The application deadline for the 2026 Coillte Forestry scholarship has been extended to Monday, 6 July 2026.
With many prospective students currently focused on the Leaving Certificate, this extended window gives applicants the opportunity to explore forestry as a study and career option post exams, ahead of the final CAO Change of Mind deadline on 1 July 2026.
Reward for scholars
Now in its third year, the Coillte Forestry scholarship programme offers recipients up to €20,000 over the course of their forestry degree, alongside paid summer placements and potential career opportunities with Coillte.
Two of the three the recipients of its 2025 forestry scholarship programme are SETU students; Oisín McGuinness, from Kilkenny and Evan McSpadden from Laois were awarded the scholarship last year.
Eligible courses
Prospective SETU students who have applied to study the BSc in Forestry (SE505) or BSc (Hons) in Forestry (SE527) on their CAO, beginning in September 2026, are eligible to apply to this scholarship.
Growing need
The scholarship was developed in response to Ireland’s growing need for skilled forestry professionals to support climate action, sustainable timber supply, biodiversity restoration and rural economic development, in line with the ambitions of Ireland’s Forest Strategy.
Forestry provides an opportunity to build a varied career that spans sustainable forest management, ecology and biodiversity, alongside commercial planning, supply chain and regulatory oversight.
Opportunity
The programme supports students enrolling in full‑time undergraduate forestry degrees at both South East Technological University (SETU) and University College Dublin (UCD) from September 2026. The scholarship offers €5,000 per year for the duration of the forestry degree, including an opportunity for paid summer placement with Coillte, and, upon successful completion, consideration for future job opportunities within the organisation.
Aligned with CAO applicants
Speaking about the decision to extend the deadline Mark Carlin, Managing Director, Coillte Forest said: “We know that for many students, the period immediately after the Leaving Certificate is when CAO choices come into sharper focus. By aligning the scholarship deadline with that decision-making window, we want to ensure students are considering forestry at the point when course choices are being actively reviewed.”
How to apply
Applications for this exciting opportunity, the 2026 Coillte Forestry scholarship programme, are now open until Monday, 6 July 2026, apply here.
