People First Credit Union Increases Scholarship Fund to €8,000

People First Credit Union is pleased to announce that its annual Student Scholarship Award has been expanded for 2026, with an additional €1,000 added to the scholarship fund, bringing the total amount available to €8,000.

The scholarship programme reflects People First Credit Union’s commitment to supporting members and helping students as they take the next step in their education. With the rising costs associated with third-level education — including registration fees, accommodation, travel, bills and books — the scholarships are designed to help ease some of the financial pressure faced by students and their families.

School Scholarships:

Seven €1,000 scholarships will be awarded, with one scholarship available to a student who sat their Leaving Certificate in 2026 at each of the seven secondary schools within the People First Credit Union common bond.

The participating schools are:

• St Mary's CBS, Portlaoise
• Portlaoise College, Portlaoise
• Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise
• Dunamase College, Portlaoise
• Heywood Community School, Ballinakill
• Athy College, Athy
• Ardscoil na Trionóide, Athy

An Additional €1,000 Open Members' Scholarship:

For 2026, People First Credit Union has introduced an additional €1,000 scholarship, giving more members the opportunity to benefit from the programme.

The Open Members' Scholarship is available to members who:

• Attend a secondary school outside the People First Credit Union common bond; or
• Did not complete their Leaving Certificate this year but are entering third-level education for the first time in Autumn 2026.

Applicants must be a member of People First Credit Union, reside within the common bond and be commencing an eligible third-level or similar Level 5 course in Autumn 2026.

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Supporting Students Across Our Community

The expansion of the scholarship programme means People First Credit Union will now provide €8,000 in student scholarships each year, supporting students from across its common bond as they begin their educational journey.

People First Credit Union encourages eligible members to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.

Applications close on 1 December 2026, although People First Credit Union reserves the right to extend the closing date.

For full eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, details on how to apply and to see some of our past scholarship winners, visit here.