Saorla Boyle – Paramedic student
Saorla Boyle is a Paramedic Science student at our Derry~Londonderry campus, whose journey to Ulster has been defined by determination and resilience, despite her diagnosis of a long-term condition three years ago.
Since her diagnosis, Saorla has continued to strive for excellence to achieve her place on the competitive Paramedic Science degree programme, balancing her studies alongside volunteering and being the sole carer for her young daughter.
“I feel hugely privileged to have been awarded this scholarship. It will allow me to focus solely on my studies and raising my daughter, while alleviating some of the pressure that comes with being a full-time student and single mum.
I am grateful to have gained a place on the much sought-after Paramedic Science programme, and now, with this added support, I can give my all to reaching my potential and becoming part of our wonderful healthcare community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the donors, for
empowering those committed to education and excellence. I hope that I can bring this opportunity to someone else in years to come."- Saorla Boyle, Paramedic student
Jonathan Weir – Computer Systems student
Jonathan Weir is a Computer Systems student who, after suffering a life-threatening spinal cord injury in his previous career as an electrical engineer, is reskilling at Ulster University for a career in technology, a sector he has a keen interest in.
Jonathan is using his bursary to fund his travel costs to the Ulster University Belfast campus and to purchase wheelchair equipment and other adaptive equipment for his computer.
“I have always had an interest in technology and fixing problems, so the Computer Systems course is allowing me to pursue not only a new career that I can work comfortably in following my accident, but is something I am really enjoying as I get great satisfaction from finding solutions and fixing things
myself.Travelling up to 100 miles per day for my studies is costly, however my scholarship is supporting with the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle and other adaptive equipment. I try my best to overcome every obstacle I face however I am so grateful to the donors, and the Ulster University community,
for helping ease some of the financial pressures in my life.”- Jonathan Weir, Computer Systems student
Scholarship Celebration Event
In February 2024, Ulster University hosted a Scholarship Celebration Event on the Belfast campus, bringing together scholars, donors, and supporters for an evening of recognition and gratitude. This special occasion highlighted the transformative impact of scholarships on students’ lives and provided an opportunity for scholars to share their success stories with loved ones and the donors who make these achievements possible.
The evening featured inspiring speeches, networking opportunities, and musical performances. University Provost, Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, and past scholarship recipients delivered powerful messages about how donor generosity transforms lives and empowers scholars to reach their potential.
"We are delighted to be continuing our support for the KPMG Fast Track Scholarship at Ulster University making this a 10-year partnership. By providing financial support to cover the full fees of the course as well as a work-based learning opportunity, we are investing in future talent, rewarding academic
excellence, and building the skills of top performing students from non-accounting backgrounds.We know scholarships make a real difference to the student experience and impact strongly on career outcomes, and at KPMG we are committed to enabling the best Ulster University students to accomplish their professional ambitions and create a diverse workforce of the future.”
- Johnny Hanna, Partner in Charge, KPMG in Northern Ireland
Ulster University remains steadfast in its mission to transform lives through education. Support from corporate partners, individual donors, trusts and foundations are helping us to create growth and prosperity in Northern Ireland by harnessing the power of its people, place, and partnerships.
Community scholars celebrate milestone achievement
This summer, we proudly celebrated a significant milestone as students from the first cohort of our Community scholars graduated from Ulster University.
Launched in 2021 with the generous support of our partners, the Community Scholarships provide transformative funding and mentorship to students from less-advantaged backgrounds, empowering them to overcome barriers to higher education and succeed.
This year, 11 Community Scholars graduated. This marks the beginning of a legacy which will equip talented individuals with the tools to reach their full potential and thrive beyond Ulster.
“Receiving the scholarship has had an enormous impact on my life. Thanks to your kind help, I was able to fully concentrate on my studies without having to worry about money all the time. It made it possible for me to do well academically and take part in extra-curricular activities that furthered my education. I was also able to buy resources that I needed. I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship as it has led to changes I would never have imagined.”
- Tigernach Maguire, 2024 Graduate in BSc (Hons) Sport, Physical Activity and Health
We look forward to seeing our Scholars continue to develop as they move on to the next stage in their journey, ready to make their mark in the world.
Workplace visits: Building confidence and connections
Ulster University’s Community Scholarships go far beyond financial support - they provide mentorship, career guidance, and placement opportunities, equipping students with the tools to succeed.
Since 2021, our research has highlighted challenges that many scholars face, including financial pressure, low confidence and limited professional networks. These challenges often deter students from pursuing optional placement years - an experience crucial for post-graduation success.
To address these barriers, we’ve partnered with leading organisations Aflac NI, Allstate NI, and A&O Shearman to provide bespoke workplace visits and mentoring sessions.
“This year I undertook opportunities to talk about the Community Scholarship programme at a range of promotional events. As a direct result I secured a student placement at Aflac NI, a Community Scholarship partner company. The additional support and guidance available to scholarship students has helped me to secure this amazing opportunity.”
- Victoria Evitt, Intern UX Designer at Aflac NI
The commitment of our partners is vital to the success of the Community Scholarships.
“Aflac Northern Ireland is proud to be a founding partner of the Ulster University Community Scholarships. By helping to remove financial barriers, and contribute meaningfully to widening access to education, we want to ensure that all talented and deserving students, regardless of their economic or social background, have a chance at success.
Opportunity is the foundation for future prosperity, and creating opportunities is part of our responsibility to the community, growing our local talent, and boosting our regional economy.”
- Mark McCormack, Managing Director, Aflac NI
Community Scholars represent at prestigious Ulster Garden Villages Event
Community Scholars Anthony Devenney and Victoria Evitt represented Ulster University at the inaugural Ulster Garden Villages Impact Report event.
Held at the iconic Belfast Harbour Office, this celebration of 20 years of community impact brought together partners and beneficiaries to reflect on transformative milestones.
Anthony and Victoria eloquently shared their personal stories, highlighting how the financial and mentorship support from the Community Scholarships has opened new doors and empowered them to embrace the university experience fully.
As we look to the future, the Community Scholarship programme continues to grow, fuelled by the generosity of our donors and partners. Together, we are building a legacy of opportunity and success—one that will transform lives for generations to come.
Celebrating 10 Years of the McColgan Engineering Scholarship
The 2024-25 academic year marks the 10th anniversary of the McColgan Engineering Scholarship at Ulster University. Since its launch in 2014, the scholarship has empowered 11 talented students to excel academically and embark on successful engineering careers.
By easing financial burdens and boosting confidence, the scholarship enables recipients to engage fully in their studies and extracurricular activities. Many McColgan scholars have gone on to secure roles with leading industry names.
“My late journey into university education was always going to be difficult after 24 years of full-time employment. I had no idea that there were scholarships available when I joined Ulster, so to be informed of my successful application to the McColgan Scholarship was mind-blowing to say the least. It really helps to ease the pressure financially and leaves more time to invest in my studies and other challenges.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the Scholarship, I am so grateful and honoured to be part of it.”
- Timothy Gates, BEng Mechanical Engineering student
This year, we also celebrate Antony McGuinness, who received the scholarship in 2023/24 and was awarded the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest first-year grade in the faculty. Congratulations, Antony!
The scholarship is made possible by Gillian McColgan, an Ulster Engineering alumna and former Chief Technology Officer in Telecom and ICT. Despite her global career, Gillian remains deeply connected to Northern Ireland and Ulster University, and her vision continues to create opportunities for future
engineering leaders.
We thank Gillian for her support and look forward to another decade of inspiring innovation through the McColgan Engineering Scholarship.
Sharlene Gill Scholarship for women in engineering
This summer, Ulster University partnered with Omexom to honour Sharlene Gill, a pioneering figure in engineering and Omexom's first female Business Unit General Manager.
Over her 20-year career, Sharlene broke barriers and championed gender equality, mentoring and empowering women in engineering. Her leadership has left a lasting impact on the industry.
The Sharlene Gill Scholarship for Women in Engineering will support five female students with financial aid and work experience, continuing her legacy of inspiring future women engineers. Ulster University is proud to help carry forward her vision, and we hope our students will follow in her pioneering footsteps.
Thank you to Omexom UK and RoI for their partnership in fostering diversity and inclusion in engineering.
