As of March 13, 2024, the Mitchell Scholarship has paused its selection of new scholars for the 2025-26 award year. No long-term decisions have yet been made. UW students interested in graduate studies in Ireland are encouraged to check in with Robin Chang in the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards for alternative opportunities, and to sign up for Global Fellowships Prep to get advising support, connection to additional scholarship opportunities, application development tools and resources, potential connections to program alumni and additional mentors, and the opportunity to engage with peers working on similar applications.

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship, named to honor former US 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 achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.

Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one academic 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 community and public service.

The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides tuition, accommodation, a stipend for living expenses and travel.

Prospective Scholars must have a demonstrated record of intellectual distinction, leadership, and extra-curricular activity, as well as personal characteristics of honesty, integrity, fairness, and unselfish service to others which indicate a potential for future leadership and contribution to society. There are no restrictions as to academic field of study although the proposed course of study must be available at the university selected by the applicant and the applicant's undergraduate program must provide sufficient basis for study in the proposed field.

Learn more about the institutions at which Mitchell Scholars may study.

• Dublin City University
• Technological University Dublin
• Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• National University of Ireland, Maynooth
• Queen's University Belfast
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Limerick
• Ulster University

A Candidate for the Mitchell Scholarship Program must meet all the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years of age or older, but not yet 30, on the deadline date.
• 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 or applicants with partners are accepted, no allowance is made for the expenses of an applicant’s spouse, partner, or dependents. It is important to note that the relevant government agency may require spouses or partners who are non-EU citizens to enroll full-time and prove financial resources for the year or to obtain a work permit before seeking paid employment in Ireland. Please check with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland for additional information.

• junior
• senior
• graduate

• US Citizen

Please check back in 2025 for updates on the 2026-2027 award process.

The Mitchell Scholars Program is a national competitive fellowship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. The Mitchell Scholars Program, named to honor former US 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 achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.

Robin Chang

Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
171 Mary Gates Hall
Box 352803
Seattle, WA 98195-2803
Phone: 206-543-4282
Fax: 206-616-4389
E-mail: robinc@uw.edu

George J. Mitchell Scholarship website