UCD Entrance Scholars awarded for exceptional Leaving Certificate results

24 February 2026

^{Credit: Joseph Carr Photography}

A number of students across various disciplines have been recognised at a national level with the prestigious UCD Entrance Scholar Award.

The award is presented to first-year students who achieved the highest Leaving Certificate points from each school in the Republic of Ireland, provided their score is at least 500 points. It highlights the excellence of high-achieving students entering the university.

The award also recognises European students with the highest score within their respective national systems.

This year, 587 students were recognised. These included  552 students from the Republic of Ireland, representing 418 principals from Irish schools.

35 European students from 19 nationalities, including 9 students from the UK, also received the award.

^{Credit: Joseph Carr Photography}

Students were presented with the awards at ceremonies that took place across three days at UCD’s O’Reilly Hall. Principals from the students’ secondary schools were also in attendance at the ceremonies.

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie