Through the APCU’s Partnership with the British Council
Irish American Scholars
The Irish American Scholars (IAS) program provides a tuition-free opportunity for qualified students at APCU member schools to study abroad at one of four institutions in Northern Ireland for one or two semesters. Since its inception in 1995, more than 1,400 students have participated in this study abroad program. For more information about IAS, visit the IAS website by clicking the link below.
Tuition and fees are waived for IAS at their Northern Ireland host institutions. However, participating students are responsible for costs associated with travel, housing, food, books, and living expenses. Some costs may be covered by student financial aid through the home college or university.
Note that Irish American Scholars may still be obligated to register and pay some amount of tuition at their home college or university during their semester abroad. Check with an international advisor to confirm any potential obligations.
IAS Application Information & Forms
Application Requirements 2024–2025 (closed)
Sophomore and juniors at participating APCU schools can apply to study in Northern Ireland in the following academic year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and submit an application packet prior to February 1. The packet should include:
An IAS nomination form completed by a faculty member or advisor
A current transcript from your college/university (does not have to be official)
Two references from faculty (typically your primary academic advisor and one other)
A 500-word essay about you and why you would like to study in Northern Ireland
Additional requirements based on course of study as described below
All application materials must be submitted as ONE COMPLETE PDF FILE via email on or before February 1, to Janna Wofford.
Coursework & Campus Selection Considerations
IAS Program applicants should talk with their academic adviser or a study abroad coordinator to determine how participation in the IAS Program will affect progress toward their academic degree, particularly related to the use of credits completed in Northern Ireland.
All of the participating Northern Ireland institutions prefer applicants for the Fall semester, especially for education students considering attendance at Saint Mary’s University College or Stranmillis University College.
Registration for specific classes will take place after the student arrives in Northern Ireland. Students should be flexible in selecting courses and should not assume that all desired courses will be offered during their stay in Northern Ireland.
Program Selection & Placement
Selection and placement of students is done by academic advisors employed by institutions in Northern Ireland in consultation with the executive director of the APCU.
Consideration will focus on each student’s field of study to ensure that there are matching courses in Northern Ireland. Students who cannot advance their studies in a chosen field or who have not completed a sufficient number of courses in their major will not be accepted.
Qualified applicants who are not accepted may be put on a reserve list and offered a placement if another student declines. Applicants who are accepted will be notified in March and must accept or decline their offer by April 1.
Students will receive follow-up information from their school in Northern Ireland in late spring or early summer regarding travel arrangements, housing options, and enrollment procedures. Placements are final and are not subject to negotiation. Accepted students must complete all required paperwork from their assigned school in Northern Ireland as requested.
Additional Academic Program Notes
Art
Students planning to study art must submit a portfolio of their work on a CD/DVD with their application materials or arrange to upload the portfolio to the desired institution in Northern Ireland.
Education
Education/Teaching programs are available only at Stranmillis University College or St. Mary’s University College. Preference is given to students who have some in-classroom experience. The spring semester in Northern Ireland typically includes an in-school placement. Education students must obtain a background check and bring the results to Northern Ireland.
Music
Students interested in studying a musical instrument will be directed to the University of Ulster, McGee and may be required to pay extra fees not covered by the tuition/fee waiver.
The Study USA program is administered by the British Council and allows the best and brightest college students from Northern Ireland to study abroad at participating APCU member schools, as well as a select group of Catholic, and Methodist colleges and universities in the United States.
Program History
Overall, the purpose of Study USA is to produce graduates with an international perspective who will be capable of eventually making a contribution in advancing the Northern Ireland economy. The program, originally designed to help business majors at Northern Ireland universities experience and appreciate different cultures, faith traditions, and academic programs, has recently been expanded to include students in STEM-related programs.
APCU member institutions that choose to participate in the Study USA program become eligible to nominate their own students for up to a year of study in Northern Ireland through the Irish American Scholars program described above. More than 2,600 students have participated in these complementary programs since 1994.
Study USA Participation Requirements and Timeline
An APCU member institution interested in being part of the Study USA program must agree to:
Waive the student’s tuition fees for two semesters of study.
Waive the requirement to purchase the campus health insurance plan. (Student will purchase medical and travel insurance from a Northern Ireland company that will meet or exceed your coverages.)
Certify completion of the Study USA program to the British Council at the end of the year.
Require the student to return to Northern Ireland after completing the program.
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.
The ATL Zacchaeus Fellows
The ATL Zacchaeus Fellows is a Christ-centered 9-month leadership development program for recent college graduates. Through paid degree-related work, spiritual formation, leadership development, and social impact, the ATL Zacchaeus Fellows learn to approach real-world situations through a Christian worldview. The ATL Zacchaeus Fellows Program catalyzes your career and your life for your most meaningful contribution to the flourishing of humanity.
From the largest PC(USA) Church, Fellows are provided housing, free of charge for 9 months + ~ 1/3 of their meal cost. We live in community, with full access to the gym, programming and worship of a 7,000 member church with highly engaged executive ties to Fortune 500 and local entrepreneurial business – all in the culturally vibrant ATL, home of the WORLD SERIES CHAMPION Atlanta Braves.
Seek out this wonderful “bridge year” option. Be closely supported by Mentors. Exit, catapulted over your peers – professionally and spiritually.
