Overview

The Irish-American Scholars Program is sponsored by The United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Catholic Church in cooperation with the Business Education Initiative in Northern Ireland, the government of Northern Ireland, and Queens University, the University of Ulster, and the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education.  One goal of the program is "to replace division with unity in a common goal of international business success."  Graduates of the program are better qualified to contribute in an international market place and to explore new Northern Ireland/United States partnerships and commercial opportunities.  The Irish-American Scholars Program offers places at the three northern Irish universities to undergraduate students of Boston University. Boston University is limited to two nominations each year.  

Eligibility

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.2 or higher are eligible to apply for University nomination.  Students should consult with their academic program director to make sure that the absence from Boston University will not interfere with their graduate plans.  The competition is open to students of any faith or who do not affiliate with a religion.

Application Process

Applications may be made for either semester or for the full academic year, however, preference will be given to those who commit for the full year.  Places are available in the Queens University, University of Ulster, and Belfast Institute for Further and Higher Education.  Please check their web sites to ensure that your discipline of study is available.  A preference may be indicated, but students willing to accept any available institution of higher education stand the best chance of winning.  

Applications are available at the Office of the Provost.  In addition to the form, applicants must submit an official academic transcript (obtained from the University registrar), a 500 word essay stating educational objectives during their time of study in Northern Ireland, and two recommendations ( one from his academic advisor and the other from a full time faculty member at Boston University).  Students planning to study art may be asked to submit a portfolio of their work to the appropriate department of the institution they will be attending. If selected as one of the two candidates for nomination, your application will be forwarded to the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of the United Methodist Church where it will be considered by an international committee.  Candidates will be notified if they have won in March. 

Award Value and Conditions

Students are responsible for their Boston University tuition and mandatory fees, and room and board, books, and travel expenses in Northern Ireland.  All financial assistance to which a student at Boston University is entitled may be applied.