The 2026 Fergus Clancy Bursary for Healthcare Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award
The Fergus Clancy Bursary
for Healthcare Leadership
and Entrepreneurship Award
In honour of our friend and colleague Fergus Clancy who showed such ambition, passion, determination and leadership in
Irish Healthcare over his long and distinguished career we are delighted to accept applications
for a bursary in his name.
About Fergus Clancy
Fergus was an extraordinary man and one of Ireland’s most accomplished healthcare entrepreneurs and executives. Before his death in in 2024 he was Principal of FC Advisory, a specialist advisory firm operating exclusively in the Irish health sector. In that capacity, Fergus worked with institutional investors and portfolio companies to execute strategy and maximise returns and their impact on patient care. He was non-executive chairman of the Mater Private Healthcare Group, a company he previously operated as CEO for ten years. During that time, Fergus led the organisation through a period of significant expansion and development. He led a management buy-out of the group in 2007 and advised on, and participated in, a subsequent buy-out of the business in 2018. Fergus advised on and participated in the buy-out of CareChoice, one of Ireland’s largest nursing home groups and was a non-executive director of that business.
He was a former member of the Irish Medical Council and a subsequent member of its Fitness to Practice Commitee. He has sat on numerous advisory and charity boards for the Department of Health, HIQA and Pieta and many others over the years. He was a former non-executive chairman of Pieta (national mental health charity). Fergus lectured on post-graduate courses at University College Dublin and the University of Virginia. He held a Master’s in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) from the UCD Smurfit Business School had qualifications from Harvard Business School (on governance) and London Business School (on finance).
About the Award/Scholarship
The recipient will have the opportunity to pursue a fully funded Masters in Healthcare Leadership and be mentored by a senior leader in the sector who can best support their passion and career ambitions.
The Fergus Clancy Bursary for Healthcare Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award is a unique opportunity designed to support an exceptional individual who is passionate about improving patient care in Ireland and accelerating their impact by advancing their expertise leadership and skills in healthcare management. This fully funded program is aimed at individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, particularly those who have demonstrated a commitment to improving healthcare systems, patient care, and organizational effectiveness.
The program is ideal for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge of healthcare systems, and gain the strategic insight needed to lead organizations in a rapidly evolving global healthcare landscape.
Program Details
The Master’s in Healthcare Leadership is a multidisciplinary program that combines theory, evidence-based practice, and real-world experience. Participants will explore a variety of topics, including health policy, organizational behavior, management strategies, ethics, and digital health transformation. The course is designed to develop key leadership competencies such as decision-making, team management, and innovation within complex healthcare environments.
The curriculum is taught by experts in healthcare leadership, offering students access to cutting-edge research and insights. In addition to academic learning, the program includes opportunities for practical experience through internships, projects, and partnerships with leading healthcare organizations in Ireland.
Bursary Coverage
The Fergus Clancy Bursary for Healthcare Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award offers:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The full cost of tuition for the Master’s program is covered, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their academic and professional development without the burden of financial stress.
Application Process
The application process involves submitting a detailed online application, including:
- A personal statement outlining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the program and their career goals.
- References from professional mentors or supervisors who can attest to the applicant’s leadership potential and experience.
- Transcripts of academic qualifications and a current CV or résumé.
The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their leadership potential, academic ability, professional experience, and commitment to making a positive difference in Irish healthcare.
This fully funded Healthcare Leadership Master’s Bursary represents an invaluable opportunity for those who are passionate about driving change in the healthcare sector. By providing access to world-class education, and access to a network of professionals and experts, this bursary aims to cultivate the next generation of healthcare leaders capable of tackling the complex challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for The Fergus Clancy Bursary for Healthcare Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in healthcare, social sciences, business, or a related field is required.
Professional Experience:
Applicants should have at least 3 years of relevant experience in a healthcare setting, demonstrating leadership potential and a commitment to advancing healthcare quality and delivery.
Demonstrated Leadership Potential:
A strong track record of leadership, whether in a clinical, administrative, or managerial role, will be highly regarded. Applicants must provide evidence of their ability to make a positive impact in healthcare settings.
Commitment to Career Advancement:
Applicants must demonstrate a clear vision for their future leadership role in healthcare and how they plan to apply the skills learned in the Master’s program to make meaningful contributions to the sector.
Please enter your details here:
Closing date for applications
Friday, 22 May 2026
Enquiries: Robbie Whelan, Commercial Director | E: [email protected]