George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program

Supports one year of graduate study at a university in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Mitchel Scholarship at a glance: 

Eligibility: 

  • U.S. citizens
  • Third- or fourth-year students; recent alum. Alum must confirm their age/graduation date eligibilty by consulting the rules on program website.
  • Intent to pursue a graduate degree program in Ireland or N. Ireland
  • Must have a minimum 3.7 cumulative GPA at the time of campus nomination (May each year); this is not negotiable. The GPA minimum is set by the national fellowship foundations. 

Selection Criteria: 

  • Superior academic achievement and committment to academic excellence (evidenced through advanced coursework, research, and exceptional letters of recommendation)
  • Ability to argue for their selected graduate programs in specific terms and why they must pursue that training in Ireland or N. Ireland
  • Potential to contribute to chosen field and potential for success beyond post-graduate training
  • Evidence of substantial leadership and service
  • Evidence of character forged by turning challenge into opportunity and ambition for others
  • Ability to articulate in specific terms what problem(s) or need(s) of society you wish to address in your career

Candidates for the Mitchell Scholarship must affirm the following: 

  • I have pursued academic excellence throughout my career at the University of Chicago, including: posess a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher; have done extensive research in my field and/or can prove that I have the requisite academic background necessary for success in my chosen graduate discipline; can show that I have pursued relevant and advanced course-work that affirms my commitment to my chosen field
  • I can articulate a specific vision for my future and how it will contribute to addressing global issues, as well as elevate the public good
  • I have substantive experiences that affirm my capacities as a leader; I can prove that something changed because of my involvement; and, I have spent time serving others or working to address issues that improve the lives of others
  • I can secure a minumum of three (3) exceptional letters from faculty or researchers in my field
  • I can secure a minumum of one (1) exceptional letter from a professional who can affirm my leadership competencies, relevant professional experience, and commitment to addressing the problems/needs of society that motivate me, as well as my commitment to others
  • I can provide a specific argument for why I must pursue my chosen graduate program(s) in Ireland or N. Ireland
  • I can provide a specific argument for why it is paramount to my studies and future vocation that I pursue my studies in Ireland or N. Ireland (this is an argument for your host-country, not the specfic graduate program)

George J. Mitchell Scholarships support one year of study at one of nine universities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The award covers tuition and room charges, and provides a stipend plus an allowance for travel in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe. Please visit the Mitchell Scholarship website to learn more about the program: https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship. Awards approximately 15-20 scholarships to US citizens who are current undergraduates or recent graduates (please note age restrictions detailed on website). 

Deadline Information

Campus Deadline for University Endorsement: in May or July each year (current students only; alumni can apply independent of University)

Eligibility Requirements

Mitchell Scholarships are open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who are US citizens and have shown academic distinction, commitment to community and leadership potential. Up to 12 Mitchell Scholars are selected each year.

Application Process

Current College students and recent alum applying for a Mitchell Scholarship are required to participate fully in the campus application process in order to be considered for nomination. The complete schedule and application process is detailed on the application page. 

Materials submitted after the stated campus endorsement deadline will not be considered for university endorsement.

For more information on this opportunity, please contact: 
Dr. Arthur Salvo
aksalvo@uchicago.edu