Funded by Irish Aid (the Irish Government), the Ireland Fellows Programme offers fully funded Master’s scholarships in Ireland, aimed at building leadership, capacity, and connectivity with Ireland. The 10–16 month scholarships target fields tied to Sustainable Development Goals (health, education, human rights, ICT, business, agriculture, environment, etc.) and nurture return-home impact and SDG advancement. 

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Location

• Country: Ireland
  
  
• Cities/Institutions: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University of Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, Munster Technological University, and others listed in the “Directory of Eligible Programmes.”
  
  

Funding

• Fully funded, covering:
  
  
  
  • University application, tuition, and exam fees
    
    
  • Economy-class travel to/from Ireland
    
    
  • Accommodation and settling-in allowance
    
    
  • Monthly living stipend (~€700/month), plus end-of-program stipend
    
    
  • Health insurance and visa costs
    
    
  • Access to professional development training and networking
    
    
  • Third-trimester tuition support (€800–€1,000)
    
    

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality/Residency: Nationals or residents of eligible developing countries (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, etc.)
  
  
• Experience: 2–3 years of relevant professional experience
  
  
• Academic: Bachelor’s degree ≥3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale), awarded within the last ~12 years
  
  
• Master’s Status: Must not already hold or be enrolled in a Master’s or higher degree
  
  
• Program Timing: Must start a new Irish Master’s in August 2026 or later
  
  
• Others: Demonstrate leadership, commitment to SDGs, and fostering relations with Ireland; applicants must select three eligible Irish programmes
  
  
• Note: In some countries (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda), applications are by invitation only through partner NGOs or government agencies
  
  

Application Dates

• Stage 1 (Preliminary Application): Opens 30 June 2025 → Closes 25 July 2025
  
  
• Stage 2 (Detailed Application): Opens 22 Sept 2025 → Closes 17 Oct 2025 

Duration

• Studies run for 10–16 months, commencing Aug/Sep 2026 and corresponding to the academic calendar of the chosen Irish university. 

Application Process

1. Stage 1 – Preliminary: Online form with personal info, experience, and academic background
2. Stage 2 – Detailed: Full application—CV, academic transcripts, three programme choices, SOP, references, proof of experience
3. Online English Testing: Duolingo after Stage 2; IELTS for shortlisted candidates unless a recent valid certificate is available
4. Stage 3 – Interview: Conducted by regional panels or embassies in Nov–Dec 2025
5. Final Selection: Offers made early 2026; scholarship awarded for 2026/27 intake.
   
   

Application Website

• Main portal: Irish Aid Ireland Fellows Programme
  irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/ireland-fellows-programme-africa.html
• Includes: eligibility details, programme list, guidance notes, and application system access.

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