The Ireland Fellows Program 2026–27 presents an exceptional opportunity for early to mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries to pursue a Fully Funded Scholarship in Ireland. This prestigious fellowship supports individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a commitment to social change, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their home countries through skill development and academic advancement.

Funded by Irish Aid, under the Department of Foreign Affairs, the program opens the doors to one of Europe’s most vibrant academic landscapes. By covering all key expenses—including tuition, travel, living costs, and accommodation—this initiative empowers scholars to focus fully on their educational journey.

Aimed at developing future changemakers across sectors such as human rights, agriculture, public health, education, technology, and governance, the Ireland Fellows Program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It fosters inclusive growth, institutional capacity-building, and global cooperation. If you are passionate about leading change and are from one of the eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or other designated regions, this fellowship may be your next big step.

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Program Details

Host Country:
Ireland

Host Organization:
Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs

Program Duration:
10 to 16 months (Depending on the master’s course duration)

Program Location:
Various universities and institutions across Ireland

Program Themes or Focus Areas:
Applicants can select from a wide range of eligible programs such as:

• Human Rights

• Education

• Health

• Agriculture

• Business

• Engineering

• Computer Science
  Note: Available programs must align with the candidate’s current role and country development needs.

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Benefits

Selected fellows of the Ireland Fellows Program 2026–27 will receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:

• Full tuition fees for eligible master’s programs

• Return international airfare

• Monthly living stipend of €700

• Accommodation coverage from September to May (Trimester 1 and 2)

• Accommodation allowance for Trimester 3 (€800–€1,000 depending on location)

• Settling-in allowance on arrival in Ireland

• Completion and departure allowance

• Coverage of visa and medical insurance costs

• Participation in training programs, workshops, and volunteering activities

• Access to cultural experiences and academic networks

This Fully Funded Scholarship ensures that scholars can pursue their studies without the burden of financial constraints while also gaining meaningful international exposure and professional growth.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all the following requirements to be eligible:

• Be a resident national of one of the eligible countries (see full list below)

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

• Have not previously completed a master’s degree

• Possess two to three years of work experience relevant to the field of study

• Be available to commence the program in August/September 2026

• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to SDGs

• Have a strong understanding of English (with IELTS scores if required)

• Have not applied for the Ireland Fellowship more than once

Eligible Countries

• East and Southern Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini

• West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal

• Horn of Africa: Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea

• Central Africa: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola

• Specialized Fellowships for Certain Countries:

  • Nigeria: Roger Casement Fellowship (Law, Human Rights, Governance)

  • Namibia: Sean MacBride Fellowship (Law and Human Rights)

  • South Africa: Kader Asmal Fellowship (Multiple disciplines)

  • Zambia: Frank Ferguson Fellowship (Engineering-related disciplines)

  • Burundi: Courtney Fellowship (MPhil in International Peace Studies)

  • African SIDS: Includes Mauritius, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome and Principe

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How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your application for the Ireland Fellows Program 2026–27:

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the Irish Aid Fellowship portal to start your application.

2. Submit Preliminary Application (Stage 1): Provide basic information including nationality, academic qualifications, and field of interest.

3. Prepare for Stage 2: If shortlisted, you will be invited to submit a detailed application form and upload the required documents.

4. Program Selection: Identify and list three master’s programs in Ireland that align with your professional background and goals (from the Directory of Eligible Courses).

5. Document Upload: Submit all necessary documents including transcripts, passport copy, IELTS scores, and recommendation letters.

6. Sign Declaration: Confirm all information is true and sign the declaration before submission.

7. Await Interview Notification: Finalists will be contacted for an interview in Stage 3.

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Documents Required

• Recent passport-size photo

• Copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate

• Academic transcripts

• Two reference letters (professional or academic)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Copy of passport identity page

• IELTS/TOEFL score report (if applicable)

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Application Deadline

Stage 1 – Preliminary Application:
Opens: 30 June 2025
Closes: 25 July 2025

Stage 2 – Detailed Application (by invitation only):
Opens: 22 September 2025
Closes: 17 October 2025

Stage 3 – Interviews:
To be conducted in late 2025 or early 2026

Candidates are advised to submit applications early to avoid last-minute issues and to ensure enough time for document preparation and English proficiency test requirements.

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Conclusion

The Ireland Fellows Program 2026–27 is more than just a scholarship—it’s a life-changing experience designed to elevate the careers and impact of future leaders. Participants not only benefit from academic excellence in a top-tier European education system but also become part of a global network committed to sustainable development and transformative leadership.

For many, Ireland may seem financially out of reach. But through this Government Scholarship, applicants from underrepresented and marginalized communities gain equitable access to education, mentorship, and leadership development in a global context. With Ireland’s strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and capacity-building, fellows return to their home countries with sharpened skills, international insights, and a strong will to contribute to nation-building.

If you envision yourself as a future leader in education, governance, human rights, or development, this program offers a clear and powerful path forward.