This special scholarship is named in honour of AFL-CIO President Emeritus John J. Sweeney, the son of Irish immigrants, who dedicated his life to advancing the well-being of working people, making outstanding contributions to working people both in the US and internationally which will live on for years to come.
Value
The John J Sweeney Scholarship has a value of $20,000 and that is used towards the Scholar’s tuition fees for an MSc or LLM at Ulster University.
This scholarship is generously supported by funds raised by the AFL-CIO, the American Labor community, business and civic organisations, and individuals.
*Any balance remaining may be used to purchase study materials/equipment, support course-related activities and/or in support of the Scholar’s living expenses and travel costs.
Eligibility Criteria
The John J Sweeney Scholarship supports US students enrolled to study full-time on the following MSc or LLM at Ulster University:
- MSc Peace and Conflict Studies
- MSc Social Policy
- LLM Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice
- LLM Gender, Conflict and Human Rights
- LLM Access to Justice
- MSc Construction Management
- MSc Management and Corporate Governance
- MSc Manufacturing Management
- MSc Business Development and Innovation
The Scholarship will be open to all US citizens who:
- Have been offered a full-time place on one of the above MSc or LLM and have made a firm commitment to Ulster University during the admissions phase;
- Are a US union member; or;
- Have a familial connection to a US union member (mother, father, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent); or;
- Can provide a reference letter from a union sponsor.
How to apply
- Candidates must apply via the online application form.
- Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed with all additional requirements attached to the application.
These include:
- Scanned copy of original degree certificate demonstrating achievement of GPA of 2.8 or above
- Where applicable, reference letter from a US Union sponsor
- 500 - 750 word personal statement
- Two academic reference letters
- A scanned copy of their US passport
Submission
September 2025 applications now open. Deadline for submission is 30 April 2025.
You can apply via the application form.
Please contact Jonny at j.hill@ulster.ac.uk should you have any questions.
You can also book and one-to-one meeting with Jonny.