Coillte Opens Applications for 2026 Forestry Scholarship Amid Rising Demand for Forestry Professionals
Up to €20,000 available per student to support careers in Ireland’s growing forestry sector
Developed in response to national need for more skilled professionals by 2030 to meet the ambitions of Ireland’s Forest Strategy.
Wednesday 17thDecember 2025: Coillte has announced 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:
- Olivia Black (Dublin) – Studying Forestry at University College Dublin (UCD).
- Oisín McGuinness (Kilkenny) – Studying Forestry at Southeast Technological University (SETU).
- Evan McSpadden (Laois) – 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 her experience with the Scholarship, Olivia Black said: “I recently moved to Dublin from the United States to study forestry at UCD. I’ve always loved being outdoors and growing up exploring forests with my brothers played a big part in shaping my interest in the environment. What I enjoy most about forestry is learning how everything is connected, how animals interact with plants, how trees interact with the soil, and how it all works together as an ecosystem. In my first semester, the Coillte scholarship has been a huge support, and I’d really encourage anyone who’s interested in nature and wants to make a positive environmental impact to consider applying.”
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.
ENDS/
For more information please contact:
- Sarah Corr, Q4PR, sarah@q4pr.ie
- Chloe Griffin, Q4PR, chloe@q4pr.ie
About Coillte
Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, is responsible for managing 440,000 hectares of primarily forested lands. It is the nation’s largest forester and producer of certified wood, a natural, renewable, and sustainable resource. Coillte is also the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ireland, it enables wind-energy on the estate, manufactures panel-board wood products and undertakes nature rehabilitation projects of scale. Coillte delivers the multiple benefits of forestry, including forests for climate, nature, wood and people.
Coillte’s new forestry strategic vision is designed to optimise its contribution to Ireland’s climate targets. Among other things, the aim of this strategic vision is to create new forests and optimise Coillte’s existing forests for greater carbon capture, producing sustainable wood products, enhancing biodiversity, creating more incredible recreational spaces for the enjoyment of our citizens and tourists. For further information visit www.coillte.ie.
