Universities Ireland, which promotes collaboration between universities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), the largest energy company on the island of Ireland, are offering five scholarships to students undertaking a recognised Master's or the first year of a PhD programme (taught or research) in the other Irish jurisdiction. Dublin Institute of Technology is also a partner in this scheme, which has been running since 2005.

These scholarships are worth £12,500 each. This year three of the scholarships will be in the areas of energy and engineering, and will be co-sponsored by Universities Ireland and ESB. Two more will be in another area - arts, business, science and social science - and will be funded by Universities Ireland alone. These scholarships must be taken up for the academic year 2012-2013.

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The aim of this scheme is to encourage outstanding students from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to cross the border to undertake postgraduate study and experience life in the other Irish jurisdiction. Because it is 50% sponsored by ESB, there is a particular emphasis on the areas of energy and engineering, and the scheme aims to help build all-island innovation in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) which will be crucial in moving the island towards the kind of sustainable knowledge society that is vital both for its future prosperity and environmental sustainability.

The closing date for applications for this scholarship scheme will be Friday 25 May 2012 .