The Fr. Patsy Carolan Education Bursary


Welcome to the Fr.Patsy Carolan Education Bursary Application Page

Circle is delighted to welcome the return of the Fr. Patsy Carolan Education Bursary for 2026. Now in its second year, the bursary continues to support Circle tenants and their household members in starting or continuing their educational, training, or personal development journey.

About the Bursary

Named in honour of Fr. Patsy Carolan, a passionate advocate for tenant wellbeing, this bursary reflects his deep commitment to empowering our communities. Fr. Patsy is a founding member of Circle, a former committee member and patron of our board. You’ll often see him visiting our housing schemes and engaging with tenants at events, always listening and championing their experiences.

Application Dates

  • Applications are open at 12 PM on Friday 28th August 2026
  • Applications close at 12 PM on Friday 11 September 2026.

All award winners will be contacted 10 working days after the closing date.

What the Bursary Offers

This bursary offers up to €750 per applicant to help make education and training more accessible by supporting costs such as:

  • Tuition or course fees
  • Exam or registration fees
  • Course materials (books, equipment, etc.)
  • Other education-related expenses

The bursary supports:

  • Full-time and part-time courses
  • Accredited training programmes
  • Online or blended learning
  • Skills or job-related courses

Who Can Apply

You are eligible under the following criteria:

  • You are a Circle tenant or an authorised occupant
  • You are aged 18 or over
  • You are enrolling in or already studying a recognised course

Note: The course must be accredited or lead to recognised qualifications, skills, or employment opportunities.

How to Apply

If you’re a Circle tenant and meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply.

  • Step 1: Read the [Bursary Brochure] and [FAQ Section] for full details.
  • Step 2: Read the Terms and Conditions here.
  • Step 3: Complete your application in one of the following ways:
  • Supported recorded application If you need additional support to complete a written or online application, you can ask your Tenancy Services Officer (TSO) about completing a supported recorded application. Your TSO will guide you through the application questions and record your responses in your own words.

Frequently asked questions

No. You can apply if you’ve been accepted into a course that’s about to begin.

You can only make one application per year. You may reapply for a different course in the future.

No. There are no income restrictions. The bursary is designed to support anyone who would benefit from financial help with education.

No. It includes full-time, part-time, accredited courses, and skills-based training.

Yes, as long as they are an authorised occupant and meet the eligibility criteria.

You must provide proof of acceptance or enrolment in your course (a letter or email is sufficient).

You must notify Circle. In some cases, funding may need to be returned, depending on the circumstances.

We aim to notify all applicants within 10 working days after the closing date.

An internal review panel made up of tenants and staff will assess applications confidentially using set scoring criteria.

Successful applicants will receive a prepaid debit card loaded with the approved amount. This card can be used to pay course-related expenses.