Key Features of the Programme

The Senior Academy Programme provides a range of opportunities and benefits to participants, including:

• Up to 10 hours of tutoring in a subject area of the student’s choice to enhance academic skills and subject knowledge.
• £1,000 bursary for students begin studying at Queen's University Belfast who have completed the Senior Academy Programme**
• Workshops and events aimed at building study skills, improving confidence, and preparing students for the next stage of their education.
• The opportunity to experience life at Queen’s University through an on-campus residential stay, giving students first-hand exposure to student accommodation and university facilities.
• The chance to meet and interact with current Queen’s students studying a variety of subjects, providing valuable insights into university life and academic pathways.
• Tailored guidance on Higher Education, Further Education, and Higher Level Apprenticeships, helping students to explore and prepare for a variety of post-secondary options.

**Bursary is subject to funding. Bursary will be paid during the first year of study.

If you think that that Senior Academy is something you are interested in, it is important to consider the eligibility criteria. In 2024/25, we have up to 50 places available on the Senior Academy Programme at Queen’s University. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Section A

To be eligible to apply for the programme, applicants must be:

• In full time education, currently studying a two-year, level 3 qualification eg. A-Levels or acceptable equivalent (eg. BTEC/OCR).

• Attending a Northern Ireland, non-selecting secondary school, or Further Education College.

• Have at least five A*-C grades at GCSE (or equivalent eg. GNVQ, BTEC,) including English Language* and Maths*

• Neither parent should have attended university or obtained an undergraduate degree or equivalent in the UK, Ireland or abroad. Please note that applicants with brothers/sisters who have completed a higher education course or who are presently in higher education are still eligible, as are applicants who have family members outside of the immediate family (eg. grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles) in higher education.

*Applicants can be retaking one or both subjects and still be part of the programme. **If a parent is currently studying for their first degree or has graduated within the last five years, applications will also be considered.

Section B

In addition, applicants must also meet at least one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

• Have an annual household income of £19,203 or less.

• Are in receipt of Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

• Eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

• Have a disability or an additional learning need (please see further information on application form).

• Are the main carer for a family member or dependent.

• Are a newcomer, a refugee, or an asylum seeker.

• Are care experienced or currently in the care of a Health and Social Care Trust (eg. Foster Care, Residential Care, etc). If you meet this aspect of the criteria, you are automatically eligible for the programme, regardless of any additional criteria provided you meet Section A requirements.

• Have a permanent residence postcode that is classified as being in a "disadvantaged neighbourhood” by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. You can check the eligibility of your postcode via the postcode document on the website.

You can check your postcode using Senior Academy Postcode Checker 2025.