The Ireland Fellows Programme is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the Irish government to early and mid-career professionals from eligible countries. It provides a unique opportunity to pursue a fully-funded master’s degree in Ireland, develop your leadership potential, and contribute to positive change in your home country. The program is specifically designed to support individuals who are passionate about making a difference and who have the potential to become future leaders in their respective fields. The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs. Eligible master’s level programmes in Ireland commence in August or September each year and, depending on the programme, will run for between 10 and 16 months.
The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes gender equality, equal opportunity, and welcomes diversity. Our Development Policy is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, and they are encouraging applications from the broadest possible base. The Programme welcomes applications from applicants with disabilities, and applicants who belong to a minority or disadvantaged group. We would like to increase the representation of female applicants and those whose gender identity does not align with the male/female gender binary.The aims of the Programme are to nurture future leaders; to develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals and to build positive relationships with Ireland.
Details About The Ireland Fellows Program 2025-26 | Fully Funded:
- Level: Master’s
- Institution(s): Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ireland
- Study in: Ireland
- Deadline: 28 July 2024
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizenship: Be a resident national of one of the countries listed below:
- Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- For Burundi, please see both this document and the Courtney Fellowship page.
- For Nigeria, please see both this document and the Roger Casement Fellowship page.
- For Namibia, please see the Seán Mac Bride Fellowship page.
- For South Africa, please see the Kader Asmal Fellowship page.
- For Zambia, please see both this document and the Frank Ferguson Fellowship page.
- For African SIDS (Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sao Tomé and Príncipe), please see the Ireland-SIDS Fellows page.
- Education: Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA (likely 3.0 on a 4.0 scale). The degree should be awarded within the last 12 years.
- Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience relevant to your desired field of study (exact requirement may vary by country).
- Academic Ability: Demonstrate strong English language proficiency and meet the academic requirements of your chosen master’s program.
- Leadership Potential: Show a commitment to leadership and a desire to contribute positively to your home country.
- Career Goals: Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may be a plus.
- Application History: No previous applications to the Ireland Fellows Programme.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The program covers the entire cost of tuition fees for your chosen master’s program at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland.
- Flights Covered: Round-trip flights between your home country and Ireland are covered by the program.
- Accommodation and Living Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly stipend to help with your living expenses, including accommodation. The program might also provide a settling-in allowance and a completion/departure allowance (details to be confirmed).
- World-Class Education: You’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills through a prestigious master’s degree program at a reputable Irish university.
- Leadership Development Opportunities: The program fosters your leadership potential through workshops, mentorship, or networking events
Required Documents:
Required documents typically include:
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Copy of Graduation Certificate (from an accredited institution)
- Official Academic Transcripts (in English or a certified translation)
- Two Recommendation Letters (from professional or academic references)
- Copy of Passport Identity Page (showing your photo, biographic information, and validity)
- English Language Proficiency Test Results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if required (specific score requirement might be mentioned)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume outlining your education and professional experience
Application Process:
- Stage 1 – preliminary application: Opens 1 July 2024, closes 28 July 2024.
- Stage 2 – detailed application: Opens 23 September 2024, closes 18 October 2024.
- Stage 3 –Interviews.