaffrey – 2 time All Ireland Winner, 2015 Footballer of the Year, UCD GAA Sigerson Captain. Ad Astra and Sports Scholar, Medicine Graduate 2018

"A Football Scholarship in UCD allows you to do two things: play football at the highest level in Ireland and study in one of the best universities in Ireland. In order to succeed in both you need to be organized and efficient with your time. UCD is the perfect environment for this as the club works with the university to offer flexibility around lectures and exams. UCD offers a range of excellent facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, libraries all at walking distance. It’s the perfect platform to allow you to work hard and progress in both domains."  

Neil Farrugia - Irish professional footballer, U19 Irish International, 2016/2017 FAI Schools International Player of the Year