Presidents

An APCU member institution interested in being part of the Study USA program must agree to:

• Host a Study USA student for a full academic year
• Waive the cost of tuition (and insurance) for the student
• Require the student to return to Northern Ireland for the following academic year

For complete program information, view the Study USA Handbook.

Annual Study USA Timeline

Students at Northern Ireland universities are required to apply for Study USA consideration by early December each year. Candidates are then evaluated by the British Council on the basis of their academic achievement, personal characteristics, and a potential match with one or more U.S. institutions.

Placement interviews are conducted by the executive director of the APCU in early March. Participating APCU institutions are then notified about placements for the following academic year in early April.

To learn more about opportunities for APCU member institutions to participate in the Study USA program, contact Janna Wofford.

Peer Advising Network

This service is designed to help APCU member institutions address significant institutional challenges in a low-cost, confidential manner by drawing on the knowledge and experience of seasoned APCU colleagues. It serves as an alternative to expensive (and more extensive) engagements with external higher education consulting firms.

Mentoring Service

APCU board members volunteer as mentors to new APCU presidents. This helps our APCU community remain strong by allowing existing members to provide support and encouragement to the newest members as they make their leadership transition.

Through its covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the APCU is pleased to make available the expertise and resources of key Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Agencies to all APCU member institutions.

The Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP)

APCU members are eligible to participate in programs from PILP and the Presbyterian Foundation. PILP offers low-interest loans to APCU members to fund capital improvement projects, real estate purchases, debt refinancing, and initiatives that enhance access and energy efficiency.

The Presbyterian Foundation

The Foundation offers free online tools and services to help APCU members create and manage annual giving campaigns. In addition, the Foundation offers a range of investment options—pooled and independent—to members to help them build and manage endowment resources.

The Presbyterian Board of Pensions

APCU member institutions are eligible to participate in a range of benefits and insurance programs administered by the Presbyterian Board of Pensions, including retirement, medical, and death and disability benefits exclusively for the higher education sector.

Financial Aid for Service

APCU members have access to tailored financial aid resources, including Presbyterian student scholarships and Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) loans for Presbyterian parents.

Student Search

The APCU conducts student search campaigns each year that target approximately 30,000 self-identified, college-bound Presbyterian students. The campaign focuses on creating awareness of our diverse set of colleges and universities—geographically, academically, and spiritually.

Congregational Outreach

The APCU also sends print materials to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations with a minimum of 25 active high school youth members. The materials provide an introduction to APCU member schools and offer information about scholarships and grants available to them through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Youth Events

The APCU represents all of its members at six Presbyterian youth conferences each summer at the Montreat Conference Center. These conferences serve more than 6,000 young people annually. In addition, the APCU coordinates a college fair in conjunction with the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University. Approximately 5,000 high school students participate in the Youth Triennium.