Coillte has unveiled its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme, coinciding with the opening of Central Applications Office (CAO) applications for students. This scholarship offers substantial financial aid and career support to students pursuing a full-time, third-level forestry programme at University College Dublin (UCD) or South East Technological University (SETU). Recipients can receive up to €20,000 throughout their degree, in addition to paid summer placements and potential career opportunities with Coillte.
In its inaugural year of 2024, Coillte granted three scholarships, with the current scholars embarking on their first semester at SETU. The selected scholars are Áine O’Dwyer from Donegal, Mia Sibbald from Kildare, and Alex Power from Waterford.
The launch of the 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme comes at a time of increased interest in forestry careers, as indicated by a recent RED C survey commissioned by Coillte. The survey revealed that 60% of individuals aged 18–34 see a career in the forest and wood sector as appealing, with more than a quarter considering it “very attractive”. Nearly 70% of survey respondents support the expansion of timber frame housing, showing a growing endorsement since 2022. Additionally, 80% of participants believe Ireland should achieve self-sufficiency in timber production, with more than half strongly in agreement.
The forestry industry plays a crucial role in Ireland’s climate action goals, requiring over 1,700 skilled professionals by 2030 to align with the objectives of Ireland’s Forest Strategy.
Mark Carlin, the managing director of Coillte, emphasized the significance of forestry in Ireland’s environmental and economic future. He highlighted the diverse career opportunities available in the sector, such as planners utilizing information technology for management plans, ecologists coordinating sustainable wood product supplies, and recreation managers overseeing trails and activities. With CAO applications currently open, Carlin encouraged students to explore forestry as a meaningful career contributing to a greener, more self-sufficient Ireland.
Applications for the 2025 Coillte Forestry Scholarship Programme are now being accepted online, with a deadline of May 2, 2025.
