A delegation of 36 senior leaders from US colleges is in Belfast this week to celebrate 30 years of the Study USA programme.
The group includes college presidents and representatives from across 12 US states from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, The United Methodist Church. These partners play a vital role in supporting and guiding the programme, which has created life-changing educational opportunities between Northern Ireland and the United States for more than three decades.
The delegation is led by three highly committed US representatives who play a pivotal role in recruiting US colleges in their network to host students from Northern Ireland and provide tuition free places to those students.
Study USA, which is managed by the British Council on behalf of the Department for the Economy, offers scholarships for Northern Ireland students to study for a year at American universities and colleges, covering tuition, accommodation, meal plan, book allowance, travel costs and a £1k bursary. Since the programme launched in 1994, more than 2,500 students have benefited from the programme.
Over the course of their three-day visit, the US delegates will attend a full programme of events hosted by the US Consul General, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast. Activities will include cultural visits, community engagement, and discussions aimed at deepening understanding of Northern Ireland’s history and diversity, as well as showcasing the impact of the programme.
Their schedule includes a guided tour of Belfast, a visit to the 174 Trust in North Belfast, and meetings with local stakeholders.
They will also meet alumni of the programme – spanning participants from 1998 through to the graduating class of 2025 – to hear how the experience has shaped their lives and careers. The alumni represent a diverse mix of sectors, with individuals now working in government departments, media, law, finance, and entrepreneurs, as well as holding roles across universities and colleges in Northern Ireland.
The delegation’s visit coincides with a milestone for the programme - the graduation of the 30th cohort of students, who recently returned from their year abroad. The ceremony will take place at Parliament Buildings, Stormont tonight (Thursday, 5 September), and will be attended by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
Speaking ahead of the graduation event, the Minister said: “I am delighted that so many representatives from the US colleges are able to join us this week to celebrate the graduation of the 30th cohort of Study USA students. Without the generosity of the colleges, the dedication of their teams and the support given to our students, the programme would not be the success that it is today.”
Mary Mallon, Head of Education, British Council Northern Ireland, added:
“We’re especially grateful to our US partners, who have made the journey to celebrate this incredible milestone in the programme’s history and graduation of the Class of 2025. It is a privilege to welcome the US leaders of the programme Pamela Galligan-Stierle, Dr Jeff Arnold and Rev. Dr Tammy Gieselman and the delegation of US college presidents to Northern Ireland.
“It’s incredibly special to have the opportunity to recognise their commitment, to thank them in person for the role they play, and to reflect together on three decades of impact. The impact of the programme is both far-reaching and long-lasting. Friendships forged during the Study USA year, can last for years, if not lifetimes, span continents, and provide a jumpstart to successful careers, whilst supporting the NI and US economies.
“Right now, we have 60 students currently beginning their year in the US in 24 states - and it’s thanks to this collaboration that they have such a unique opportunity to learn, grow and experience life in another culture.”
The delegation’s visit runs from Wednesday, 3 September until Friday, 5 September.
Applications for the 2026–27 Study USA programme are now open. We welcome applications from full-time undergraduate students studying at Northern Ireland universities or Further Education colleges, who meet the eligibility criteria which can be found on our website.
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 .