Coillte Opens Applications for 2026 Forestry Scholarship 

Laois SETU student, Evan McSpadden is among the current scholars.

Coillte Opens Applications for 2026 Forestry Scholarship with Laois Student Among Current Scholars 

SETU student, Evan McSpadden, speaks about his first semester, encouraging students considering a career in forestry to apply 

Up to €20,000 available per student to support careers in Ireland’s growing forestry sector  

Coillte is announcing the opening of applications for its 2026 Forestry Scholarship Programme, offering recipients up to €20,000 across their forestry degree. Now in its third year, the programme provides financial and career support for students pursuing a full-time third-level degree in forestry at South East Technological University (SETU) or 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.  

The initiative was developed in direct response to Ireland’s rising demand for skilled forestry professionals who play a critical role in delivering national climate action goals, sustainable timber supply, biodiversity restoration and rural economic development.  

Coillte is today also announcing the recipients of its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme including: 

• Evan McSpadden (Laois) – Studying Forestry at Southeast Technological University (SETU). 

• Olivia Black (Dublin) – Studying Forestry at University College Dublin (UCD).

• Oisín McGuinness (Kilkenny) – Studying Forestry at Southeast Technological University (SETU). 

   

Since its launch in January 2024, Coillte has awarded scholarships to six students studying forestry, helping to strengthen the forestry sector’s pipeline of future talent. In 2025, Coillte saw a 25% uplift in applications year-on-year demonstrating growing demand for both the scholarship and career opportunities in forestry.  

The Coillte Forestry Scholarship Programme is also contributing to greater diversity within the sector. Of the six scholars currently progressing though their forestry degrees at UCD and SETU, four are women, reflecting the strong and growing interest among female students in forestry-related careers. Inaugural scholars Áine O'Dwyer (Donegal), Mia Sibbald (Kildare) and Alex Power (Waterford), are now in their second year at SETU.  

At the announcement of Coillte’s 2026 scholarship programme, Imelda Hurley, CEO, Coillte, said “The forestry sector is recognised as a key driver of Ireland’s climate action and housing targets and will require more skilled professionals by 2030 to meet the ambitions of Ireland’s Forest Strategy. Coillte is working hard to promote careers in forestry, and we’re delighted to see students of such high calibre coming forward for our scholarship programme.  They are the future of forestry in Ireland, and their skills will be in high demand.”  

Speaking about the benefits of the Scholarship, Mark Carlin, Managing Director, Coillte Forest, said: “Forestry today is a dynamic and multifaceted sector, with employment opportunities growing year on year. As the Coillte Forestry Scholarship Programme enters its third year, we want to encourage students who care about Ireland’s natural environment, to consider forestry as a rewarding future-proofed career.  

“Through this scholarship, students not only receive financial support but also gain vital on-the-ground experience that brings their studies to life. From planning and forest management to recreation management and ecology, there’s a vast range of opportunities available in forestry and indeed with Coillte. We encourage anyone who is interested in working in forestry, nature, sustainability, innovation and technology to apply.”  

Speaking about his experience with the Scholarship, Evan McSpadden said: “I chose forestry because many of my main hobbies involved spending time in forests with my family and friends. Being out there so often gave me a real appreciation for what was going on around me in the forest and sparked my curiosity to study forestry. I’m really enjoying my first semester at SETU, especially the hands-on and practical elements of the course. The scholarship has taken a lot of pressure off, and I’d encourage anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants a practical career to apply.” 

Applications for the 2026 Coillte Forestry Scholarship Programme are now open, with full details available online at www.coillte.ie. The closing date for applications will be Friday, 1st May 2026.