Scholarships, Prizes and Financial Assistance
Foundation Scholarship
The most prestigious and valuable awards at Trinity College are the Foundation Scholarships. These Scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of an examination held at the end of the second term. In mathematics the exams cover the course material up to the end of the second term of the second year. Anyone attaining a very high standard is proposed for Scholarship. Scholars are entitled to free tuition, plus free accommodation and free evening meal in term, for up to five years. The number of scholars elected in any year is not fixed. In past years, the number elected in mathematics, all three degree courses, has varied from one to eight. In addition the first unsuccessful candidate in the mathematics scholarship exam is awarded the Roberts Prize of £500, provided sufficient merit is shown.
Continuing Students
The department is fortunate to have been the recipient of various endowments and bequests to provide prizes for students. Most recently a fund was established in honour of, and named after John L Synge the world renowned relativist and geometer, who has a long association with this College.
At the time of writing the total amount available for prizes exceeds £9,000 per annum. These prizes include three Lloyd Exhibitions awarded to students on the basis of marks obtained in the Junior Sophister honor examinations in mathematics: Value £1,000, £750 and £500. The Rowe Prizes are awarded to the candidates who obtain the highest marks at the Senior Freshman examination: Value £500 and £500. The Townsend Memorial Prizes are awarded annually in three parts on the result of the Junior Freshman Honor examination in mathematics: Value, first part £600, second part £500, third part £400. The eight Arthur Lyster Prizes are awarded on the basis of examination performances in mathematics in any of the Junior Freshman, Senior Freshman or Junior Sophister years. (A candidate who has been awarded a Townsend or Rowe prize or a Lloyd exhibition will not be eligible to receive a Lyster prize in the same year): Value four at £300, two at £200, two at £100. The Minchin Prize is awarded annually in two parts in Michaelmas term to students who performed with particular merit in the work of the previous Junior Sophister year in mathematics and / or physics: Value of each part of the prize £900.
The John L Synge Prize value £200 is awarded biennially to a candidate or candidates who distinguish themselves at the examination for moderatorship in a subject in mathematics or theoretical physics related to Professor Synge's interests.
The Bishop Law Prize is awarded each year to the first moderator in mathematics: Value £50.
Entering students
A number of Entrance Exhibitions are awarded to beginning students. These are based on Leaving Certificate/A level marks and are book prizes worth £200. But for people of limited means, the award can also include the free evening meal.
There are other awards for beginning students also, and for these one should see the University Calendar. Some carry restrictions such as the Reid Exhibition, which is restricted to natives of County Kerry.
Financial Assistance
The College operates a student aid scheme, whereby students who have successfully completed their Junior Freshman year, and who are in difficult financial circumstances, may obtain a small grant.