The Ireland Fellows Programme offers early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries the opportunity to pursue a world-class, fully funded master’s degree in Ireland. This prestigious programme aims to enhance leadership potential and contribute to capacity building in the recipients’ home countries.
Programme Overview
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides:
- Fully Funded Education: Covers programme fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs.
- Duration: Master’s programmes commence in August or September and run for 10 to 16 months.
- Inclusive Opportunities: Promotes gender equality, diversity, and supports applicants with disabilities or from disadvantaged groups.
Programme Goals
- Nurturing Future Leaders: Equip participants with the skills to lead and effect change in their home countries.
- Capacity Building: Develop in-country capacity to achieve national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Strengthening Relationships: Foster enduring positive personal and professional relationships with Ireland.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Be a resident national of one of the eligible countries: 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, Zimbabwe.
- Have 2-3 years of substantial relevant work experience.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, awarded in 2013 or later.
- Not already hold a master’s degree or higher.
- Apply for a new master’s programme in Ireland starting no sooner than August 2025.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities, commitment to SDGs, and a willingness to build positive relations with Ireland.
- Select three relevant programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
- Understand the academic and English language requirements of the chosen programmes.
- Have not applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before.
- Be available to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2025/2026.
Application Process
The application process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Application
- Detailed Application
- Interviews
Candidates must sit an online Duolingo English Test after progressing past the second stage. If shortlisted, another English language test, usually the IELTS exam, is required unless a valid IELTS certificate from 2023 or later is already held.
Note: For specific eligibility details and invited applications from certain countries, contact the relevant Embassy of Ireland or your employer.
How to Apply
- Applications for 2025-26 are now open!
- Read the Applicant Guidance Note carefully for country-specific criteria.
- Apply through the relevant Embassy or programme management.
For more information and to start your application, visit Ireland Fellows Programme or contact your local Embassy of Ireland.
Conclusion
The Ireland Fellows Programme is an incredible opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain advanced education and contribute to their countries’ development while building lasting connections with Ireland. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative experience. Apply now!
