Supporting Communities is delighted to offer a scholarship programme for Year 14 (Upper Sixth) students in the Ballymena area who plan to begin university in Northern Ireland this September.

If you're an Upper Sixth student preparing for university, this scholarship is designed to support you as you take your next step.

This fund is specifically for students applying this year to Queen's University Belfast or Ulster University to study:

  • STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

  • Business-related degrees, including Accountancy

  • Agriculture

Please note that applications for degrees in Arts, Medicine, Health or Sports-related fields are not eligible for this scholarship.

How Much Is the Scholarship?

Successful applicants will receive £1,500 per year throughout their degree (for up to four years) - helping ease financial pressure while you focus on your studies.

You’ll also receive a one-off £1,000 grant at the start of your scholarship to purchase essential IT or technology to support your course, such as a laptop or specialist software.

Application Criteria

Applicants must meet all the following conditions:

  • Be aged 18+ by or on 30th June 2026

  • Is attending one of the following schools as a Year 14 A-level student: Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House, Cullybackey College, Dunclug College, Saint Louis Grammar, Saint Patrick's College, or Slemish College

  • Main residence within the former Ballymena council area, with postcodes BT42, BT43, and some BT44 are also eligible

  • Have predicted grades at a minimum of three ‘B’s

  • Intend to study at either Ulster University or Queen's University commencing September/October 2026

  • Intend to study a STEM, Business (including Accounting) or an Agriculture-related degree

  • Do not intend to study an arts, medicine, health or physical fitness-related degree

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Parent(s) are in receipt of Universal Credit

  • Live in social housing (NIHE or Housing Association tenant) or in a recognised social housing area

  • Live in a household with a single parent/guardian

  • Have a combined household income under £40,000.00 per annum

  • Do not live with or are not supported by my parents

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on 30th June 2026.

Interviews will be held on a date to be announced. Please note that the interviews may be conducted using a digital platform such as Zoom or Teams.

Application Form

This application form is for second-year A Level students (Year 14) preparing to attend University in Northern Ireland, i.e., Ulster University or Queen's University, commencing studies in September or October 2026. Only complete this form if you meet all the criteria in Section A and at least one of the criteria in Section B.  

All the information given within this application form will be treated with the strictest confidence in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and will not be used for any other purpose than that for which it is given. https://supportingcommunities.org/privacy-notice.

If you have any queries about the application process, please contact Stephanie McKillop, Supporting Communities at 02825 645676 or stef@supportingcommunities.org.

You may complete the form online below or download the Word document application and email it to us.