The EIL Explore Mature Student Scholarship Award offers eligible mature undergraduates a fully funded, eight-week summer volunteer experience overseas. Explore another culture while reflecting on what you learn and how it connects with your life in Ireland.
Learn through volunteering and cultural exchange
Joining a placement can help you practise communication, adapt to unfamiliar situations and learn from people whose experiences differ from your own. Approach the experience with curiosity, respect and a willingness to listen.
Who can apply
You must be registered on a current full-time undergraduate course at an eligible HEA member institution and must not have graduated before applying. Applicants must have been aged 23 or older on 1 January in the first year of their approved undergraduate course.
Ask your institution’s Mature Student Office to confirm your eligibility and the current application process.
Programme details
Duration: Eight weeks.
Travel: June–August in the year of travel; confirm the placement dates.
Destination: Varies with available projects; final placement is subject to suitability and confirmation.
Accommodation: Provided during the placement; arrangements depend on the host programme.
What the scholarship covers
- Eight-week volunteer programme
- Return flights and insurance
- Accommodation and meals during the volunteer placement
- Pre-departure information and support
- In-country airport transfers, orientation and local coordination and support
Check the current award information for any exclusions or personal expenses before accepting a place.
Preparation and support
Review the placement requirements and discuss preparation with EIL and your institution. Use the confirmed programme information to understand the support available before and during travel.
Bring your learning home
On your return, you are required to complete an Action at Home Project. Reflect on your experience and share what you have learned with your community. Your project can build on your interests and the people or activities that shaped your learning.
How to apply
Explain your motivation and how you would share the experience afterwards.
Volunteering abroad can challenge you in many ways – Read more about what challenging can mean
