Eligibility

Current sophomores and juniors at U.S. colleges and universities participating in the Study USA program sponsored by the British Council are eligible to participate in the Irish American Scholars (IAS) program. [Note: Even if your school is not hosting a Study USA student this year, as long as they applied to do so, students at your school can participate in IAS.]

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required for participation. All students who participate in IAS must return to their home school in the U.S. to complete their education. This means that students who are currently juniors may only apply for fall semester study through IAS.  Students who are currently freshmen will not be accepted into the IAS program due to the lack of appropriate coursework.

Limitations

Schools in Northern Ireland limit the number of students they will accept as Irish American Scholars, particularly for the spring semester. Acceptance is generally determined by space availability, academic match, and the student’s GPA.

Students typically apply for one semester of study at a Northern Ireland institution.  If interested, students may request a full academic year, but note that extended placements are very limited.

Deadlines

Application packets containing all required information must be submitted to the appropriate denomination representative by February 1. To identify the representative, visit the 2026-27 Application Process page.

Applicants will be notified of their placement before the end of March and must accept or decline their placement by April 1. Placements are final and not negotiable.

Costs

Tuition and fees for Irish American Scholars will be waived by their institution in Northern Ireland. Irish American Scholars should check with their study abroad office to determine if they will be required to register and pay tuition and fees at their home college or university.

Irish American Scholars are responsible for costs associated with housing, meals, travel, books, and other miscellaneous living expenses. Note that some of these expenses may be covered by financial aid. Check with the financial aid office at your home institution to determine if financial aid dollars can be applied to these expenses.

Note that Northern Ireland is recognized by the British Council as having the lowest cost of living in the UK.  Based on the experience of previous IAS participants, your estimated costs will be around £7500 [approximately $12,000].

Accommodations

Accommodations are particular to each participating institution in Northern Ireland. Please visit the web sites for each of these schools to learn more about housing options and costs.