Celtic Studies Scholarships

Study in the U.S. or Abroad

Celtic studies encompasses a broad range of topics that explores the collective cultural heritage of the people of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Linguistics, literature, art history, archaeology, music, folklore and mythology are all of interest in this field of study that dates back to 6th century B.C. A degree in Celtic studies might be of interest to students looking toward a career in academics, entertainment, writing, education or journalism. It is popularly studied in Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States. If you’re looking for financial assistance, you are in luck.

Funding is available for American citizens or permanent residents who wish to pursue their studies in the United Kingdom or in the US. International applicants can receive financial assistance while they study or conduct research at an American university.

Scholarships for Study Abroad

U.S. – Ireland Alliance

The Mitchell Scholars Program is a competitive national scholarship program through the U.S.-Ireland Alliance aimed at young adults, aged 18-30, who are interested in studying at the post-graduate school level in Ireland. Although applicants majoring in Celtic studies are eligible to apply for one of the 12 scholarships offered, the program is open to qualified applicants pursuing any course of study offered at an approved institution in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening relations between the U.S. and Ireland now and into the future. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, accommodations, and travel and expense stipends.

Institute of Irish Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast

Both U.S. and Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for the Mary McNeill Scholarship, which provides funding in the amount of £3,000, or about $4,800 depending on the exchange rate, for a student pursuing a master’s degree in Irish Studies at Queen’s University. The School of History and Anthropology also offers scholarships for North American students in the amount of £1,500 scholarship, or about $2,000, for a Ph.D. student.

British Council UK 9/11 Scholarships Fund

The goal of the British Council’s 9/11 Scholarships Fund is to assist students who are the children or dependents of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. Successful applicants will receive funding to cover round-trip travel costs and tuition at a recognized university in the United Kingdom. In addition, a stipend is also awarded for living expenses and accommodations while attending school. Full-time students can apply for funding for either an undergraduate or master’s degree program, including Celtic studies. The applicant must first be accepted to an institution of higher learning before scholarship awards are granted.

Scholarships for Study in the U.S.

National Welsh-American Foundation

The National Welsh-American Foundation administers a scholarship program to assist Welsh-American students who want to study in Wales.

The Gaelic Society of North America

The American Scottish Gaelic Society, based in  Colorado, offers an annual scholarship for an American student to Gaelic for a summer term at Scotland’s Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, on the Isle of Skye.

Celtic Arts Foundation

Scholarship monies are available from the Celtic Arts Foundation in Washington state for students who want to improve their knowledge of Celtic culture. This includes requests for funds to pursue academic studies, as well as music.

Scholarships for International Students

Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, University of Notre Dame

Open to those studying any aspect of Irish Studies, the National Endowment for Humanities Keough Fellowship provides a stipend of $50,000 for a research fellowship position. The recipient will conduct research connected with his or her field of study and will be provided with office space and full access to the library and other Notre Dame resources.

Applicants will submit a paper describing their proposed research and how it will expand the field of knowledge for its topic or genre, and outlining the benefits of further study in this area. A curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation are also required.

The Irish Fulbright Commission

Post-graduate students are eligible to apply for one of two scholar awards offered by Fulbright Ireland. Up to €16,000, or about $21,000 depending on the exchange rate, is provided in the form of three full grant programs: one for any discipline, another for studying the Irish language and one for master’s level scholars. U.S. students should contact the Fulbright Commission for advice on project proposals, academic programs, admission processes and institutional affiliations.

Harvard University, Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures

Harvard provides need-based financial assistance to international students. It is the University’s policy to meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need. Students from outside the United States are required to complete a Financial Statement for Students from Foreign Countries, available online. Please note that all international students are required to complete this document whether they require financial assistance or not.