Kildare student launches Coillte Scholarship Programme
Coillte launches its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme. Pictured at the launch was inaugural scholar Mia Sibbald Photo:
With CAO applications now open, Coillte has announced the launch of its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme. Building on the success of its inaugural programme the scholarship provides substantial financial and career support for students pursuing a third level forestry programme at University College Dublin (UCD) or South East Technological University (SETU).
Offering up to €20,000 per recipient across their degree, alongside paid summer placements and career opportunities with Coillte, the scholarship was created to address the need for more than 1,700 skilled professionals by 2030 to meet the ambitions of Ireland’s Forest Strategy.
Among the inaugural scholars are Mia Sibbald from Naas, Kildare, Alex Power from Waterford and Áine O'Dwyer from Donegal who are now in their first semester at SETU.
Speaking about the scholarship’s impact, Mia Sibbald said: “Being awarded the Coillte scholarship has been transformative for me. The financial support is invaluable, but what excites me most is becoming part of a sector that is vital to combating climate change. My time at SETU so far has been both inspiring and eye-opening, especially as we delve into sustainable forest management and its role in creating a greener future”.
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. This survey found that 60% of 18–34-year-olds view a career in the forest and wood sector as attractive with 57% of women surveyed expressing interest in forestry.
Launching the 2025 Coillte Forestry Scholarship programme, Mark Carlin, Managing Director of Coillte Forest, 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.” Applications for the 2025 Coillte Forestry Scholarship Programme are now open and the closing date for applications is Friday, May 2, 2025. More information is available online at: www.coillte.ie.
