Applications Open for the 2026-2027 Ireland Fellows Programme: Fully Funded Masters and PhD Opportunities

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Ireland Fellows Programme, providing professionals and graduates worldwide the opportunity to pursue a fully funded Masters or PhD in Ireland. The programme focuses on fields aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to drive development in their home countries.

About the Ireland Fellows Programme

The Ireland Fellows Programme is one of Irish Aid’s longest-standing initiatives. Since 1974, almost 4,000 Ireland Fellows from 79 countries have participated, returning home with valuable expertise to deliver long-term change in their communities and countries.

The programme enables recipients to benefit from a prestigious, world-class education, contributing to capacity building while showcasing the best of Ireland’s higher education institutions. It aligns with Ireland’s commitments under Global Ireland, the national implementation plan for the SDGs, Ireland’s Policy for International Development, and Ireland’s International Education Strategy.

For information on studying in Ireland, visit www.educationinireland.com.

Find more details and information on how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/edt8-NgQ

Programme Structure and Eligibility

The Ireland Fellows Programme offers a range of different strands, each with specific eligibility criteria based on country and subject area. It is essential to review eligibility requirements carefully before applying. Note that some fellowships are by invitation only, with embassies inviting applications from staff in designated partner organisations. In other countries, applications are accepted under an open call.

The programme is fully funded by the Irish Government and offered under the Department of Foreign Affairs, with implementation in Ireland supported by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS).

Irish higher education institutions require applicants to have an IELTS exam certificate (or equivalent) as part of their entry requirements. Early preparation is strongly advised, even for native English speakers.

Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa

Eligible countries include 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, and Zimbabwe.

Eligible courses cover areas such as agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and more, listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes.

Read more about Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa

Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia

Eligible countries are Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Courses include agriculture, health, education, human rights, engineering, business, and more, listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes.

Read more about Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia

Casement Fellowship in Human Rights

Eligible country is Nigeria.

Courses are Masters programmes in Law, Human Rights, and Governance.

Read more about Casement Fellowship in Human Rights

Courtney Fellowship

Eligible country is Burundi.

Course is the MPhil in International Peace Studies at Trinity College Dublin.

Read more about Courtney Fellowship

Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering

Eligible country is Zambia.

Applicants can select from the following courses at the University of Galway:

• Master of Civil Engineering (1MEC1)

• ME in Energy Systems Engineering (1MEES1)

• MSc in Mechanical Engineering (1MSME1)

• ME in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (1MEEE1)

• MSc in Marine and Freshwater Resources: Management (1MFR1)

Read more about Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering

Kader Asmal Fellowship

Eligible country is South Africa.

Courses cover areas such as agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and more, listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes.

Read more about Kader Asmal Fellowship

Ireland Fellows Programme – Latin America

Eligible countries include Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.

Eligible courses are listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes. The Roger Casement Award focuses on Law, Human Rights, and Governance, while the Cecilia Grierson Award covers a range of STEMM subject areas.

Read more about Ireland Fellows Programme – Latin America

Seán MacBride Fellowship

Eligible country is Namibia.

Courses are Masters programmes in Law and Human Rights.

Read more about Seán MacBride Fellowship

Ireland-SIDS Fellows Programme

Eligible countries include Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Eligible courses include agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and more, listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes.

Read more about Ireland-SIDS Fellows Programme

Final Note

The Ireland Fellows Programme is an outstanding opportunity for individuals committed to contributing to sustainable development in their countries. Interested applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and prepare early for required entry exams.

For full details and to apply, visit https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/about-ireland-fellows-programme.html