The US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship (formerly known as the George Mitchell Scholarship) 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. The award is on an indefinite pause as they seek endowed funding. We will once again nominate students for this award when the endowed funding is in place.
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.
Intent to Apply Deadline: US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship PROGRAM IS ON PAUSE FOR A 2027-2028 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR, SO THERE IS NOT AN APPLICATION PROCESS IN 2026-2027.
Intent to Apply URL: US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship PROGRAM IS ON PAUSE FOR A 2027-2028 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR, SO THERE IS NOT AN APPLICATION PROCESS IN 2026-2027.
Campus Deadline: US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship PROGRAM IS ON PAUSE FOR A 2027-2028 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR, SO THERE IS NOT AN APPLICATION PROCESS IN 2026-2027.
National Deadline: US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship PROGRAM IS ON PAUSE FOR A 2027-2028 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR, SO THERE IS NOT AN APPLICATION PROCESS IN 2026-2027.
Scholarship URL: https://www.us-irelandalliance.org
Campus Application Checklist: Mitchell Application Checklist Fall 2023 (You can use this as a reference for future application cycle)
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About the Award
The US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship Program is a nationally competitive fellowship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. Formally known as the Mitchell Scholars Program, it was 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 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. This Scholars Program provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.
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Eligibility
Candidates for the US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship 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 US-Ireland Alliance 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 US-Ireland Alliance Scholar. Because the 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 US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship Program if tendered. The 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 the page at the US-Ireland Alliance website: https://us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship/announcement
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 US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship Program 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 US-Ireland Alliance Scholarship Program (formerly known as Mitchell Scholars)
- Alec Schierenbeck ’09 (2009)
- Lara Janson ’05 (2008)
- Geoff Swanson ’03 (2005)