Study USA

Study USA programme

Through study outside their home country, it is intended that students will gain additional confidence, an international outlook, and enhanced core employability skills that will directly benefit the local economy.

Course content

Students study a combination of subjects related to their home subject plus business related subjects, which may include Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Communications, Public Speaking, Marketing and Public Relations, Management, Finance, Economics, Human Resources, Public Speaking, Information Technology, or Foreign Languages

Eligibility

Pre-final year, full-time students, studying for a degree/foundation/ HND level qualification in any subject, at a Northern Ireland university/college, and are classified as having Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Great Britain residency for tuition fee purposes.

NOTE - students classified as having International or EU (excluding ROI) residency are not eligible for Study USA

Shortlisting and interviews take place in November/December each year.

Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Closing date for Higher Education - 23.59 on Sunday 10 November 2024

Closing date for Further Education - 23.59 on Sunday 5 January 2025

Cost

The programme receives significant support from the US. The annual contribution which the US institutions make to the programme is in excess of $2 million, which covers the student’s college fees.

The Department pays for:

• Term time accommodation on campus
• A full meal plan
• A generous book allowance
• One return flight

Students are required to pay for:

• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa and SEVIS fee
• Non-term time living costs

• In addition, a £1000 bursary paid directly to all students
• Commitment fee - £200: 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.

Should a student fail to pay the Commitment Fee within seven calendar days, their place on the programme will be revoked and offered to a candidate on the reserve list.

In the event of withdrawal, the Commitment Fee is non-refundable (except in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the British Council). The £200 Commitment Fee will be repaid to the student along with their £1000 bursary at the start of the second semester in the USA. ADD

Normal NI student financial support arrangements are not available while students are participating in the Study USA programme.

Contact details

email: louise.farmer@economy-ni.gov.uk