On February 12th, 2025, Universities of Sanctuary hosted an insightful and engaging webinar, “Beyond CAO – Exploring Scholarships & Alternative Entry Routes to Higher Education.” Led by Kinda Nassli, Sanctuary in Education Coordinator, this session brought together expert speakers, including Dr. Sarah Sartori (SETU),Higher Education Strategic Project Lead, South East Technological University (SETU) & Vice-Chair Universities of Karina Curley (DCU)University of Sanctuary Coordinator,, and Sean Harvey (DCU College Connect)DCU, to provide crucial information on access routes to higher education for refugees and protection applicants. The discussion covered key topics such as the CAO application process, alternative entry pathways, Sanctuary Scholarship criteria, and the recognition of prior learning (RPL). Participants also had the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session, receiving valuable guidance on financial support, tuition fees, and navigating university life.
This event aimed to empower asylum seekers and refugees by equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to pursue higher education in Ireland. By shedding light on available scholarships, fee structures, and university support services, the webinar served as a practical guide for individuals seeking pathways beyond the CAO system. The Universities of Sanctuary initiative continues to foster inclusion and accessibility in education, ensuring that all learners, regardless of background, can achieve their academic aspirations. For those who missed the session, presentation slides are available for reference, and further inquiries can be directed to kinda@sosi.ie