The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–27 is a fully funded master’s scholarship for talented people from Africa and other developing regions. It helps young professionals become future leaders and support growth in their own countries through education in Ireland.
Host Country
Ireland
Type of Fellowship
Fully Funded
Elgible
African Counties
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
Be a citizen of one of the eligible African countries.
Have at least two to three years of work experience.
Hold a bachelor’s degree (GPA 3.0 or higher).
Not already hold a master’s or higher degree.
Have good English skills (Duolingo or IELTS).
Show leadership and commitment to improving your country.
Fields of Study
Applicants can study in many areas such as:
Agriculture
Health
Education
Business and Management
Human Rights
Engineering
Computer Science
Environmental Studies, and more.
Scholarship Benefits is a fully funded award, including:
Full tuition fees
Round-trip airfare
Free accommodation
Monthly living allowance
Health insurance
Support for academic and personal growth
Required Documents
Applicants usually need:
Passport or national ID
Academic transcripts and degree certificate
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Recommendation letters
English test results (if required)
Motivation letter
Application Process
The application has three stages:
Preliminary Application – Submit a short form online.
Detailed Application – Provide all academic and professional details.
Interview Stage – Shortlisted candidates attend an online interview.
Applicants must also take the Duolingo English Test and later the IELTS if selected.
Registration Deadlines
Applications for the 2026–27 academic year are now closed, but new applications will open again soon. The programme usually starts in August or September each year.
Selection Process
Shortlisting based on academic record and experience.
Interview for motivation and leadership skills.
English language test.
Final selection by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
Tips to Succeed
Apply early and carefully read the instructions.
Choose courses related to your field.
Write a strong motivation letter.
Prepare well for your English test.
Show leadership and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the scholarship fully funded? Yes, it covers all expenses.
Q: Do I need IELTS? Yes, unless you already have a valid certificate or are exempt.
Q: Can I bring my family? No, the fellowship covers only the selected student.
Why Choose This Scholarship
It is a prestigious international award that gives you the chance to:
Study in one of Europe’s best education systems.
Build leadership and professional skills.
Connect with global experts and organizations.
Career and Future Opportunities
Graduates return home to take leadership roles in government, NGOs, education, and business sectors. Many also work with international organizations.
Student Experiences
Previous fellows describe Ireland as a friendly and supportive country. They gained confidence, global knowledge, and lifelong friendships.
Contact Information
For official details, visit: https://www.irishaid.ie or contact the Embassy of Ireland in your country.
Conclusion
The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–27 is a golden opportunity for future African leaders to gain world-class education in Ireland. It helps students grow academically and personally and prepare to make a real difference back home.
For more information, visit the official website of the Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa. Official website
