THE

First Generation

UNDERGRADUATE

OF THE YEAR

Are you the First Generation Undergraduate of the Year?

We're searching Irish universities to find the outstanding First Generation Undergraduate of the Year.

In partnership with PwC, this award recognises and celebrates the achievements of students who are the first in their family to attend university. The award is open to students from any degree background who demonstrate certain skills and qualities, such as self-motivation, proactivity, diversity, teamwork, communication and resilience.

To enter you must:

Be the first generation in your family to attend University

Be in your 1st or 2nd year of any undergraduate course

Be on track to attain a 2:1

Have the right to work in the European Union after graduation

PRIZES

What could you win?

You could win a place on PwC's undergraduate programmes! This exciting opportunity will offer you the chance to learn about the work that PwC do, and will allow you to develop valuable business skills, learn more about your strengths and weaknesses and have exposure to a variety of staff across the business, gaining insight into the range of careers available with PwC.

Apply

WHAT IT TAKES

What makes an award winner?

A winner of the First Generation Award is someone who has shown resilience, determination, and excellence in their journey to third-level education. They are someone who has overcome the challenges and barriers that come with being the first in their family to pursue higher education - someone who has not only achieved their own goals, but also inspired and supported others along the way.

Apply

FROM OUr PARTNER

PwC & the First Generation Undergraduate of the Year Award

Apply

At PwC, Social Inclusion encapsulates our goal to support, champion and foster societal equity for all. By supporting equitable opportunities for every person in society regardless of their identity, we believe we can play a role in reducing systemic societal inequalities. This is our third year participating, and we have had the privilege of engaging with and supporting some fantastic students. We look forward to meeting the 2026 candidates and learning more about them.

GOING ALL THE WAY

How do I win?

Register Online

Complete the application form and answer three questions set out by PwC

Deadline:

February

2026

Online tests

Receive an email inviting you to complete two assessments designed exclusively by our partner SHL.

Deadline:

February

2026

Submit by

2 February

2026

Your details & online assessments must be submitted and completed by the 2nd of February 2026.

If you are successful in getting through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 18th of February 2026.

‍

Assessment centre

The top 10/15 shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by PwC.

The process to determine the award winner will include a personal interview.

This will be confirmed by the sponsor at a later date.

‍

Grand final

The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 1st of April 2026, at the Aviva Stadium where the award winners will be announced

Apply