Ireland
1 Fulbright/University College Dublin Taught Master's Program Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
Grantee may pursue a taught Master's Program that builds on previous academic work or assists in future academic study at University College Dublin which is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. UCD is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities where undergraduate and education, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic continuum of activity. UCD was established in 1854 by John Henry Newman whose classic work The Idea of a University is one of the most enduring texts on the value of higher education. With over 5,000 international students from over 100 countries and over 250 exchange partners, UCD is Ireland's most globally-networked university. UCD is Ireland's largest university with a purpose-built modern campus, minutes from Dublin city center.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Commencing in September 2026.
Orientation
Orientation typically takes place in October once the majority of grantees are in-country.
Candidate Profile
The Commission is seeking applicants who:
- Possess excellence (academically, personally, professionally, creatively);
- Demonstrate leadership experience, attributes and, or potential;
- Outline a strong rationale and feasible methodology for pursuing a degree at University College Dublin that indicates how a Fulbright to Ireland fits into their longer term goals;
- Demonstrate the benefit of becoming a Fulbrighter; to themselves (personally and professionally), to their discipline, to society, to Ireland, to the Fulbright Program/Commission and to the U.S. when they return;
- Extend themselves beyond their project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society and the work of the Fulbright Commission.
The Commission is keen to support projects that brings awardees into contact with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly outside of academia, to maximize their academic/cultural exchange experience and to raise awareness of the Fulbright Program in Ireland.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Ireland is a friendly, engaging and vibrant country with centuries of U.S. interaction as part of its DNA. As an increasingly diverse society with a highly educated workforce, competitive educational system and millennia of culture, it is a popular choice for U.S. Student applicants.
Higher education in Ireland is provided by 12 universities, 2 Institutes of Technology, and a number of specialist colleges in art, business, law, music, medicine and theology. There are also a significant number of well-funded research centres and cultural institutions that may be considered as host options.
Irish colleges typically operate on a two-semester academic year: September to December and January to May. Further information on higher education in Ireland can be found here.
Most Higher Education Institutions are supported by the Irish government. For example, universities and Institutes of technology receive more than 90 percent of their income from the state. The Irish government has invested 2.5 billion euro establishing advanced centres of research, and world-class research facilities and programs that are an attractive destination for international exchange visitors.
Fulbright Alumni cite the following advantages associated with coming to Ireland: English-speaking; very welcoming; family-friendly; safe; intellectually challenging; culturally rich and diverse; and accessible. Please see the Commission’s Coming to Ireland page for more information and resources. Helpful advice on living and studying in Ireland can also be found on the official website of the Government of Ireland here.
Please contact the Fulbright Commission in Ireland via email at awards@fulbright.ie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSqPQGZKWc0 – Irish Fulbright Commission
For further information on Fulbright Alumni, please see the Alumni Directory here. A complete list of Fulbright Campus Ambassadors is also available to search and view.
Eligibility
12 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In the Fulbright online application, for Award Name please select UCD MA Grant from the drop down menu.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Additional Information: Language is English unless the applicant is planning to enroll on the MA in Modern Languages. Applicants for the MA in Modern Languages must confirm the requirements for language proficiency with the University.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Applicants will need to apply for admission to a taught Master's Program offered by one of the following Colleges at University College Dublin, as per UCD's admissions procedures. Applicants are not expected to have a letter of admission at time of application but should indicate which UCD program they are applying to in their applications. Final offers will be subject to admission by UCD. The Fulbright Commission can assist with / advise on this process but applicants should make initial enquiries with UCD prior to contacting the Commission:
UCD College of Arts and Humanities
UCD College of Engineering and Architecture
UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences
UCD College of Social Sciences and Law
Program Exclusions: Scholarship awards are applicable to full time Masters programs. This excludes the MBA program in the Smurfit School of Business, all joint Master's programs, clinical programs, online programs and the MSc in Digital Investigation & Forensic Computing.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
University College Dublin has agreed tuition waivers for Fulbright grantees enrolled on a taught Master's Program in one of the Colleges identified above.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The estimated monthly cost of living is €1750 to €2000.
Dependents
Dependents are not permitted to accompany applicants on grant.