Mitchell Scholarship
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is a national, competitive scholarship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Award: The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides funding for a one-year master’s degree. Most programs run for nine months. It provides full tuition, housing, and a monthly living stipend (currently about $1250 USD) for up to one year of post-graduate academic study. One round-trip airline ticket between the United States and Ireland is also provided.
Criteria: Applicants are judged on (1) Scholarship, (2) Leadership, and (3) A sustained commitment to community and public service.
Undergraduate applicants must be endorsed by the Office of Distinguished Scholarships in order to apply for the Mitchell Scholarship. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the ODS director to learn more about the application process.
Application deadlines
ODS internal deadline for endorsement: Thursday, August 1, 2020 (5:00 pm ET)
Scholarship final deadline: Submit all your materials by Friday September 25th at 5.00 pm. We strongly recommend that you aim to submit your final application by September 21st in the case of any unexpected technical issues etc. Please note that ALL your materials must be submitted by September 25th, including your letters of recommendation.
Eligibility
A Candidate for the Mitchell Scholarship Program must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be 18 years of age or older, but not yet 30, on September 28 of the year of the application
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before beginning study as a Mitchell Scholar
- Have a competitive GPA, generally no less than 3.7
How to apply for UNC endorsement
Applicants applying for endorsement must submit the following materials to ODS:
- Personal information form
- Personal statement (1,000 words max)
- List of activities
- University choices and field of study options
- All relevant transcripts
- Photograph
- 3-4 letters of recommendation
DETAILS ABOUT APPLYING FOR UNC ENDORSEMENT
Resources for applicants
- Review the ODS “Tips & Advice” document for advice on applying for a distinguished award
- Thoroughly read the following Mitchell rules and guidelines:
- ODS information sessions and prep-shops
- Schedule a meeting with the ODS director to discuss your application and receive advice to consider as you prepare for the endorsement deadline. Non-local applicants may schedule meetings via Skype or phone. (Note: You may not receive feedback on your Rhodes personal statement. We encourage you to schedule a meeting before you begin writing.)
Applicants may apply for multiple scholarship awards simultaneously, including the Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell Scholarships. However, pay careful attention to differences in guidelines for personal statements.
