Hume Scholarships 2013-14 - Frequently Asked Questions

To help you with the application process, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions with answers.

1.  I am not sure if I am eligible for the scholarship. Should I consult with my proposed department/school/research institute?

Please read carefully the Terms & Conditions of the scheme.  If you have enquiries about your eligibility or any aspect of the scheme, please contact Graduate Studies Office, preferably by email to andrea.valova@nuim.ie 

2. How do I establish whether I qualify for exemption from income tax in relation to income arising from the scholarship according to Section 193 Taxes Consolidation Act?

Full list of conditions that must be satisfied in order to qualify for scholarship tax exemption is available in the relevant Revenue form which can be accessed here.

Most frequent reasons for ineligibility under this criterion are:

- working full time while in receipt of Hume scholarship (the individual must be in receipt of full-time instruction at an education establishement which is incompatible with full-time employment), and

- being employed by NUIM with any type of employment contract, including fixed-term employment contract and contract for part-time employment (there must be no element of service between the sponsor and the student).

3. Is the word limit strict?

Yes.  You must abide by the word limit.

4. I'm currently an NUIM student - do I still have to supply references, even if I'm applying to the same department?

Yes, all applicants must provide references with their applications.  Those applications received by the Graduate Studies Office without references will be deemed ineligible.

5. How do I apply for the additional "teaching scholarship"?

You need to establish if your proposed department actually offers the teaching scholarship. A list of department that informed us about their decision NOT to offer the teaching scholarship is provided at the end of these FAQs.

If the department is not included in the list, in order to apply for the teaching scholarship, complete the "Pedagogical Statement" in section 6 of the application form.

6. Can a current Hume Scholar act as a referee?

No.  References must be from members of Academic Staff not from students.

7. For my current year of study i.e. where I have no results as of yet, can this be left blank or should I put in an anticipated grade?

You should include an expected grade for this current year. Do not leave this section of the application form blank.

8. Do I have to apply on PAC before I submit my application for John & Pat Hume Scholarship?

No, prospective research students do not have to apply on PAC to be eligible for John & Pat Hume Scholarship. They will have to apply in advance of registration for their research programme.

9. When are the results out?  Can I find out sooner if I email or call in?

We hope to be able to announce the results in approximately mid-July.  All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application via email or letter post.  The Graduate Studies Office will not discuss the results of the scheme over the phone or email or with individuals requesting information on a speculative basis.

10. If I'm successful, can I defer the start of the scholarship until next year?

No.  The start of your scholarship cannot be deferred beyond the Second Semester registration date (usually February).  If you don't think you will be able to commence your research by this date, then you will need to apply in the call for funding next year.

11. Due to unforessen circumstances I need to suspend my registration. Can I suspend Hume scholarship?

Requests for deferrals are considered on a case by case basis.  If you believe that you have a good reason for deferring your studies and Hume Scholarship for up to a maximum of 1 year, you must:

1) write to the Dean of Graduate Studies explaining why you need a deferral, how long you need a deferral for, and what progress you have made.

2) get your supervisor to write to the Dean supporting your deferral, and confirming that they are willing to accept you back as a PhD student once the deferral period ends.

IMPORTANT: Only deferral requests made in advance of the period of absence will be considered, deferrals cannot be granted restrospectively.  Where absence occurs without prior written approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Scholastic Funding Board, the Hume Scholarship will be revoked and can not be reinstated.

12. Which departments/schools/research institutes offer the teaching scholarship?

Some departments indicated that they would NOT offer the teaching scholarship. Please note that this list might not be exhaustive.

Ancient Classics
Biology
Chemistry
Early Irish (Sean-Ghaeilge)
Philosophy

(Last update: 17 April 2013)

If your question is not answered above please contact us at graduatestudies@nuim.ie