University of Galway has announced a new partnership with Davy, Ireland’s leading provider of wealth management and investment banking services, to expand uptake in careers in finance for students from underrepresented groups.

The initiative, part of Davy’s centenary celebrations, aims to support undergraduates through two new scholarships, one of which is dedicated to female students.

The scholarships are designed to strengthen pathways into the financial sector at a time when demand for diverse talent continues to grow.

Each year, they will be awarded to first-year students who are taking part in the University of Galway Student Managed Fund - a student‑led, global, diversified equity investment fund, established to offer students hands‑on experience in portfolio management and to enhance financial education through experiential learning.

Professor Karena Yan, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway, said: “Davy’s support has strengthened the University of Galway’s Student Managed Fund and accelerated its impact as a high‑quality learning platform. Innovation in the financial sector begins with a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Through these new scholarships, we are helping to remove financial barriers and broaden access to opportunities in finance. This partnership reflects the School’s commitment to openness and excellence, supporting students to plan for their future and gain a competitive edge in a growing industry.”

The partnership was launched by Orla Graham, Chief People Officer at Davy, and University of Galway alumna who studied Business Studies at J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, along with Eoin Cotter, Director and Head of Western Region, Davy.

Orla Graham, Chief People Officer at Davy, said: “As we celebrate 100 years of serving our clients and communities, we are proud to partner with University of Galway to support the next generation of talented students as they begin their careers in financial services. At Davy, helping people plan for the future is a core part of our service – these scholarships will help shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Davy’s support will create meaningful and immediate impact for recipients, equipping students with the confidence and support needed to pursue their academic goals.

The scholarships are open to first-year undergraduates who are registered on a degree programme with a finance or economics component and who demonstrate strong academic potential. The successful students will be provided with €1,000, paid annually over the four years of their studies.

The new partnership will support the two scholarships and the Student Managed Fund, providing both financial support as well as mentorship and guidance of the fund.

The two new scholarships are:

- Davy Centenary Scholarship to support students entering Year 1 of a Finance or Economics degree who are members of the Student Managed Fund.

- Davy Scholarship for Females in Finance to support female students entering Year 1 of a Finance or Economics degree who are members of the Student Managed Fund, to increase participation and progression of women in finance‑related disciplines.

Davy established its office in Galway in 2006 and continues to build its presence serving clients in Galway and the West.

Eoin Cotter, Director and Head of Western Region, Davy, said: “This partnership represents an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting education and opportunity in the West. We are proud to deepen our relationship with University of Galway as we look ahead to the next chapter.”

Applicants can apply for the scholarships here: Davy Centenary Scholarship and here: Davy Females in Finance Scholarship.

Learn more about eligibility and the selection process here.

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