Celtic Studies Scholarships
Study in the U.S. or Abroad
The field of Celtic studies encompasses such topics as the archaeology, history, music, folklore, language, and literature of the people of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. A degree in Celtic studies might be of interest to students looking toward a career in entertainment, education, or journalism. Those needing financial assistance to reach their educational goals can apply for scholarship assistance from many sources.
Funding is available for American citizens or permanent residents who wish to pursue their studies in the United Kingdom or in the US. International applicants can receive financial assistance while they study/conduct research at an American university.
Scholarships for Study Abroad
U.S. - Ireland AllianceThe George J. Mitchell Scholarship is a very competitive national scholarship program through the U.S.-Ireland Alliance aimed at young adults, aged 18-30, who are interested in studying at the graduate school level in Ireland. Those who have not yet obtained their Bachelor’s Degree are eligible to apply; funding will be made available when they complete their degree. Although applicants majoring in Celtic Studies are eligible to apply for one of the 12 scholarships offered, the program is open to qualified applicants pursuing any course of study offered at one of the approved learning institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
To be considered for funding, the following must be submitted: a 1,000-word essay, five letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and proof of U.S. citizenship. If the applicant is currently a full-time student, a letter from that person’s school confirming this fact is also required.
Institute of Irish Studies, Queen’s University, BelfastBoth U.S. and Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for the Mary McNeill Scholarship, which provides funding in the amount of £3,000, or almost $6,000 depending on the exchange rate, for one student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Irish Studies. An application form is available online.
British Council UK 9/11 Scholarships FundThe goal of the 9/11 Scholarships Fund available through the British Council, is to assist students who are the children or dependents of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, which took place on September 11, 2001. Successful applicants will receive funding to cover round-trip travel costs and tuition at a university in the United Kingdom. In addition, a stipend is also awarded for living expenses and accommodation while attending school. Full-time students can apply for funding for either an undergraduate or Master’s Degree program, including Celtic Studies. Please note that applicants are still required to apply and be accepted to an institution of higher learning before any funds are released.
Scholarships for Study in the U.S.
National Welsh-American FoundationThe National Welsh-American Foundation administers a scholarship program to assist Welsh-American students studying Welsh history, culture and language.
Potomac Celtic Alliance Award for Celtic StudiesA $500 scholarship in Celtic Studies is available to students enrolled at a university located in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Interested persons will submit an original essay, three letters of recommendation (one will be written by a teacher), and official university transcripts. The transcripts will indicate the applicant’s GPA and confirm that he or she is enrolled in Celtic Studies courses.
The Gaelic Society of North AmericaThe Gaelic Society of North America offers a $1,000 scholarship each year to a student attending a university for the study of the Gaelic language.
Celtic Arts FoundationScholarship monies are available from the Celtic Arts Foundation for persons wishing to improve their knowledge of Celtic culture. This includes requests for funds to pursue academic studies, as well as dancing, music, athletics, and arts and crafts. An application form is available online. Those wishing to be considered for funding must submit an original essay, official transcripts, and letters of reference.
Scholarships for International Students
Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, University of Notre DameOpen to those studying any aspect of Irish Studies, the NEH Keough Fellowship provides a stipend of $40,000. The recipient will conduct research connected with his or her field of study and will be provided with office space and access to the library and other resources.
Applicants will submit a paper describing their proposed research, setting out how it will add to the sphere of knowledge that already exists on the subject, and outlining the benefits of further study in this area. A curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation are also required.
The Irish Fulbright CommissionPost-doctoral scholars are eligible to apply for one of two scholar awards offered by Fulbright Ireland. Up to €10,000, or nearly $13,000, in grant monies will be provided to the individuals selected for the Fulbright Culture Ireland Visiting Scholar Award. Scholars are expected to lecture and conduct research in Traditional Irish Music at Boston College. A Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award in Irish Studies will be provided for Stanford University.
Harvard University, Department of Celtic Languages and LiteraturesHarvard provides need-based financial assistance to international students. It is the University’s policy to meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need. Students from outside the United States are required to complete a Financial Statement for Students from Foreign Countries, available online. Please note that all international students are required to complete this document whether they require financial assistance or not.
