Deadline
Varies
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship, Living Stipends, Accommodation & Travel Costs
Country Tenable
Ireland
Renewable
No
Ireland Fellows Programme 2026 (Fully Funded Master’s in Ireland)
The Ireland Fellows Programme offers early to mid-career professionals from eligible African countries a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at a top university in Ireland.
The programme is designed for individuals with leadership potential who are committed to driving change and development in their home countries. It helps build skills, advance careers, and strengthen links between Ireland and partner countries.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Return flights to and from Ireland
- Accommodation
- Living expenses throughout the programme
Programme Duration:
Master’s programmes typically begin in August or September 2025 and run for 10 to 16 months, depending on the course.
Programme Goals:
- Develop future leaders
- Strengthen in-country capacity to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Build long-term positive connections with Ireland
- Graduates are expected to return home after the programme and contribute meaningfully to their country’s development.
Eligibility Criteria (2026 Intake):
Applicants must:
- Be a resident and national of one of these countries:
Angola, Burundi, DRC, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Have 2–3 years of relevant work experience, depending on your country (check official guide)
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent – awarded after 2013
- Not already hold a master's degree or be enrolled in one for 2025/26
- Be applying to start a new master’s programme in Ireland in August 2025 or later
- Show strong leadership qualities, commitment to the SDGs, and a willingness to build links with Ireland
Application Process:
There are three stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Application
- Stage 2: Full Detailed Application
- Stage 3: Interview
Important Notes:
- Shortlisted candidates will take an online Duolingo English Test after Stage 2
- Finalists must take the IELTS (unless they already have valid results from 2022 or later showing they meet the score for their chosen course)
- Early IELTS preparation is highly encouraged
How to Apply:
Visit the official Ireland Fellows Programme page
Read the Applicant Guidance Note carefully (requirements may vary by country)
Start with Stage 1: Preliminary Application
Scholarships are not only for the smart students. Anyone can get scholarships
Have a Question about this Scholarship?