Fulbright Program in Ireland

In 1957 The Fulbright Program was established in Ireland and was initially administered by An Bord Scoiláireachtaí Cómhalairte (the Scholarship Exchange Board). A bilateral agreement between Ireland and the United States was signed in 1988 and a statutory public body, The Ireland - United States Commission for Educational Exchange (The Fulbright Commission) was established in 1992.

The Fulbright Commission is supported by the US Department of State and the Department of Foreign Affairs to operate this educational exchange program between Ireland and the United States.  The Commission derives its income from the Irish and US Governments, higher education institutions, public agencies and organisations and donations from the corporate sector.

Annually, the Commission awards scholarships for Irish citizens to study and research in the United States and for US citizens to study and research in Ireland.  Since that time more than 1,600 Irish postgraduate students, academics and professionals have studied in top US colleges and research institutes and more than 600 US students and scholars have come to Ireland.   Many Fulbright awardees now hold leadership roles in Irish society – in business, the public sector, the professions, higher education and the arts.

In 2009 the Fulbright Commission agreed the following strategic objectives to guide its awards and activities for the 2010 – 2015 period:

1. to offer a portfolio of awards and activities that will attract diverse applicants and institutions that will contribute to the on-going dialogue between the U.S. and Ireland and to the creation of knowledge, understanding and tomorrow's leaders. Particular emphasis will be placed on the areas of ICT, biotechnology, renewables and health sector reform.
2. to enhance the attraction, perception and profile of the Commission with key stakeholders.
3. to ensure the sustainability, quality and efficiency of the Commission.

The Commission is governed by an 8 member Board with 4 appointed by the US Ambassador and 4 appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.  The Commission Staff is:

• Ms. Colleen Dube, Executive Director
• Ms. Sonya McGuinness, EducationUSA Advisor
/ Fulbright Program Manager
• Ms. Pippa Halley, Communications & Information Officer