Ireland Scholarship Opportunities
Study Abroad on the Emerald Isle
Ireland is one of the more popular destinations of study. No foreign language is required and many of our American ancestors hail from the small island. This is the primary reason our university system has such an established exchange program. Students who study in Ireland have access to summer, semester and year-long programs. Scholarships are common through most abroad programs at colleges and universities and through a few private organizations.
Scholarships through Travel Abroad Organizations
There are a number of very well known travel abroad organizations that specialize in nothing but coordinating studies far and wide for both U.S. students as well as international students. Make sure you find one of the well-known programs and that your college participates or recognizes their program. The benefit to using such an organization is that they are a well-oiled machine that offers a one-stop-shop for your travels, including travel arrangements and extra health and emergency insurance.
The Institute for Study Abroad-Butler University is a well-trafficked organization that is dedicated to coordinating and supporting study abroad programs for U.S. undergraduate students. Two of IFSA’s programs make it possible for students to engage in studies in either politically unique Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. Students interested in either of these programs may be eligible for the Colleen Dodd Memorial Scholarships. Awards are $3500 and are available to students studying in Ireland for a semester or for a full academic year.
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the older travel abroad organizations. One of their standard programs is the University of Limerick in Ireland. Students who are interested in pursuing this abroad program may qualify for AIFS scholarships. In most cases students must qualify for both academics and demonstrate financial need. Awards are given for summer programs and are in the amount of $500.
Private Organizations
The U.S. – Ireland Alliance is an organization dedicated to enriching the relations between the United States and Ireland. The George J. Mitchell Scholarship is a national scholarship program named for the celebrated politician who was instrumental in bringing Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland into some semblance of peaceful accord. The scholarship program awards twelve students with a full-year scholarship for studies at a college or university in Ireland. The goal of the program is to encourage next gen decision makers and political leaders. Because of the visibility of these awards they are extremely competitive. Selection criteria may change from year to year as well as funding.
College and University Scholarships
Michigan State University offers students access to internships in Dublin, Ireland. Students who are engaged in majors focused on the humanities, such as political science, journalism, art, and history, may qualify. The Office of Study Abroad offers generous scholarships to qualified students. Funding is thanks in large part to donors. The following scholarships are applicable for those interested in the Ireland internships:
- MSU Federal Credit Union has made very attractive donations to the study abroad program. This is open to students with both academic talent and demonstrated financial need. These awards may be up to $2,000 depending on length of program and student need.
- Forest Aker Scholarships go to students with significant financial disadvantage but who fail to qualify for Pell Grants.
- MSU Alumni Association Scholarships.
Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona offers a Summer Study Abroad in Ireland program. Students may apply for the International Education Study Abroad Scholarships. Qualified applicants must attach a letter of recommendation from faculty as well as an essay detailing their goals for study in Ireland. Further selection is based on academic record and financial need.
The University of Florida International Center offers an expansive abroad program that combines internships, summer programs, semester and full-year programs in locations around the globe. While program details may change a standard offering is a number of programs in Ireland in varying lengths of time. Scholarships available to students pursuing studies in Ireland:
- UF Honors Program Summer Scholarships award top students who are pursuing abroad studies for the first time. Up to $1,000 given to Honors students.
- Keith Legg Honors Program Academic Year Scholarships are awarded to those students pursuing a full year of studies. Students must be honors-level students. Awards are $2,000.
