University College Cork believes in creating an environment in which academic excellence can be combined with opportunities for personal development. The University is committed to the intellectual growth, social formation and welfare of our students and recognise the strength that is derived from student diversity. Excellence underpins everything at UCC, and the University recognises exceptional students when they join, as well as those who develop their talents while studying here.

To this end, the University introduced the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme aimed at supporting and promoting excellence in academia, sport, creative and performing arts, active citizenship and innovation/entrepreneurship for both prospective undergraduate/level 8 students and students already registered in UCC.