Mitchell Overview | Inter/National Fellowships

What is the Mitchell Scholarship?

Internal Deadline:

September 1, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Contact the Office of Fellowships for support at least one month before this deadline.

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, including Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dun Laoghaire IADT, National University of Ireland, Galway, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, Queen's University Belfast, and Ulster University. Candidates choose 3-5 universities where they would like to study and list them on the Scholarship application, but do not need to apply separately to the universities. If selected as a Scholar, the alliance aims to honor a candidate's university preferences but candidates are not guaranteed their first choice.

Award Details

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, between 18 and 30 (not yet 30 on Sept. 30th of year of application), who are graduating seniors or alumni, and exhibit superior levels of academic scholarship, leadership and a sustained commitment to community and public service.

Does this application require endorsement by the college?

Yes, if you are a senior at time of application. No, if you are an alum at time of application.

How much funding is awarded and how can I use it?

The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides full tuition, housing, and a monthly living stipend (currently $1250 USD) for up to one year (12 months) of post-graduate academic study in Ireland. Most programs run for nine months. Up to three additional months of stipend will be provided, if required by the program (for a maximum of 12 months). One round-trip airline ticket between the United States and Ireland is also provided. Each Mitchell Scholar is responsible for securing and financing his or her own health insurance while abroad.

Who from Amherst has won this award?

In 2012, Bessie Young ’11, became a Mitchell Scholar. As you think about your own candidacy, you can read Bessie's application.

What is the Mitchell Scholarship history and mission?

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance, was named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process. It 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. The Alliance was created by Trina Vargo in 1998, in recognition of the fact that the relationship between the United States and Ireland was undergoing a dramatic transformation. Ireland had emerged as a modern, confident and successful European country, and traditional sentimental attachments on the U.S. side were being reinforced by the desire to forge a modern, mutually beneficial relationship. Based in Washington, D.C., and Dublin, Ireland, the US-Ireland Alliance  educates the American public about contemporary Ireland and is building on historic ties to assure a strong and vibrant relationship into the future.

A woman writing on paper in front of a computer

How do I apply and what do I need?

Please visit the Mitchell application page for more information on how to apply for this fellowship, including information on application components, documents you’ll need to upload and documents that you’ll need to request from your recommenders.

Learn More

Information For Recommenders

The Mitchell Scholarships Committee values intellectual distinction, a clear commitment to service evidenced by purposeful extracurricular activities, honesty, integrity, excellence, fairness, unselfish service to others, and the potential for future leadership and contribution to society. Your letter will be most convincing if you can provide examples of how the candidate possesses these qualities. Academic recommenders should also comment on the candidate's potential for success in a graduate program in Ireland, and vouch for the fitness of the candidate's chosen program(s) of study, if possible. The candidate should provide you a copy of the personal statement so you know their intentions.

Format: Recommendation letters for the Mitchell may not exceed 750 words and are copied and pasted into an online portal in response to an email the student will generate within the application portal. You will receive instructions in that email. Please note the internal deadline for recommendations for seniors is September 1, 2023. Address your letter to the Mitchell Scholarship Selection Committee. The Director of Fellowships will be able to retrieve your letter from the Mitchell online portal for campus review by the Committee on Student Fellowships.

Have questions? Please contact us.

Christine Overstreet, Director of Fellowships
212 Converse Hall
413-542-2536
coverstreet@amherst.edu

Eric Myers, Associate Director of Fellowships
213 Converse Hall
413-542-5079
ermyers@amherst.edu

Physical address: 100 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002

Mailing Address: AC #2214, PO Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002

Office of Fellowships Mitchell Overview