Study USA

1. Can I apply?

If spending a year in the USA sounds like something you’re up for, then you need to find out if you’re eligible to apply. The criteria are fairly straight-forward. You must:

• be in full-time higher education (Degree or HND) at a Northern Irish institution 
• be in your second or penultimate year of study 
• have a minimum average of 53% in your first year modules have an EU passport.

Please note - you don't need to be studying a business or management course to take part – it’s open to anyone, no matter what you’re studying.

2. Where can I go?

Study USA has been running for over 20 years, and now has links with over 140 US institutions. Washington to Wisconsin, Nebraska to New Jersey there’s always something to suit you.

3. How much will it cost?

Each year between 50 – 60 students from Northern Ireland receive scholarships through Study USA. The scholarship funding package for 2016 – 2017 includes:

• Room and board for the academic year 
• A generous text book allowance 
• One return flight to the US

There will be a student participant fee of £1,500 for 2016 - 2017. If a student is in receipt of a maintenance grant this fee will be waived. Tuition fees are waived by the participating US colleges and universities.

4. When’s the deadline?

Applications closed on Monday 7th December 2015. Just remember that you’re applying to begin in August the following year, and you can only apply once you've completed your first year with more than a 53% grade average.

5. Why should I go?

This isn’t a gap year. It’s not your chance to get a cheap holiday. Yes, you’ll have a great time, and yes, you will get to experience life in a completely different culture, but it’s about gaining new skills to make you more employable in the future. You’ll meet new people, you’ll learn about business, and you’ll have something a little special on your CV that will help you stand out. 

So perhaps the question you should really be asking yourself is: why shouldn’t I do it? Find out more!