On behalf of The James Kane Foundation, Supporting Communities is pleased to offer a scholarship programme for Year 14 (Upper 6th) students attending one of the qualifying schools, living in the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council (ABC) area and hoping to attend university in Northern Ireland this September.

Who is it for?

The Fund is for Year 14 (upper 6th form) students in ABC who are applying to Queens or Ulster University this year to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degrees. Unfortunately, degrees outside of STEM cannot be considered for the scholarship.

How much could I get?

If successful, you will receive £2,000 per year for a maximum of three years (£6,000 in total).

Application process

  1. First, you must complete the application form below and return it, confirming you meet the criteria.

  2. A panel will screen the applications and then invite students to interview. It is anticipated that the interviews will take place in August 2025 in person.

The successful applicants will be informed before/at the start of September 2025. It is important to note that information given by applicants relating to the essential criteria will be checked for accuracy, and as such, proof may need to be provided by the applicant. By submitting an application, you are confirming that you and your parent(s) / guardian are happy to do so.

Criteria for applications

Applicants must meet all the following conditions:

  • Be aged 18+ by or on 30th June 2025

  • Are attending one of the following schools as a Year 14 A level student:

    • Lismore Comprehensive

    • St Ronan's College

    • Lurgan College

    • Portadown College

    • Any school in the Banbridge Area Learning Community

    • Any school in the Armagh Area Learning Community

    • Southern Regional College

  • Live permanently at an address in the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council Area.

  • Intend to study at either Ulster University or Queens University commencing September/October 2025.

  • Intend to study for a STEM degree. STEM degrees will be considered under the relevant Schools as detailed below:

Ulster University

  • School of Engineering

  • School of Computing

  • School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems

  • School of Biomedical Sciences

  • School of Geography and Environmental Sciences

  • Belfast School of Architecture & Built Environment

Queens University

  • Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering

  • Biomedical Sciences (not medicine or dentistry)

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

  • Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

  • Mathematics and Physics

  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

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 a parent

Application Form

Only complete this form if you meet all the criteria above.

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. See our Privacy Policy.

If you have any queries about the process of application, please contact Stef McKillop at stef@supportingcommunities.org.

You may complete the form online below or download the word document application and email it to stef@supportingcommunities.org.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 5pm on 30th June 2025.