Are you a passionate development professional seeking to advance your education abroad and make a meaningful impact in your home country? The Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 offers a prestigious, fully funded opportunity to study in Ireland while building your leadership capacity and supporting sustainable development goals.
Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27
This fellowship, funded by Irish Aid and managed by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, invites early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland. The program targets individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to driving development in their countries.
Participants benefit not only from top-quality academic programs at Irish higher education institutions but also from a global network of professionals, additional leadership training, and full financial support throughout the program’s duration.
Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Ireland |
| Program Type | Master’s Degree (Various Fields) |
| Funded By | Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs |
| Duration | 10 to 16 months |
| Eligible Regions | Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | Stage 1: July 25, 2025 |
| Study Start Date | August 2026 |
| IELTS/TOEFL Required | Yes |
What Is the Ireland Fellows Program All About?
The Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 is designed to build international capacity and cultivate a new generation of global leaders. Applicants from developing and eligible countries are encouraged to apply for this fully funded Master’s opportunity in Ireland.
The primary objective of the program is to support individuals who can contribute positively to their home nations through policy reforms, grassroots development, and institution-building. By equipping participants with knowledge and skills in key sectors like health, law, education, engineering, and climate action, the program promotes sustainable progress worldwide.
The fellowship extends beyond academic studies, offering immersive professional development experiences, networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant alumni community.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Nationality: Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (e.g., Nigeria, Burundi, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Angola, among others).
- Educational Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
- Professional Experience: Have 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience in a development-related field.
- Academic Readiness: Demonstrate excellent academic performance and English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
- No Prior Master’s: Must not have previously completed a Master’s degree.
- Availability: Must be available to commence studies in Ireland by August 2026.
- Leadership Potential: Must exhibit leadership ability and a strong commitment to contributing toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Specific fellowship streams include:
- Roger Casement Fellowship (Nigeria)
- Kader Asmal Fellowship (South Africa)
- Courtney Fellowship (Burundi)
- Frank Ferguson Fellowship (Zambia)
- Sean MacBride Fellowship (Namibia)
- Ireland SIDS Fellowship (for Small Island Developing States)
Scholarship Benefits
Selected fellows will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring a stress-free academic experience:
- Full tuition fee coverage at participating Irish institutions.
- Monthly living allowance of €700.
- Accommodation support during the academic session.
- Additional third-trimester accommodation allowance (€800–€1,000).
- Settling-in and departure allowances.
- Round-trip airfare from and to the home country.
- Health insurance for the entire duration of the program.
- Access to professional development training.
- Participation in extracurricular activities and leadership seminars.
- Lifetime membership in an inclusive global alumni network.
Fields of Study
Applicants can pursue Master’s programs in various development-oriented disciplines, including:
- Human Rights and International Law
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Health and Medicine
- Business and Management
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Climate and Environmental Studies
- Education and Policy Development
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
These fields have been selected for their alignment with both global and national development priorities, ensuring that scholars are well-equipped to influence positive change back home.
Required Documents
To successfully apply for the Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27, candidates must prepare and submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
- Copy of passport
- A recent passport-sized photograph
All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
Application Timeline
The Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 follows a structured, three-stage selection process:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Application
- Opens: June 30, 2025
- Closes: July 25, 2025
Eligible candidates are expected to submit an initial application outlining their background, field of interest, and eligibility.
Stage 2 – Detailed Application
- Opens: September 22, 2025
- Closes: October 17, 2025
Shortlisted candidates from Stage 1 will be invited to complete a more in-depth application, including academic plans and development goals.
Stage 3 – Interview
- Dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates
Finalists will undergo interviews conducted by selection committees, which evaluate motivation, leadership potential, and readiness to undertake postgraduate studies.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
If you’re interested in applying, follow these simple steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all nationality, academic, and language criteria.
- Gather Documents: Prepare your transcripts, passport, references, and language certificates.
- Stage 1 Application: Complete and submit the preliminary application form before July 25, 2025.
- Stage 2 Application: If shortlisted, provide detailed responses about your proposed program and career objectives.
- Interview Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for your Stage 3 interview.
- Stay Updated: Regularly monitor your email and the official Ireland Fellows Program portal for updates.
For more details about eligibility, fields of study, and how to apply, visit the official Ireland Fellows Program website.
Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland stands out as one of Europe’s most welcoming and innovative educational destinations. Here are a few reasons to study in Ireland:
- World-Class Education: Irish universities are known globally for academic excellence and research impact.
- Safe and Friendly Environment: Ranked among the safest countries in the world with a warm, English-speaking population.
- Global Network: Access to international professionals, researchers, and a powerful alumni network.
- Cultural Heritage: A unique blend of rich cultural history and modern innovation.
By studying in Ireland through this program, scholars not only gain a Master’s degree but also become part of a powerful movement of global changemakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already hold a Master’s degree?
No, the program is only open to applicants who do not already have a Master’s degree.
Do I need to pay any application fees?
No. The application process is entirely free of charge.
Are there age restrictions for applicants?
There is no official age limit, but the program is geared toward early to mid-career professionals.
Can I bring dependents with me to Ireland?
The fellowship does not cover expenses for dependents, so applicants are advised to plan accordingly.
Is it possible to choose any Irish university for the Master’s program?
Yes, but the course must be on the eligible program list approved under the fellowship.
MORE RELATED CONTENT:
Freemasons University Scholarships 2026 for New Zealand Students
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded