The Study USA programme marked a major milestone this week as its 30th cohort of Northern Ireland students was celebrated at a graduation ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
The event recognised 43 students who recently returned from a transformative year studying at universities and colleges across the United States, through the flagship scholarship managed by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy.
This year’s Study USA Student of the Year award went to Rachel Monaghan, a law student at Queen’s University Belfast who spent her academic year at Edgewood University in Wisconsin. While there, she interned with the Department of Corrections, a government agency responsible for overseeing the state's prison system.
Describing the programme as “life‑changing,” Rachel, who is from Lisburn, said: “Study USA marked a life‑changing adventure for me in ways I never anticipated. I set out to improve my academic skills, broaden my cultural horizons and challenge myself personally - and those goals were all met or exceeded.”
“Academically, studying business and law in the American system challenged me to participate, debate, and collaborate, helping me grow in confidence and think critically. My internship with the Department of Corrections gave me hands‑on experience in a real legal environment, deepening my understanding of public service and strengthening my ambition to pursue international corporate law.”
Rachel was selected from a highly competitive cohort of students, ten of whom achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA - equivalent to an A grade across all subjects. The award was presented by Mark Owens, Honorary Consul General of Ireland to Ohio, and a past alumnus of the programme.
Meanwhile, the Study USA Spirit Award was presented to Ballymena’s Luke Kirkwood, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student from North Regional College, who studied at Shenandoah University in Virginia. Luke was recognised for his positive impact on campus life, including mentoring international students and actively participating in cultural and student organisations.
Reflecting on his time in the US, Luke said: “When I first arrived in Virginia, I was full of nerves and uncertainty. But by saying ‘yes’ to campus events, new friendships, and opportunities, I found a deep sense of belonging. Study USA helped me grow into someone more open, resilient, and grounded. I’m left with lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and the confidence to face whatever comes next.”
This year’s ceremony marks three decades of Northern Ireland students returning from a year abroad through the Study USA programme. Since its launch in 1994, the initiative has supported over 2,500 students in spending a year studying in the United States.
To help celebrate the occasion, a delegation of 36 senior leaders from partner US institutions attended the event. The delegation, representing colleges across 12 states, plays a vital role in supporting the programme and strengthening educational links between the US and Northern Ireland.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald was among the guests at the event. She praised the achievements of this year’s cohort and the ongoing value of Study USA in building global connections for students and institutions alike.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald was among the guests at the event. She praised the achievements of this year’s cohort and the ongoing value of Study USA in building global connections for students and institutions alike.
She said: “I would like to congratulate this year’s graduates on their amazing achievement. They have excelled in their studies, embraced new cultures, showing resilience and ambition.
“For 30 years Study USA has been providing our students with an outward looking international experience, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a global economy.
“There is a deep and long-standing cultural connection between us and the USA, and this successful programme continues to strengthen these links and helps to promote our skilled workforce and the north as tourism destination.”
Mary Mallon, Head of Education at British Council Northern Ireland, also paid tribute to the students and the lasting impact of the programme.
She said: “Study USA students are exceptional ambassadors for Northern Ireland. They return not only with valuable academic experience, but with a deeper understanding of different cultures, fresh perspectives, and the ability to adapt in an increasingly connected world. These skills - resilience, communication, intercultural awareness, and global outlook - are highly sought after by employers today. Over the past three decades, the Study USA programme has transformed the lives of thousands of young people, opening doors to new opportunities and building lasting connections between our institutions and communities in the US.”
“We are also deeply grateful to the US colleges and universities that warmly welcome our students each year, and especially to the delegates who travelled from across the United States to join us at this year’s celebration. Their ongoing partnership is what makes Study USA such a transformative experience.”
Applications for the 2026–27 Study USA programme are now open. Full-time undergraduate students studying at Northern Ireland universities or Further Education colleges, who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the British Council Northern Ireland website.https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa.
Study USA continues the British Council’s mission to build connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and worldwide through education, arts and the English language. To learn more, follow the British Council Northern Ireland on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram .
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