Bord Bia’s International Graduate Programme 2027–2029 offers a fully funded MSc in Global Business Practice, a monthly living bursary and international industry experience. Apply by 2 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is accepting applications for its 2027–2029 International Graduate Programme, offering graduates an opportunity to gain international professional experience while completing a fully funded master’s degree.
The programme combines practical industry placements with academic study leading to an MSc in Global Business Practice from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. It is designed to develop future talent for Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture industries.
Participants may be placed in Dublin or one of Bord Bia’s international offices, depending on business requirements, language skills and the available opportunities. Previous placement locations have included London, New York, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Shanghai.
Applications are open, and the official application period runs from 31 August to 2 November 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Bord Bia – Irish Food Board |
| Programme | International Graduate Programme 2027–2029 |
| Duration | Approximately 24.5 months |
| Master’s degree | MSc in Global Business Practice |
| Academic institution | UCD Smurfit Business School |
| Funding | Fully funded master’s and competitive monthly bursary |
| Locations | Dublin and selected international offices |
| Eligible disciplines | All academic disciplines, subject to degree requirements |
| Minimum qualification | NFQ Level 8 degree with a minimum 2:1 |
| Application deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Official programme page | Bord Bia International Graduate Programme |
Tasks and Programme Benefits
The programme provides participants with professional experience across Bord Bia’s business functions while supporting their academic and career development.
International Industry Experience
Graduates undertake a major placement and a minor placement, gaining exposure to different teams and activities within the organisation.
Depending on the placement, opportunities may involve:
- Global business development and international markets.
- Marketing, branding and communications.
- Consumer insights and market research.
- Sustainability and the Origin Green programme.
- Human resources and events.
- Digital innovation and related business activities.
Placement locations depend on business needs, language requirements and the opportunities available during recruitment.
Fully Funded Master’s Degree
Participants will work towards an MSc in Global Business Practice from UCD Smurfit Business School while gaining practical industry experience.
The programme integrates academic modules with workplace learning. Dedicated time is allocated for study, with in-class and online learning designed to complement participants’ placement responsibilities.
Monthly Living Bursary and Additional Benefits
Successful candidates receive a competitive monthly bursary to support them during the programme, alongside funding for the master’s qualification.
Other advertised benefits include:
- Extensive training in consumer insights, sustainability, brand marketing, digital innovation and leadership.
- Mentoring, coaching and regular development feedback.
- Professional and career development support.
- Membership of the Bord Bia Alumni network.
- A laptop.
- Paid business expenses.
- Access to an employee assistance programme.
The exact bursary amount is not specified on the official programme page.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Bord Bia welcomes graduates from any academic discipline, provided they meet the stated academic requirements.
Applicants should:
- Hold, or expect to obtain, an NFQ Level 8 degree with a minimum 2:1 classification.
- Be recent graduates or students in their final year who will achieve the required qualification.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture industries.
- Be resilient, motivated, hardworking and able to work effectively in a team.
The programme is described as most suitable for candidates with approximately zero to two years of professional experience before joining.
Language Requirements
English-speaking placements are available, while some international offices require additional language skills. Languages relevant to certain markets include French, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese.
Candidates with relevant language skills may be assessed for fluency and suitability for particular placement locations. Applicants may still be considered for other markets, including English-speaking locations.
Additional Information
Applications for the Bord Bia International Graduate Programme 2027–2029 are scheduled to close on 2 November 2026.
Application Process
The official recruitment process includes:
- Online application: Complete the application questions and submit your CV, a professional photograph, degree certificate and academic transcripts. Final-year students should upload their most recent transcripts.
- Online assessments: Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete psychometric assessments and relevant language assessments.
- First-round assessment centre: This includes a written exercise, a presentation based on a case study and a competency-based interview.
- Second-round interview: Further shortlisted candidates may be invited to an in-person interview.
- Final offer: Successful applicants receive details of their placement and learning assignment.
The official programme page indicates that interviews are expected to take place in January and February 2027, with final offers anticipated in March 2027.
How to apply: Visit the official Bord Bia International Graduate Programme page, review the eligibility criteria and follow the application link before the deadline.
Applicants should consider their preferred career areas, relevant experience, language abilities and interest in the Irish food and drink industry when preparing their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Bord Bia International Graduate Programme?
It is a graduate development programme combining professional placements with postgraduate study, designed to develop talent for Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture industries.
2. Is the Bord Bia Graduate Programme fully funded?
Yes. The programme offers a fully funded MSc in Global Business Practice through UCD Smurfit Business School and a competitive monthly bursary.
3. How much is the monthly living bursary?
The official programme page describes the bursary as competitive but does not publish an exact amount.
4. What master’s degree will participants receive?
Participants will study towards an MSc in Global Business Practice from UCD Smurfit Business School.
5. Which degrees are accepted?
Applicants from any academic discipline may apply if they hold, or expect to obtain, an NFQ Level 8 degree with at least a 2:1 classification.
6. Where can successful graduates be placed?
Placements may be in Dublin or selected international offices. Previous locations have included London, New York, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Shanghai. Actual placements depend on business needs and language requirements.
7. Are language skills required?
Additional languages are mandatory for some international offices, but not every placement requires a second language.
8. What is the application deadline?
Applications are scheduled to close on 2 November 2026.
9. What documents are required?
The application process includes general application questions, a CV, a professional photograph, a degree certificate and university transcripts. Final-year students should provide their most recent transcripts.
10. How can I apply?
Apply through the official Bord Bia International Graduate Programme website.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Bord Bia’s International Graduate Programme 2027–2029 is an opportunity for eligible graduates seeking international exposure, postgraduate business education and professional development in the food, drink and horticulture sectors.
The fully funded master’s degree, monthly bursary, industry placements and potential international experience make the programme particularly attractive to graduates interested in marketing, sustainability, consumer insights and international business development.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Bord Bia or UCD Smurfit Business School and does not recruit on their behalf. Applicants should confirm all requirements, benefits and application instructions through the official programme website.
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