Mayo students urged to apply for €25,000 Naughton scholarships

Leaving Certificate students across Mayo are being encouraged to apply for a prestigious scholarship scheme worth €25,000, as applications for the Naughton Foundation Scholarships 2026 officially open.

The initiative aims to promote the study of science, engineering, mathematics, computer science and technology at third level, with at least one scholarship guaranteed for Mayo as part of 36 awards allocated nationwide.

Students currently attending secondary school in Mayo can apply if they are studying two or more STEM subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, DCG or applied mathematics, and intend to pursue a related course at third level this year.

Each scholarship is valued at €25,000, providing €6,000 per year over the course of a degree at any publicly funded university or third-level institution in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. In addition, the winning student’s school will receive €1,000.

Established in 1994 by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton, the Naughton Foundation has supported a wide range of initiatives in arts and education. The scholarship programme, launched in 2008, has since expanded from a small number of counties to include students from across the country.

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The scheme continues to play a key role in encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields, which are seen as critical to Ireland’s future economy.

Applications for the 2026 scholarships will remain open until midnight on Monday, June 29, with forms available through the foundation’s website.

Mayo students with an interest in science and technology are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity, which offers both significant financial support and national recognition.