To thank U.S. colleges & universities for hosting students from Northern Ireland through the British Council’s Study USA Program, select Northern Ireland institutions created the Irish American Scholars (IAS) program.

Through IAS, domestic U.S. students enrolled at Study USA host colleges and universities can apply to study tuition-free for one or two semesters at an institution in Northern Ireland.

Every fall, representatives from U.S. Catholic, Presbyterian, and United Methodist colleges and universities reach out to international advisors at schools participating in Study USA. The advisors are invited to submit up to three applications from sophomore or junior students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher who would like to study in Northern Ireland. These students are then evaluated by a selection committee composed of representatives from the participating institutions in Northern Ireland.

Students and staff describe the IAS program in their own words

For information about the IAS application and nomination process, visit the 2026-27 Application Process page. Additional details about studying in Northern Ireland can also be found on the Eligibility, Deadlines, and Costs page as well as the Experiencing Northern Ireland page.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Institutions that have agreed to host a Study USA student during the current academic year may submit student applications for the Irish American Scholars program even if there is no Study USA student currently on campus.
Students may not attend a school in Northern Ireland for their final semester of study. In order to obtain a Visa, students must show that they are required to return to the United States to complete their education. This means, for instance, that current juniors may apply only for the fall semester of the 2026-27 academic year.
Additionally, due to the 3-year curriculum model used in Northern Ireland and higher entry requirements for all institutions in the United Kingdom, U.S. students who are currently freshmen will not be accepted as Irish American Scholars applicants. However, they are encouraged to apply as sophomores.
Accepted U.S. students may opt for courses in any subject area available at their host institution, for which tuition and fees will be waived. Please note that U.S. students are expected to cover their own living expenses and other related costs, including travel to and from Northern Ireland.

Questions?

Students and advisors who have questions about the Irish American Scholars program are invited to contact the appropriate denominational representative identified on the Contacts Page.