Study in USA | Ulster University John J. Sweeney Scholarship 2026
Ulster University has opened applications for the John J. Sweeney Scholarship 2026, a distinguished award created to support talented students from the United States pursuing a full-time MSc or LLM degree. This initiative celebrates the remarkable legacy of John J. Sweeney, the late President Emeritus of the AFL-CIO, who dedicated his life to advancing the rights, dignity, and welfare of working people in America and across the globe.
Honoring a Champion of Workers and Social Justice
The scholarship honors John J. Sweeney’s lifelong commitment to labor advocacy and social progress. It allows students to carry forward their mission through postgraduate study in fields that foster leadership, peace, human rights, and social transformation. The program receives generous funding from the AFL-CIO, U.S. labor unions, civic institutions, and individual donors who share Sweeney’s passion for fairness and opportunity.
This scholarship stands as both a tribute and a pathway, giving aspiring professionals the chance to make a lasting impact in areas closely tied to Sweeney’s principles of solidarity and equality.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The John J. Sweeney Scholarship offers a total award of $20,000. This amount is primarily used to cover tuition fees for the recipient’s postgraduate degree at Ulster University. Any remaining funds may support other academic needs, such as:
- Study materials and research resources
- Living expenses in Northern Ireland
- Travel or course-related costs
This financial package ensures that each scholar can focus fully on their studies and professional development.
Eligible Programs at Ulster University
Applicants from the United States can choose from a range of eligible postgraduate programs, including:
- MSc Peace and Conflict Studies
- MSc Social Policy
- LLM Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice
- LLM Gender, Conflict and Human Rights
- LLM Access to Justice
- MSc Construction Management
- MSc Management and Corporate Governance
- MSc Manufacturing Management
- MSc Business Development and Innovation
These programs align closely with Sweeney’s vision of leadership through knowledge, justice, and compassion.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the John J. Sweeney Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens who have accepted a full-time offer at Ulster University
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 or above
- Meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Current member of a U.S. labor union
- Immediate family member (parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent) of a union member
- Recommendation from a recognized U.S. labor union
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following through Ulster University’s online portal:
- Degree certificate and transcript
- Personal statement (500–750 words)
- Two academic reference letters
- Copy of U.S. passport
- Union sponsor letter (if applicable)
Each application is reviewed based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to John J. Sweeney’s values of advocacy, equity, and community service.
How to Apply
Application Timeline
-
Applications Open: 1 October 2025
- Deadline: 30 April 2026
Early application is strongly encouraged to allow time for document preparation and review.
Why Apply for the John J. Sweeney Scholarship
This scholarship offers more than financial aid — it represents a bridge between education and social purpose. By studying at Ulster University, recipients join a global community of leaders dedicated to creating fairer, more inclusive societies.
For motivated U.S. students ready to advance justice and equality, the John J. Sweeney Scholarship 2026 provides the perfect opportunity to continue a legacy that changed lives around the world.
