Irish Diaspora Education Alliance (IDEA) Scholarship
The Irish Diaspora Education Alliance (IDEA) Scholarship initiative aims to provide affordable college opportunities in Ireland for American-born students, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The programme is open to eligible US students considering a full-time degree at DCU (applies to Non-EU fees only).
Scholarship Policy Overview for DCU
| Award |
Postgraduate: 5 Scholarships for 1 year of their full-time DCU postgraduate taught programme Undergraduate: 5 Scholarships for the duration of their DCU undergraduate programme |
| Value |
Postgraduate: 15% fee reduction on Non-EU fees for 1 year of their full-time postgraduate programme Undergraduate: 20% fee reduction for 2 students with 3.7/4.0 GPA and 15% fee reduction for 3 students with 3.2/4.0 GPA - applicable to each year of their DCU undergraduate programme. |
| Who can apply | U.S. citizens |
| Eligible programmes | Undergraduate and Postgraduate non-EU fee-paying full-time programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Science and Health, Business School, and Institute of Education |
| Applications Close | 1st July 2026 |
The IDEA Scholarship supports high-achieving students of Irish heritage or friends of the Irish diaspora in the United States who wish to strengthen their connection to Ireland while studying at Dublin City University. Recipients must commence full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at DCU in September 2026.
The scholarship promotes academic exchange and cultural engagement between Ireland and the Irish-American community, while attracting talented students and emerging professionals to DCU.
The scholarship is open to United States students admitted to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme at DCU who have met all admissions requirements, accepted their offer, and paid the required deposit by the deadline. Selection is based on academic merit and the applicant’s personal statement. The scholarship cannot be combined with other DCU awards and may not be deferred.
- Apply and receive an offer to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at DCU. Part-time programmes are not eligible.
- United States students of Irish heritage or friends of the Irish diaspora
- Fulfil all the admissions requirements, accept the offer, and pay the deposit by the deadline.
- Submit a Personal Statement demonstrating a strong heritage or interest in Irish culture, community, or values. If applicable, include references to engagement with cultural Irish or Irish-American institutions in the United States or abroad. For example, Irish Gaelic Clubs, Irish Dance Institutes, Irish Cultural Centres etc.
- The postgraduate applicants' personal statement should be sent to brenda.meira@dcu.ie
- The undergraduate applicants' personal statement should be sent to niamh.omahony@dcu.ie
- Must be prepared to engage with events, marketing, and social media as an ambassador for DCU during their studies and as an alumnus
- Apply to DCU: You must first apply and secure a firm/unconditional offer from DCU.
- You will find full information on the How to Apply at the Registry.
- All applicants to DCU must pay the Admission Application Fee of €50.
- IDEA Scholarship Applications open on 21st October 2025 and close on 1st July 2026.
- IDEA Referral: Applicants must be referred by the IDEA (Philadelphia and other Irish Diaspora Centers in the United States)
- DCU will confirm the applicant is eligible to be considered by contacting a designated IDC representative of the IDEA initiative, who will confirm by email to
- brenda.meira@dcu.ie, North America Regional Advisor, for postgraduate applicants and
- niamh.omahony@dcu.ie, Business Development Director, for undergraduate applicants
Undergraduate and Postgraduate non-EU fee-paying full-time programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Science and Health, Business School, and Institute of Education. Part-time programmes are not eligible.
Scholarship recipients will be contacted by the 1st of August 2026.
For postgraduate applicants, please contact brenda.meira@dcu.ie
For undergraduate applicants, please contact niamh.omahony@dcu.ie