The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation Scholarship is one of the most transformative and socially impactful funding opportunities available to students in Ireland and beyond. Offered in partnership with Trinity Business School at Trinity College Dublin, this scholarship is designed to empower academically talented individuals from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds. By providing full financial support, it ensures that financial hardship does not become a barrier to accessing world-class postgraduate education in responsible business and sustainability.
As global industries shift toward ethical leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility, professionals with advanced training in these areas are in increasing demand. Trinity Business School’s MSc in Responsible Business & Sustainability aims to prepare future leaders who can shape ethical corporate practices, drive climate-conscious strategies, and build inclusive communities. The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation Scholarship serves as a gateway for deserving students to join this mission.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the scholarship—its background, benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedures, and why it is considered one of Ireland’s most prestigious and inclusive postgraduate awards.
About Trinity College Dublin and the Scholarship Vision
Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university, consistently ranked among the top 100–150 universities worldwide. Trinity’s Business School is internationally recognized for innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability research, and leadership development. Its campus in the center of Dublin attracts students from over 120 countries, making it a vibrant academic hub.
The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, a charitable organization committed to improving education and social mobility, partnered with Trinity Business School to create this scholarship. Their shared mission is clear:
To eliminate socio-economic barriers, uplift underrepresented communities, and prepare future leaders in sustainability.
This commitment reflects Ireland’s growing emphasis on responsible leadership, environmental preservation, and global citizenship—values aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What Makes This Scholarship Unique?
Unlike many traditional academic scholarships, the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation Scholarship focuses specifically on individuals whose socio-economic circumstances historically limited their educational opportunities. It doesn’t solely reward academic excellence but also prioritizes fairness, inclusion, and long-term societal impact.
Key Distinguishing Features:
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Targets students from disadvantaged or marginalized backgrounds
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Fully covers tuition fees and levies
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Provides a monthly living stipend (a rare benefit in master’s scholarships)
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Includes two additional awards for students from emerging economies
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Requires applicants to demonstrate personal resilience, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development
This makes it one of the few postgraduate scholarships in Ireland that offers both full financial support and a mission-driven selection framework.
Scholarship Benefits – What Recipients Receive
The scholarship provides substantial financial assistance that covers almost every cost associated with studying in Dublin, one of Europe’s leading capital cities.
1. Full Tuition Fees (Valued at €16,575)
The scholarship covers the total cost of the MSc in Responsible Business & Sustainability program for EU students. Non-EU students from emerging economies may also receive equivalent funding under the additional scholarship category.
2. Full Student Levies (€311 Approx.)
These compulsory university fees are also covered, ensuring students pay nothing out of pocket.
3. Monthly Stipend of €2,000 for 11 Months
This stipend is designed to cover living expenses in Dublin—including accommodation, food, utilities, and transport—from September 2026 to July 2027.
This is one of the highest monthly stipends provided at the master’s level in Ireland.
4. Additional Scholarships for Emerging Economies
Two extra awards are reserved for outstanding non-EU students from emerging markets, expanding the scholarship’s global reach.
5. Networking and Leadership Opportunities
Scholars gain access to:
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Sustainability-focused seminars
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Leadership development workshops
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Corporate networking events
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Industry connections with responsible business leaders
6. A Prestigious Academic and Professional Credential
Graduating with an MSc from Trinity College Dublin significantly enhances career prospects in fields such as:
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Environmental sustainability
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Corporate responsibility
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ESG consulting
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Ethical supply chain management
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Sustainable development policy
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
To maintain fairness and transparency, the scholarship follows strict eligibility guidelines. Applicants must meet all of the requirements listed below.
1. Socio-Economic Disadvantage Requirement
Applicants must come from an underrepresented socio-economic background. Examples include:
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Students receiving government assistance such as SUSI, HEAR, 1916 bursary, etc.
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Those raised in care or estranged from their parents
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Individuals who acted as carers for family members
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First-generation university students
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Students from low-income households or deprived areas
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Members of minority ethnic or socially marginalized groups
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Students with disabilities who also face financial barriers
This criterion ensures that the scholarship supports those who need it most.
2. Nationality / Residency Requirement
Applicants must be:
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Irish nationals, OR
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Individuals who have lived in Ireland for at least 3 of the last 5 years
For the two additional scholarships:
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Candidates must be from non-EU emerging economies
3. Academic Requirement
Applicants must meet the admission criteria for the MSc in Responsible Business & Sustainability, which typically includes:
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A strong undergraduate degree
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Evidence of analytical and communication skills
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Interest in sustainability, ESG, or ethical leadership
4. Educational Status Requirement
Applicants must not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification. This ensures the scholarship supports first-time postgraduate students.
5. Documentation Requirement
Applicants must provide:
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Proof of financial or socio-economic disadvantage
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Transcript and academic results
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Evidence of residency or nationality
Failure to provide complete documentation will result in disqualification.
Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation Scholarship involves two separate but connected stages.
Stage 1: Apply for the MSc Program
Applicants must first secure admission to the MSc in Responsible Business & Sustainability.
Steps:
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Visit Trinity Business School’s postgraduate admissions portal.
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Complete the online application form.
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Upload required academic documents.
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Submit the application no later than 11 March 2026.
Only applicants who receive an offer (conditional or unconditional) can proceed to the scholarship stage.
Stage 2: Scholarship Application
Once you have an offer from Trinity Business School, you must prepare a single PDF containing:
✔ Your CV
✔ Supporting documents proving socio-economic eligibility
✔ A publicly accessible link to a 3-minute video answering two questions
The 3-Minute Video – Required Questions
Q1: Describe your personal background and the challenges you faced as an underrepresented student.
You should reflect on:
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Financial struggles
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Family responsibilities
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Social or cultural barriers
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Educational hardships
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Any other obstacles you overcame
Q2: Explain how you intend to use your MSc in Responsible Business & Sustainability to create positive impact in the next five years.
Highlight:
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Your goals in ESG, CSR, or sustainability leadership
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Potential community or global impact
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Your commitment to responsible business
Applicants must then email the PDF to the scholarship committee before the deadline.
Why This Scholarship Matters – Social Impact and Vision
The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation Scholarship is not just a financial award. It is a powerful initiative aimed at transforming lives and building a more equitable society.
1. Promoting Inclusive Education
Education should be accessible to all, not only to those who can afford it. This scholarship fights inequality at its root.
2. Empowering the Next Generation of Ethical Leaders
The world needs leaders who prioritize sustainability over profit, ethics over exploitation, and long-term planetary health over short-term gain.
3. Strengthening Ireland’s Commitment to Social Mobility
Ireland has made significant progress in supporting first-generation and disadvantaged students. This scholarship strengthens that national mission.
4. Global Impact
The two additional scholarships for emerging-economy students bring diversity and global perspectives to Trinity’s sustainability initiatives.
Career Prospects After the Program
Graduates of Trinity’s MSc in Responsible Business & Sustainability are highly sought after by:
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Corporate sustainability departments
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Multinational ESG consulting firms
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Government agencies and policy institutions
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NGOs focused on environmental protection
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Renewable energy firms
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Ethical investment and finance companies
Roles may include:
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Sustainability Consultant
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CSR Manager
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ESG Analyst
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Environmental Policy Advisor
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Climate Strategy Officer
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Ethical Supply Chain Manager
The scholarship opens the door to a career where you can make a real difference in the world.
Conclusion
The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation Scholarship in Ireland is a life-changing opportunity for talented individuals who dream of contributing to a more sustainable, fair, and ethical world—but face socio-economic barriers that limit their educational journey.
By fully funding tuition, levies, and living expenses, the scholarship removes all financial obstacles. Its strong focus on inclusion, social justice, and leadership makes it one of the most meaningful postgraduate scholarships in Europe.
If you aspire to become a leader in sustainability, ethical business, or environmental impact, this scholarship could be the stepping stone that transforms your future.
