US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship

Benefit

You get a fully funded year of graduate study (study or research after a bachelor's degree) in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Tuition, housing, a living-costs stipend (a monthly allowance for daily expenses) and travel are all covered for one academic year, from September to May. Up to 12 awards are given each year by the US-Ireland Alliance, a non-profit that links future American leaders with Ireland. The award covers one year only and includes no allowance for a spouse, partner or dependants.

Eligibility

• Nationality: You are a U.S. citizen. Dual citizens who also hold U.S. citizenship can apply.
• Age: You are between 18 and 30 on 1 October of the year you apply.
• Degree: You hold a bachelor's degree before you start. A degree from an accredited university abroad also counts.
• Field of study: Any subject, from computer science and biotechnology to economics and theatre.
• Where you study: You pick from ten universities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, such as Trinity College Dublin, Queen's University Belfast and University College Cork. You list three to five on your application.
• Background: Open to all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds. You do not need Irish-American roots, and earlier study in Ireland does not rule you out.
• Financial need: Your finances are not assessed.

How to apply

You apply online with a personal statement and four letters of recommendation. If you are still an undergraduate, you also need an endorsement from your campus fellowship advisor (a staff member who supports scholarship applicants). Selection starts with a short video interview, then virtual semi-final and final interviews. Up to 12 Scholars are chosen from 20 finalists.

How realistic are your chances?

Note that this scholarship is currently paused and not accepting applications. In March 2024 the US-Ireland Alliance suspended future classes because it could not secure long-term funding, so the 2024-2025 group was the last one. The programme may return if enough funding is raised, so check before you plan around it. When it runs, the pool is small: up to 12 awards from 20 finalists, so a strong application matters.