The George J. Mitchell Scholarship 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 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. The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides tuition, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses and travel.
Candidates are encouraged to explore universities in Ireland.
Institutional Nomination and Advising
The Mitchell Scholarship does not accept direct applications from seniors; senior applicants must be nominated by the University of Central Arkansas. Students interested in applying to be among UCA’s institutional nominees are encouraged to meet with Fellowships Advising and complete the Campus Application by the campus deadline. If you are selected as a nominee, you will be given instructions on how to apply for the national scholarship. Alumni interested in applying without nomination are also encouraged to meet regularly with Fellowships Advising.
Campus Application Deadline
May 25, 2024
Campus Nomination Interviews
Early to mid-June
Completed Scholarship Application
Early to mid-August
National Deadline
Typically late September
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Candidates 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 date the application is due. For example, if the deadline is September 29 and you turn 30 on September 28, you are not eligible.
- 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 in Ireland or Northern Ireland may require spouses/partners who are non-EU citizens to prove financial resources for the year in order to obtain the necessary visa or residency permit.
Furthermore, candidates are expected to exhibit academic excellence and superior records of accomplishment in leadership and community service. Competitive candidates typically have a minimum GPA of 3.7 (preferably above a 3.8). Strong candidates are able to show initiative and commitment to larger issues through service, research, and engagement in efforts to improve the world and their communities both on and beyond their campus. Additionally, candidates should have a strong rationale for studying in Ireland and an understanding of the research they might conduct in a specific graduate program.
Campus Contact
Lesley Graybeal, PhD
Director of Experiential and Community-Engaged Learning
Email: lgraybeal@uca.edu
Phone: (501) 852-7416