DCU and Irish Diaspora Centre in Philadelphia renew and extend MOU

DCU and The Irish Diaspora Education Alliance (IDEA), an initiative of the Irish Diaspora Center (IDC) in Philadelphia, have renewed and extended an MOU between the two institutions. The agreement adds a new scholarship for Postgraduate students from the USA who want to study abroad at Dublin City University, offering affordable college opportunities in Ireland for American-born students.

IDEA is an initiative of the Irish Diaspora Center (IDC), based in Philadelphia, connecting U.S. students of Irish heritage with higher education opportunities across Ireland. Through partnerships with leading universities, including DCU, IDEA fosters educational, cultural, and professional pathways that strengthen transatlantic community ties. 

Under this new Agreement for Educational Cooperation, signed by Fiona Reynolds, Director of Student Recruitment at DCU, and Una McDaid, Executive Director of the Irish Diaspora Center, qualified students referred through IDEA will receive a 15% reduction in Non-EU tuition fees for their postgraduate studies. 

The partnership builds on the success of IDEA’s undergraduate scholarship programs and reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, cultural connection, and transatlantic collaboration.

Fiona Reynolds: Director of Student Recruitment at DCU said:

“We are delighted to develop our partnership with the Irish Diaspora Center through this extended agreement. At DCU, we pride ourselves on being a globally engaged university, and our American students bring new perspective and energy to our campus. By expanding these scholarship opportunities to include postgraduate studies, we are making world-class Irish education more accessible than ever. We look forward to welcoming US students and providing them with a transformative experience that prepares them for a global career.”

Dr Joseph Donaher, member of the board of directors of the IDC and IDEA representative, said 

“This is another important bridge between Ireland and its global diaspora. It opens a direct path for talented U.S. students, especially those with Irish roots, to deepen their education and global perspective at one of Ireland’s most innovative universities. For U.S. students who may already have enjoyed an undergraduate semester studying in Ireland, this is a perfect way to return for a transformative postgraduate year. It’s an ideal opportunity to gain world-class credentials and connect with the many U.S. and global companies headquartered in Ireland.”

More information about the scholarship can be found on the DCU Global website.