That’s a great question! In Ireland, most major scholarships are awarded at the time of admission, but there are opportunities for students to apply for additional or better scholarships after they have started their studies—though these are generally more limited and competitive.

Here’s what you should know:

1. University Progression Scholarships

- Some Irish universities offer progression or merit-based scholarships to current students who achieve outstanding academic results during their studies.
- These scholarships may be in the form of fee reductions or financial awards for subsequent years of study.

2. Departmental or Subject-specific Awards

- Certain departments or faculties within universities may offer special grants, scholarships, or prizes to students based on their performance or involvement in specific projects.

3. External Scholarships

- External organizations, charities, or government bodies sometimes offer scholarships to students already enrolled in Irish institutions. These are usually advertised internally by the university or on scholarship portals.

4. Research Funding (Postgraduate Students)

- For Master’s by Research or PhD students, there are often additional funding opportunities available through research grants, assistantships, or projects led by faculty members. Students can apply for these once they are enrolled and have established relationships with faculty.

5. Work Placements and Part-time Jobs

- While not scholarships, many students also take advantage of internships or part-time jobs (allowed up to 20 hours/week during term time and 40 hours/week during holidays) to help offset living costs.

Tips to Maximize Scholarship Opportunities in Ireland:

- Apply Early: Most generous scholarships are at the admission stage, so apply early and with a strong application.
- Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Many in-course scholarships are merit-based.
- Engage with Faculty: Networking and involvement in university activities can help you learn about hidden opportunities.
- Check University Websites: Each university lists internal and external scholarships for current students.
- Use Scholarship Portals: For example, the Irish government’s Scholarships website and university-specific pages.

---

If you’d like, I can help you research scholarship options for your chosen Irish university or course.
Would you like to know about specific universities or types of scholarships available in Ireland?