Irish American Scholars
A Prestigious Scholarship Opportunity to Study in Northern Ireland
As a means of thanking our U.S. colleges and universities for hosting Study USA (BEI) students, the Northern Ireland institutions offer a limited number of study places on the Irish American Scholars Program each year. This program enables a limited number of American students from Study USA-supporting colleges to spend one or two semesters at a university or college in Northern Ireland, tuition free.
Students may apply to study at the following schools:
- Belfast Metropolitan College
- Queens University
- St. Mary’s University College
- Stranmillis University College
- University of Ulster
Qualifications
Applicants must be a current sophomore or junior at a U.S. college or university that participates in Study USA and must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
Application Process
Students must be nominated by their home institution and must submit:
A completed application form
An academic transcript through the most recent semester
A 500-word essay describing their educational objectives while studying in Northern Ireland
Two letters of reference—one from the student's academic advisor and one from a faculty member or administrator at the applicant's home institution
Students planning to study art must also submit a portfolio of their work.
Each fall, the Association representative for your college will write to U.S. college presidents, inviting up to three applications from students who have a GPA of 3.2 or above. The students will be considered for a place at a Northern Ireland institution.
Selection Criteria
Final selection and placement of students is done by the institutions in Northern Ireland.
The selection committee will consider a student's field of study to see if there are matching courses in Northern Ireland. Students who cannot advance their studies in a chosen field or who have not completed courses in their major will not be accepted. The committee will also consider a student's extra-curricular activities, especially those that relate to the student's field of study.
Cost
Irish American Scholars must register and pay any tuition and fees required at their home college or university. Tuition and fees in Northern Ireland will be waived. Students are responsible for housing, food, travel, books and other living expenses, some of which may be covered by financial aid. Students should contact the financial aid office at their home college or university to learn how this will apply in their particular situation.
For more information contact Rebecca Spencer at rspencer@ic.edu.
