Applications Open for Bursary Awards (Ireland)

Screen Ireland has launched a Skills Development Bursary programme to support Irish film, television, and animation professionals in accessing international training opportunities. The bursary provides financial assistance for overseas courses, workshops, structured work placements, and online skills development programmes that help screen professionals build expertise aligned with global industry standards.

About the Screen Ireland Skills Development Bursary

Screen Ireland is inviting applications from professionals in the Irish screen industry for bursary awards designed to support career development and skills advancement.

The programme helps film, television, and animation practitioners participate in high-quality international learning opportunities, enabling them to strengthen their expertise and remain competitive within the global screen sector.

The bursary supports professionals seeking to improve their technical, creative, and industry-specific skills through structured development programmes.

Purpose of the Programme

The main goal of the Screen Ireland Skills Development Bursary is to provide Irish screen professionals with access to international learning opportunities that contribute to the growth of the national screen industry.

The programme supports:

• Professional development.
• Career advancement.
• Industry skills improvement.
• International knowledge exchange.
• Adoption of global best practices.

By investing in talent development, Screen Ireland aims to strengthen the skills and capabilities of Irish professionals working across film, television, and animation.

Supported Development Opportunities

The bursary can support participation in a range of professional development activities, including:

International Courses and Workshops

Applicants may receive support to attend full-time courses and workshops abroad that provide advanced skills and industry knowledge.

Eligible programmes may focus on areas such as:

• Film production.
• Screenwriting.
• Animation.
• Television development.
• Creative leadership.
• Technical screen skills.

Structured International Work Placements

The programme also supports structured work placements with international companies.

These placements allow professionals to:

• Gain practical industry experience.
• Learn international production methods.
• Develop professional networks.
• Understand global workflows.

Applicants must provide additional documentation for work placement proposals.

Online International Skills Development Programmes

Substantial online courses from international providers may also qualify for support.

These programmes should offer meaningful professional development and contribute directly to the applicant’s career goals.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Work professionally in the Irish screen sector.
• Have a minimum of three years of relevant full-time industry experience.

For screenwriting bursaries:

• Applicants with at least one year of experience may be considered.
• They must have secured development funding for a feature film script or television series.

The programme supports both:

• Career progression within the screen industry.
• Career transitions into new areas of screen practice.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the proposed development opportunity will benefit their career and contribute to the Irish screen sector.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit supporting documents, including:

• Current CV.
• Full details of the proposed programme.
• Proof of acceptance or pending acceptance.
• Two signed professional references.
• Information about other funding applications.

Additional documents are required for applicants seeking support for work placements.

Funding Amount and Support Details

The bursary provides financial assistance for eligible professional development costs.

Funding covers up to:

• 70% of course fees
• Travel costs (flights only)
• Accommodation expenses

The maximum award available is:

€5,000

In exceptional cases, the funding limit may be reviewed by the selection panel.

Payment Process

Successful recipients receive funding in two or three instalments.

The final payment depends on:

• Successful completion of the programme.
• Submission of a reflective report.
• Evidence confirming completion.

Recipients must keep receipts for eligible expenses for three years.

Eligible Expenses

The bursary can support:

• Course fees.
• International travel costs.
• Reasonable accommodation expenses.

Only approved costs directly related to the development activity will be considered eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed monthly by a selection panel.

Applications are assessed based on:

• Value of the opportunity to the Irish screen industry.
• Relevance to the applicant’s professional development.
• Skills gaps and up-skilling requirements.
• Alignment with long-term career goals.
• Commitment to continued professional growth.

Strong applications should clearly explain how the programme will create lasting benefits for both the applicant and the wider screen sector.

Benefits of the Skills Development Bursary

The bursary provides Irish screen professionals with opportunities to:

• Access international expertise.
• Develop advanced industry skills.
• Build global professional networks.
• Improve career opportunities.
• Bring international knowledge back to Ireland.

The programme supports the continued growth of Ireland’s film, television, and animation industries by investing in creative talent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Screen Ireland Skills Development Bursary?

It is a funding programme that supports Irish film, television, and animation professionals to participate in international training, courses, workshops, and work placements.

Who can apply for the bursary?

Professionals working in the Irish screen sector with at least three years of relevant full-time experience can apply.

Can screenwriters with less experience apply?

Yes. Screenwriters with at least one year of experience may be considered if they have secured development funding for a feature film script or television series.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Applicants can receive up to €5,000, covering up to 70% of eligible costs.

What expenses does the bursary cover?

Eligible expenses include course fees, flights, and reasonable accommodation costs.

Can online courses receive funding?

Yes. Substantial international online skills development programmes may qualify if they provide meaningful professional development.

Can applicants receive more than one bursary?

No. Only one bursary can be awarded to an individual within a 12-month period.

What documents are required for application?

Applicants must provide a CV, programme details, acceptance evidence, two references, and information about other funding sources.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on professional development value, industry benefit, relevance of the opportunity, and the applicant’s long-term career objectives.

Conclusion

The Screen Ireland Skills Development Bursary provides valuable support for Irish film, television, and animation professionals seeking international learning opportunities. By helping practitioners access world-class training, work placements, and skills development programmes, the initiative strengthens Ireland’s creative workforce and supports continued growth of the national screen industry.