George Moore Scholarships are awarded to academically talented students from across the island of Ireland to support them in pursuing a Master’s degree abroad in the US, Canada, the UK, or Europe. They are high-value scholarships for Master’s programmes of up to two year’s duration. Students can be studying in any field, but should be likely to have a significant positive impact in a field that will add value to our society, economy and environment. Further information is outlined below.

Fields of study

The objective is for George Moore Scholars to undertake a master's degree in any disciplinary area during the tenure of the award. George Moore Scholars will be individuals who are judged to be likely to have a significant positive impact in a field that will add value to our society, economy and environment. 

This is evaluated on the basis of academic achievement to date but also on the evidence of involvement in activities, whether paid, voluntary or community-based, that have contributed to your development as an individual and your understanding of the unique contribution you can make.

The George Moore Scholars programme will give particular consideration to applicants who reflect the following values:

1. Distinctive intellectual curiosity focused on a specific global challenge
2. A willingness to take appropriate risks in setting and pursuing educational objectives
3. Originality in approach and ambition
4. A willingness to transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries to address the identified challenge.

Geographical focus

The George Moore Scholars programme supports applicants interested in studying in the US, Canada, Europe or the UK. (excl. institutions on the island of Ireland).

Higher Education Institution

Applicants can choose almost any institution in these countries that provides an excellent course in their chosen area. It is more important that applicants consider the excellence of the department or research centre they wish to undertake their master's degree in, than the overall international ranking of the institution. However, for those applying to European institutions, it must be a public university (not a private institution), unless the private fees are minimal and there is a strong justification for choosing that institution.

Value

George Moore Scholarships are high-value and cover most of the cost of studying abroad including higher education fees, research, travel, visa, health insurance and other key living costs. Successful applicants will be required to provide a detailed annual budget with verifiable sources of cost estimates for each category of projected expenditure before they receive their full scholarship offer.

As US-based programmes are the most expensive, Scholars going to US institutions are unlikely to receive an award that fully covers the cost of doing their programme. As a guide, those applying to US institutions are normally awarded approximately 70% of the cost. However, this is dependent on the overall cost and duration of the programme.

Many applicants are able to secure additional funding from the higher education institution from which they receive an offer. In the US, some institutions match fund private awards. There are also programmes like Erasmus Mundus for European Master's programmes, which can be combined with a George Moore Scholarship. We encourage applicants to explore any possible sources of additional support, and to connect with George Moore Scholars alumni to support their research.

We assess each Scholar’s individual circumstances and budget before confirming their award amount, but understand that indicative award amounts are helpful. In 2025, Scholars going to the UK were typically awarded in the £30,000 - £55,000 range, Scholars going to the USA were typically awarded in the $60,000 - $90,000 range, and Scholars going to Europe were typically awarded in the €20,000 - €30,000 range.

Duration

Applicants may apply for financial support to cover a Master's degree of up to two year's duration – most are 9-12 months long. Applicants must apply for full-time Master's programmes, based in the country of the higher education institution providing the programme. Part-time or distance learning programmes are not funded. Applicants may apply for dual Master's programmes, which take place in two or more locations.