IRELAND FELLOWS PROGRAMME 2027/28 — IRELAND (FULLY FUNDED)

The Ireland Fellows Programme is the Irish Government’s flagship fully funded scholarship initiative for early to mid-career professionals from developing countries. Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through Irish Aid — Ireland’s official overseas development assistance programme — it offers selected candidates a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland, starting August or September 2027.

The programme is not purely academic. It is explicitly designed to build leadership capacity in eligible countries, support national progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and create lasting professional relationships between Ireland and the countries it partners with. Fellows are expected to return home after completing their studies and apply their enhanced skills, networks, and experience to drive development in their communities — making this a scholarship for people already doing meaningful work, not those just beginning their careers.

The 2027/28 cycle is currently open, with a firm deadline of July 27, 2026 at 3:00pm GMT. This is a narrow window — do not delay.

⚠️ Important: Check Your Country’s Eligibility Before Applying

The Ireland Fellows Programme operates through different embassies and partner organisations depending on your country. Eligibility and application routes vary significantly by country — not all African nations are included in the current cycle, and Nigeria is not an eligible country for this programme.

Eligible African countries for 2027/28 include: Angola, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, eSwatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Applications for Zimbabwe and Lesotho are managed by the Canon Collins Trust (deadline July 27, 2026 — apply via canoncollins.org). Applications for Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea are managed through the Irish Embassy in Nairobi. Applications for other eligible countries are managed by the relevant Irish Embassy in your country — contact your local Irish Embassy or High Commission to confirm your application route and any country-specific deadlines.

What It Covers

• University application fees
• Full tuition fees for the duration of the master’s programme
• Examination and other university fees
• Economy-class return flights between your country of residence and Ireland
• Settling-in allowance
• Book and study materials allowance
• Accommodation for the full programme duration
• Monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover day-to-day living expenses
• Cost of an Irish student entry clearance (visa) application

Note: The award covers costs for the Fellow only. Family members are not included.

Eligible Courses Programmes span a wide range of disciplines, all listed in the official Irish Aid Directory of Eligible Programmes (available at irishaidfellowships.ie). Subject areas include agriculture, health sciences, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, public policy, development studies, and more. Applicants must select three programmes from the Directory — you cannot choose a course that is not on the list.

Who Can Apply

• Resident national of one of the eligible African countries listed above
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited, government-recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (a second-class honour Grade 2 may be accepted with substantial relevant work experience)
• Degree must have been awarded in 2015 or later (within the last 12 years)
• Minimum 2–3 years of substantial work experience directly relevant to your proposed field of study (exact requirement varies by country — check the Guidance Note for your country’s specific requirement)
• Do not already hold a master’s degree or higher
• Are not currently enrolled in, or about to begin, a master’s programme in the 2026/27 academic year
• Applying to commence a new master’s programme in Ireland no earlier than August 2027
• Demonstrate leadership abilities and aspirations, a commitment to the SDGs in your home country, and a commitment to building positive relationships with Ireland
• Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion
• English language proficiency required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent — some countries accept a Duolingo English Test at the interview stage)

Study Levels: Master’s (one year, 10–16 months depending on the programme)
Host Country: Ireland
Deadline: July 27, 2026, 3:00pm GMT (Canon Collins Trust route for Zimbabwe and Lesotho)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted in stages:

1. Download and read the Applicant Guidance Note for your country carefully — eligibility criteria and requirements differ by country. Available at irishaidfellowships.ie or through your Irish Embassy.
2. Browse the Directory of Eligible Programmes and identify three programmes you wish to apply for.
3. Contact your local Irish Embassy or programme partner (e.g. Canon Collins Trust for Zimbabwe/Lesotho) to confirm your application route.
4. Submit your Stage 1 application online by the deadline. For Zimbabwe and Lesotho: apply via Canon Collins Trust at canoncollins.org. For other countries: follow instructions from your local Irish Embassy.
5. Shortlisted candidates proceed to Stage 2 and Stage 3 (interview), which may include an online Duolingo English Test.

Do not contact the Irish Embassy directly during the review period — all communications go through the designated programme manager for your country.

Browse Eligible Programmes: https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/