GEM Limerick Scholarship Scheme

Terrance Peterson

Hello,

I was wondering if there is anyone here who is currently doing GEM at UL on the university's scholarship scheme? I'm interested to know things such as how many scholarships are awarded (unlikely that anyone might know, I know) and when did you find out that you were successful in your application? I have applied to UL and hopefully will be attending this September.

On UL's GEM webpage they state that "students applying for entry to graduate entry medicine should not be inhibited if successful in their application due to lack of financial support".

However, I have heard that prospective students don't find out if they are successful until they are already enrolled onto the course. This means I would have already had to pay (correct me if i'm wrong) at least the first semester of fees as well as physically moved to Limerick and paid for accommodation. If this scholarship is designed to help students from socio-enomoniclly disadvantaged backgrounds then why do they not let students know if they have got the scholarship before they enrol?

Any help or general conversation from other scholarship hopefuls would be appreciated also. Thanks...

Bloomberg

I haven't yet sat the GAMSAT, I'm going for UL also and I'm expecting to receive the scholarship on the basis of socio-Eco disadvantage if I'm lucky enough to get through the exam successfully an get in September year.
I inquired about it about 2 months ago and she said that they work very closely with the access office at UL. If you look up access course at UL, the considerations are similar to that of the scholarship for GEM such as
- welfare dependence
- family background- living in a so called rough estate/council house
- looking for some deprivation being experienced basically
Background is key-your parents-their professions- applicants with a lone parent is something they will probably regard as putting someone at some sort of disadvantage... There being only one income- more susceptible to poverty or risk of.
Also the girl I bought my GAMSAT notes off said to me that there were about 5 people in her year who got it, and was surprised when one of the guys got it despite his mum being a teacher and being fairly financially secure- he was under the impression it was due to the fact he was living in a rough area in Limerick that got him it..

If your planning on going this September and you haven't received either a letter or email regarding the scholarship and the process, that seems strange, usually they take your application in March and then they close application about June- I think it's in two stages... I am not certain though but you should get in touch with GEM scholarship, there emails on UL website and see what's happening! Best of luck.
Don't take what I've said as concrete because it's only what I've been told or heard!

Terrance Peterson

Thanks for the reply!

I sat the GAMSAT in the UK last September so I already have a satisfactory score. Also, I have already completed the scholarship forms, I am just waiting to hear back from them. My problem is that apparently I won't hear back about the outcome of my scholarship application until I have already enrolled onto the GEM course...

loopylulu

Do any of the other med schools offer similar scholarships? First I've heard of it, but
I hadn't looked at UL as an option as I'm a single parent and childcare would be in Dublin. However, if there was a chance of any financial assistance in UL then that changes things!

Bloomberg

Yes UL is the only college that offers it in Ireland, given that Limerick itself is more disadvantaged than most cities- it seem that it's trying to cater for that community really.

Terrance Peterson

loopylulu wrote: »

Do any of the other med schools offer similar scholarships? First I've heard of it, but
I hadn't looked at UL as an option as I'm a single parent and childcare would be in Dublin. However, if there was a chance of any financial assistance in UL then that changes things!

UL is the only university that offers this scheme in Ireland or pretty much anywhere that I can see...

pc11

Terrance Peterson wrote: »

UL is the only university that offers this scheme in Ireland or pretty much anywhere that I can see...

This is correct. And it's true you won't find out if you're successful until some weeks after you start in UL. You wouldn't want to bank on it.

loopylulu

Thanks for the info. Yes it would be a huge gamble to put UL first, accept offer and move to Limerick and then not get the scholarship. Not like I could transfer back to Dublin at that stage. It's such a huge amount though. I wonder do the other colleges have student assistance funds for GEM's. Do they have the view that we already have degrees and most likely gave u a job to do GEM so not exactly in dire need of financial help?

pc11

loopylulu wrote: »

Thanks for the info. Yes it would be a huge gamble to put UL first, accept offer and move to Limerick and then not get the scholarship. Not like I could transfer back to Dublin at that stage. It's such a huge amount though. I wonder do the other colleges have student assistance funds for GEM's. Do they have the view that we already have degrees and most likely gave u a job to do GEM so not exactly in dire need of financial help?

As stated already, there is no financial assistance available anywhere else, sorry. I looked very hard for it last year.

I don't think they have any views either way. It just costs what it costs, then it's up to us to figure it out. They are of course aware it's not easy, but there's nothing to be done really. Each year the class fills up, so people do manage, not that it's easy obviously.

Terrance Peterson

pc11 wrote: »

As stated already, there is no financial assistance available anywhere else, sorry. I looked very hard for it last year.

I don't think they have any views either way. It just costs what it costs, then it's up to us to figure it out. They are of course aware it's not easy, but there's nothing to be done really. Each year the class fills up, so people do manage, not that it's easy obviously.

You are right pc, there is literally nowhere else that offers this type of scholarship. Its such a crazy gamble to pay at least the first semester and literally move to UL before you know if you have got it or not but its a gamble I might have to take...

Btrippn

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has had success with the scholarship?

Thanks

Terrance Peterson

Hello there. Yes I was successful, thankfully! If I had not got it I would have left the course and it would have crushed me! What about you yourself...?

loopylulu

Terrance when did you find out? had you already accepted UL and moved to Limerick? currently waiting on gamsat results and trying to figure out what I'll do if I get a decent score.

Terrance Peterson

loopylulu wrote: »

Terrance when did you find out? had you already accepted UL and moved to Limerick? currently waiting on gamsat results and trying to figure out what I'll do if I get a decent score.

I found out I got it like 2 weeks into the course. I had already moved down to Limerick, got accommodation etc. I would have had to go home if I hadn't got the scholarship. I got denied the GEM loan from Ulster Bank as you have to have banked with them for 2 years before you apply for it. That is something I didn't know. I had been planning to come to Limerick for about 3/4 years but didn't know that otherwise I would have opened an Ulster Bank account like 2 year ago. There is also a loan from Bank of Ireland but they probably have some other type of stipulation like that, best to phone and check now.

Best of luck with your GAMSAT and let me know if you've any more questions...

loopylulu

Terrance Peterson wrote: »

I got denied the GEM loan from Ulster Bank as you have to have banked with them for 2 years before you apply for it. That is something I didn't know. I had been planning to come to Limerick for about 3/4 years but didn't know that otherwise I would have opened an Ulster Bank account like 2 year ago. There is also a loan from Bank of Ireland but they probably have some other type of stipulation like that, best to phone and check now.
QUOTE]

Thanks Terrance!
Gosh that is fairly bad to find out so late on the loan! None of the UB loan guidelines say you need to bank with them for 2 years
I think I'm going to have to stick with Dublin, otherwise would need to sort out a new school and childcare if I move to Limerick. I'll just have to hope hope BOI will offer the loan next year. Anyway, not very optimistic about gamsat results.

Hope you are enjoying the course

Terrance Peterson

I was sure I had failed the GAMSAT so you never know. Yeah, 2 years. I told them to revise their loan page to state this fact for the coming years but it probably fell on deaf ears. Yeah its a great course, just so much work. Good luck with your endeavours...

Ballet17

Hi everyone! Hope you're all enjoying the course I'm hoping to go to UL this coming Sept on the results I got in the UK Gamsat last yr. I'm just wondering about the scholarship. Do you have to have secured and paid the first instalment of the loan before starting the course? What happens then if you are awarded the scholarship, does it go towards paying the first instalment back and can you then cancel the loan? Just wondering how it all works 😊 Thanks!

Terrance Peterson

Ballet17 wrote: »

Hi everyone! Hope you're all enjoying the course I'm hoping to go to UL this coming Sept on the results I got in the UK Gamsat last yr. I'm just wondering about the scholarship. Do you have to have secured and paid the first instalment of the loan before starting the course? What happens then if you are awarded the scholarship, does it go towards paying the first instalment back and can you then cancel the loan? Just wondering how it all works 😊 Thanks!

Ballet, no you don't have to pay anything! It seems crazy but you don't. Although you don't find out if you have got the scholarship until between Oct and Nov...

Ballet17

Terrance Peterson wrote: »

Ballet, no you don't have to pay anything! It seems crazy but you don't. Although you don't find out if you have got the scholarship until between Oct and Nov...

Thanks Terrance! That's good to know. So you don't have to pay anything before you enrol? Do you still have to have a loan secured? Sorry for all the questions, it's all a bit confusing! ☺️ Well done to you on getting it, hope you're enjoying the course so far!

vladcount

Hi Guys, i plan on sitting my gamsat next yr as im in my second last yr of my undergrad.
Terrance tell me if you could , I know the scholarship covers fees but does it covers accommodation too or what ? i see it says a substantial amount for living expenses ?
I am currently a access student in DCU so id say id be fine
thanks all!

heybert

Guys UL only hand out one or two of these scholarships per year so roughly 1-2% of students get one. Please don't factor it in to your choice of medical school!

Btrippn

heybert wrote: »

Guys UL only hand out one or two of these scholarships per year so roughly 1-2% of students get one. Please don't factor it in to your choice of medical school!

Where did you find this out? Any idea what the typical candidate profile is like? Thanks

vladcount

Thats funny i just emailed the GEM proggramme scholarship officer here is her reply :
Hi Karl,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding scholarships.

The Graduate Entry Medical School offers all applicants via the CAO an opportunity to apply for a scholarship. It is processed through two phases of application and each year to date there have been approximately ten scholarships awarded. However, the funding is being reduced and this will most likely reflect in the number of scholarships granted being reduced in the future unless we receive more funding in this regard.

I hope this answers your query.

Kind Regards,

Denise O'Malley
Administrator/Riarthóir
Room Number: GEMS3-010

vladcount

They give out 10 yearly !!!!

Btrippn

vladcount wrote: »

Thats funny i just emailed the GEM proggramme scholarship officer here is her reply :
Hi Karl,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding scholarships.

The Graduate Entry Medical School offers all applicants via the CAO an opportunity to apply for a scholarship. It is processed through two phases of application and each year to date there have been approximately ten scholarships awarded. However, the funding is being reduced and this will most likely reflect in the number of scholarships granted being reduced in the future unless we receive more funding in this regard.

I hope this answers your query.

Kind Regards,

Denise O'Malley
Administrator/Riarthóir
Room Number: GEMS3-010

Does that not mean approximately 10 in total as in since the scholarship commenced?

vladcount

10 a year except one year when funding went down and it was 8 in the first yr but after that first yrnot has been ten yearly .
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maria0310

pc11 wrote: »

This is correct. And it's true you won't find out if you're successful until some weeks after you start in UL. You wouldn't want to bank on it.

Then how do the fees work? Do you pay the first installment of fees and then if you get the scholarship they refund you that amount or do you pay nothing and wait until you hear an answer about the scholarship?

dublindoctor

maria0310 wrote: »

Then how do the fees work? Do you pay the first installment of fees and then if you get the scholarship they refund you that amount or do you pay nothing and wait until you hear an answer about the scholarship?

If you are banking on the scholarship do not pay fees until after you hear if you do or don't have it. You could pay your fees at the end of first year and it will not make a difference!

maria0310

dublindoctor wrote: »

If you are banking on the scholarship do not pay fees until after you hear if you do or don't have it. You could pay your fees at the end of first year and it will not make a difference!

thanks for the reply! are you sure about that? I thought you have to be a registered student in order to get the scholarship and in order to be registered you have to pay the fees? Im probably wrong though. Are you speaking from experience?

maria0310

Is there anyone who got the scholarship recently who could tell me when they found out they got it? was it before starting the course or after?

dublindoctor

maria0310 wrote: »

Is there anyone who got the scholarship recently who could tell me when they found out they got it? was it before starting the course or after?

I went to UL and know several people who got the scholarship. There is roughly 10 given a year. They are awarded in october/november.

You apply for the scholarship before you even start the course and you do not need to pay fees to become registered, you are automatically registered when you accept your CAO offer. I used pay my fees at the end of the year, every year and it was never an issue, several people did this because those with loans paid less interest that way. I wouldn't be banking on the scholarship though, it would be great to get it but have a plan b ready.

maria0310

dublindoctor wrote: »

I went to UL and know several people who got the scholarship. There is roughly 10 given a year. They are awarded in october/november.

You apply for the scholarship before you even start the course and you do not need to pay fees to become registered, you are automatically registered when you accept your CAO offer. I used pay my fees at the end of the year, every year and it was never an issue, several people did this because those with loans paid less interest that way. I wouldn't be banking on the scholarship though, it would be great to get it but have a plan b ready.

Thanks a mil for the reply again!That has cleared up a lot. Do you know on what grounds the scholarship is awarded, I heard from some people it’s on financial means but some have said its a general theme of ‘hardships overcome’ etc?

Also as you have said, since we can pay fees at the end of the year I would probably wait to hear back about the scholarship and then apply for the loan if I dont get it

dublindoctor

maria0310 wrote: »

Thanks a mil for the reply again!That has cleared up a lot. Do you know on what grounds the scholarship is awarded, I heard from some people it’s on financial means but some have said its a general theme of ‘hardships overcome’ etc?

Also as you have said, since we can pay fees at the end of the year I would probably wait to hear back about the scholarship and then apply for the loan if I dont get it

yes that would be the best thing to do! The scholarship isn't 'means' based so to speak but it does play a role, it is award more so based on having overcome adversity more so that being under a certain income!

maria0310

dublindoctor wrote: »

yes that would be the best thing to do! The scholarship isn't 'means' based so to speak but it does play a role, it is award more so based on having overcome adversity more so that being under a certain income!

thanks! and do all loans for GEM require a guarantor?

medennial

maria0310 wrote: »

thanks! and do all loans for GEM require a guarantor?

It could be incorrect, but I spoke to one of the BOI loan officers at the UL Open Day and he said that a loan hasn’t been given out in the last 2 years without a guarantor. So even though BOI say they work with applicants to negate the need for a guarantor, apparently it doesn’t happen in practice.

I don’t have any personal experience of it (yet) of course so am open to correction I’m just going off what the loan officer told me!

maria0310

medennial wrote: »

It could be incorrect, but I spoke to one of the BOI loan officers at the UL Open Day and he said that a loan hasn’t been given out in the last 2 years without a guarantor. So even though BOI say they work with applicants to negate the need for a guarantor, apparently it doesn’t happen in practice.

I don’t have any personal experience of it (yet) of course so am open to correction I’m just going off what the loan officer told me!

Thanks for the info!

AthenaFortuna

Hi all,

I was reading the 2018/2019 eligibility requirements for the scholarship, and saw that you must have entered third level education by a recognised Access route - does anyone know what exactly these are? If I entered my first degree solely by my A-level/school results am I now not eligible?

In previous years it had also mentioned applying on the basis of socio-economic disadvantage, and this doesn't appear to be there any more. If this has changed I would say a fair few people would now miss out on a chance, myself included. Cheers for any insight.

Anita Blow

The access routes are HEAR & DARE. HEAR being for those who applied and were accepted to that scheme when applying for their first degree on the basis of socioeconomic disadvantage. DARE being an access scheme for those who have a disability.

AthenaFortuna

Anita Blow wrote: »

The access routes are HEAR & DARE. HEAR being for those who applied and were accepted to that scheme when applying for their first degree on the basis of socioeconomic disadvantage. DARE being an access scheme for those who have a disability.

Thanks for the info. I guess I am no longer eligible then, I received financial help on the basis of my socioeconomic circumstances for my first degree, however as I studied in the UK (N. Ireland) and not through these routes I guess that rules me out. I wonder why they changed the requirements this year.

Ariana Grande

dublindoctor wrote: »

yes that would be the best thing to do! The scholarship isn't 'means' based so to speak but it does play a role, it is award more so based on having overcome adversity more so that being under a certain income!

Hi, I was planning on emailing UL about this but I was hoping you had some advice about this “overcoming adversity” aspect of the scholarship.

I went through foster care from the ages of 12-15 and then went into state care living in a care home from 15-18. Then renting on my own since then. I have no contact with my family (due to abuse suffered) and therefore wouldn’t have a loan guarantor on hand as easily as others. I’m also from an underprivileged area and have a medical card. I also was accepted on the HEAR (and DARE scheme due to mental illness) throughout my undergrad.

Do you think from who you know who received the scholarship, that my adversity would also qualify me to receive it? It’s just that I’m not from Limerick and I would have to move down there to study, so I need to make sure I get the scholarship before I put the course down as #1 on my CAO. Also I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t get the loan anyway.

If anyone else has any insights that would be great too, thanks.

maria0310

Hi does anyone know when the UL Med academic term starts for 1st year? I just read on the website that it starts in july but not sure if that applies to first years?

Beariski01

maria0310 wrote: »

Hi does anyone know when the UL Med academic term starts for 1st year? I just read on the website that it starts in july but not sure if that applies to first years?

The 3rd of September is the start of semester 1 for 1st and 2nd years this year

Bitches Be Trypsin

Hey all, aside from the fees being paid, what is the financial aid towards living expenses? I would literally be starting college with less than 1000 euro