Mitchell Scholarships provide all-expenses-paid graduate school funding for one year, in any field, for U.S. citizens at any of the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland, two institutes in Dublin, and two universities in Northern Ireland. The scholarship includes tuition, housing, a living stipend, and an international travel stipend.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens between 18 and 30 years old, on the date the application is due; must hold a bachelor’s degree before beginning study on the Mitchell.
Intent to Apply Deadline: Friday, May 26, 2023. If you miss this deadline, immediately make an appointment with Ann Landstrom in Handshake, or contact her via email.
Intent to Apply URL: Fall 2023 UK/Ireland Scholarships Intent to Apply
Campus Deadline: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 1 – 5 p.m. CST or earlier by appointment; all application materials from the candidate and recommenders are due to CLS – Global Fellowships and Awards.
National Deadline: Thursday, September 28, 2023 by 5 p.m. EST
Scholarship URL: https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship
Campus Application Checklist: Mitchell Application Checklist Fall 2023
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About the Award
The Mitchell Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. The Mitchell Scholars Program, named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual development, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria: scholarship, leadership, and a sustained commitment to service and community. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.
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Eligibility
Candidates for the 2024-2025 Mitchell Scholars program must meet all criteria. They shall:
- Be U.S. citizens (permanent residents and U.S. Nationals are not eligible).
- Be 18 years of age or older, but not yet 30.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before beginning study as a Mitchell Scholar. Degrees from international accredited universities are acceptable, if all other conditions are met.
- While married applicants are accepted, no allowance is made for the expenses of a married applicant’s spouse or dependent.
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Selection Criteria
Potential candidates are urged to study the Frequently Asked Questions and the profiles of past Scholars to learn about the program, the selection process, and the qualities sought in a Mitchell Scholar. Because the Mitchell program has only twenty national finalists for a maximum of twelve awards, we ask that upon accepting an invitation to finalist weekend, a candidate be committed to participating in all aspects of finalist weekend and to accepting an offer from the Mitchell Scholars program if tendered. The Mitchell Scholars Program includes support for one year of study at a university on the island of Ireland. Those who prefer a multi-year academic scholarship should apply for other fellowship programs which offer multi-year awards.
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How to Apply
Please consult this page at the US-Ireland Alliance website: Applying to the George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program. Grinnell may annually endorse students and alumni who meet the eligibility criteria for this award. Follow the directions on the Campus Application Checklist (see above).
Applicants should meet with Ann Landstrom for an advising appointment to discuss their backgrounds and fit for the Mitchell Scholarship in spring semester. Over the summer, applicants should continue with their advising appointments and they will receive instructions for how to proceed in submitting their applications in late August for the campus review/endorsement process.
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Ethical Guidelines
All applicants are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines.
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Grinnell College Mitchell Scholars
- Alec Schierenbeck ’09 (2009)
- Lara Janson ’05 (2008)
- Geoff Swanson ’03 (2005)