Study USA

Do you want to spend a year studying at a college or university in the USA on a generously funded scholarship worth £50,000?

Do you want to experience new cultures, learn new skills, boost your confidence and enhance your employability skills?

Each year between 50–60 students from Northern Ireland colleges and universities participate in the Study USA programme, which has been running since 1994.

The British Council works in partnership with more than 140 institutions across the United States of America. Opportunities are spread across many states, giving students the chance to experience the huge cultural and geographical diversity of the USA.

Students on a US campus

So, what’s it all about?

Managed by the British Council on behalf of the Department for the Economy, last year Study USA celebrated its 30-year anniversary. Since its launch, initially to support the peace process, the programme has provided opportunities for more than 2,500 students, who have assisted in fostering deep and long-lasting connections between the US and Northern Ireland. Alumni of the programme describe it as a game-changer in terms of their career development when they return to Northern Ireland.

Higher education students at FE colleges across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take advantage of this life‑changing opportunity by applying to Study USA for the academic year 2026–27.

Students can choose what they study during the year, including a combination of subjects related to their home discipline, as well as classes in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Communications, Marketing and Modern Languages.

Closing date for applicants from FE Colleges: 23:59 on Sunday 4 January 2026.

Am I eligible?

  • Students studying a full‑time HND or Foundation Degree course at a further education college in Northern Ireland should apply in their first year.
  • Students studying a full‑time undergraduate degree programme should apply in their second year.

Full eligibility criteria are available on the Study USA website.

SERC student Kacper Szewczyk

SERC student, Kacper Szewczyk (19), has been selected to take part in the British Council’s prestigious Study USA scholarship programme 2025.

A student on the Foundation Degree in Cloud Computing Technologies (Validated by The Open University) at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus, Kacper said he was keen to experience American culture and college life, while also learning skills that will help his career in the future.

What costs does the scholarship cover and what do students have to budget for?

Study USA is funded by the Department for the Economy. The scholarship funding package (worth approximately £50,000) includes:

What the scholarship covers
  • One return flight to the US
  • Tuition fees paid by participating US colleges and universities
  • Term‑time accommodation on your US campus
  • A full meal plan on campus
  • A generous $1,000 textbook allowance
  • A £1,000 bursary paid directly to all students when they return to the US in spring 2027
  • Elective classes – materials and fees up to a maximum of $500 per academic year
What students must cover
  • US student visa costs
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • £200 Commitment fee*
  • Personal spending money

* Students who are successful at interview will be required to pay a £200 Commitment Fee to secure their place on the programme. The £200 Commitment Fee will be payable by students within seven calendar days of being notified of the outcome of the interview and offered a place on the programme.

Please note: Due to the generous scholarship provided by the Study USA programme — which includes your tuition fees, term‑time accommodation, a full meal plan, textbook allowance, return flight and £1,000 bursary — participants will not be eligible for student finance whilst on the Study USA programme.

What can I expect?

Students will experience vibrant campus life, receive plenty of academic support, and have opportunities to volunteer and contribute to local communities. Study USA graduates represent a unique talent pool, with a combination of enhanced skills, US connections, local knowledge and international experience.

Videos

Study USA Student Recruitment Video

Student End of Year Highlights

Apply & Find Out More

For full details, eligibility and application guidance, visit the British Council Study USA page.

Visit Study USA

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