Líofa Bursary Scheme 2026 Open for Applications

Posted:

launch of 2022 bursary scheme

Department for Communities has announced the 2026 Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme is now open for applications.

The Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme provides attendees with an opportunity to immerse themselves in an Irish speaking community, increase their knowledge and use of Irish through attending classes whilst taking part in a wide range of cultural activities including sport and music through the medium of Irish.

The Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme is open to students whose parents are in receipt of a means-tested benefit, or adult learners in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits. As demand for the bursary is very high, preference is given to those adults or students who have not previously received a bursary and who meet the criteria set out in the application form.

Applications can be made online or by contacting Líofa directly on 028 9051 5114.

The scheme will close on the 17 March 2026 and successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2026.

Notes to editors: 

  1. The Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme was launched in 2012
  2. More than 3,000 applications have been received and almost 1100 bursaries awarded since the scheme’s launch.
  3. The average cost of a bursary – which includes accommodation and tuition – is £550.
  4. For media enquiries please contact the Press Office via email to press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.
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