Coillte has announced the launch of its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme, just as Central Applications Office (CAO) applications have opened for students.
The scholarship provides substantial financial and career support for students pursuing a full-time, third level forestry programme at University College Dublin (UCD) or South East Technological University (SETU).
It offers up to €20,000 per recipient across their degree, alongside paid summer placements and career opportunities with Coillte.
Coillte awarded three scholarships in augural year 2024, with the scholars now in their first semester at SETU. The chosen scholars include: Áine O’Dwyer (Donegal); Mia Sibbald (Kildare); and Alex Power (Waterford).
Coillte
The launch of the 2025 Forestry Scholarship comes amid “growing interest” in forestry careers, as revealed by a recent RED C survey commissioned by Coillte.
The survey found that 60% of 18–34-year-olds view a career in the forest and wood sector as “attractive”, with over a quarter of all those surveyed describing it as “very attractive”.
Nearly 70% of RED C survey respondents favour increased timber frame housing, reflecting a rise in support since 2022.
Also, 80% believe Ireland should be self-sufficient in timber production, with over half strongly agreeing.
The forestry sector is recognised as a driver of Ireland’s climate action objectives, requiring more than 1,700 skilled professionals by 2030 to meet the ambitions of Ireland’s Forest Strategy.
Programme
Launching the programme, managing director of Coillte, Mark Carlin said: “Forestry is essential to Ireland’s environmental and economic future, offering diverse careers in a wide variety of areas.
“With CAO applications now open, we encourage students to consider forestry as a meaningful career that contributes to a greener, more self-sufficient Ireland.”
Carlin said that there is a “wide range of careers” available in the sector, including: Planners, who use information technology for management plans; Ecologoists, who work to co-ordinate the supply of sustainable wood products; and recreation managers delivering trails and activities.
Applications for the 2025 Coillte Forestry Scholarship Programme are now open online, with a closing date of May 2, 2025.