Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2027/2028 for Early to Mid-Career Professionals (Fully Funded Study in Ireland) – Applications Are Now Open

Application Deadline: July 26, 2026

About the Programme

Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Ireland Fellows Programme Africa, an esteemed scholarship opportunity funded by the Government of Ireland. This prestigious program is designed to support early to mid-career professionals from eligible African countries by providing a fully funded, one-year Master’s degree at a leading Irish higher education institution. The Ireland Fellows Programme Africa aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in their home countries. By offering access to world-class education, the program seeks to enhance in-country capacity to achieve key national and regional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides a unique platform for cultural exchange and relationship-building between Ireland and African nations, fostering long-term collaboration and understanding. Participants in the program are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies, where they will apply their new knowledge and skills to support national development initiatives. The program emphasizes the importance of applying academic learnings to real-world challenges, contributing meaningfully to sectors such as health, education, governance, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This initiative reflects Ireland’s commitment to global development and partnership, investing in talented professionals who will become change-makers in their communities. If you are an early to mid-career professional from an eligible African country with aspirations to lead impactful projects and foster sustainable development, this is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career while making a lasting difference in your country.

Eligible Countries

Applications are open to resident nationals of the following 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.

Country-Specific Variations:

Eligibility criteria can vary by country. For example, Nigerian applicants typically require three years of work experience, while applicants from Uganda and Rwanda require two years. Applicants should always check the specific guidance for their country.

Special Fellowships:

• Nigeria: The Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights is available for professionals in Law, Human Rights, and Governance
• Uganda: The Embassy of Ireland offers two additional scholarships to candidates from Karamoja

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet the following core criteria:

• Nationality & Residency: Be a citizen and current resident of an eligible country. Dual nationals residing abroad are not eligible
• Academic Qualification: Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, from an accredited institution. The degree must have been awarded within the last 12 years (i.e., in 2015 or later)
• Work Experience: Have a minimum of two to three years of substantial, relevant work experience directly related to your proposed programme of study
• Education Status: Not already hold a Master’s degree or higher, nor be currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme
• Programme Choice: Have identified and selected three eligible programmes relevant to your academic and professional background from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes
• Leadership & Commitment: Demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to the SDGs in your home country, and a desire to build positive relationships with Ireland
• Application History: Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion

Scholarship Benefits

The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded. Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive package covering:

• Full tuition fees
• Return economy flights to and from Ireland
• Visa application fees and Irish residence permit fee
• Medical and travel insurance
• A monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review)
• Accommodation support: Student accommodation arranged and paid for trimesters 1 and 2. In trimester 3, a monthly accommodation stipend of €800–€1000 is provided (depending on location)
• A settling-in allowance and a completion and departure allowance

Eligible Fields of Study

Eligible courses are listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes and include a wide range of disciplines such as:

• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Health Sciences
• Education
• Human Rights
• Engineering
• Business and Management
• Law
• Computer Science / Information Technology
• Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
• Public Policy and Governance
• Sustainable Development

Application Process

The application process consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Preliminary Application: This is the initial eligibility and screening stage. Candidates must complete the Stage 1 application form, which includes a critical personal statement. The application portal opens on June 29, 2026 and closes on July 26, 2026.

Stage 2: Detailed Application: Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a full application with supporting documents, including certified copies of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an employer endorsement form. Candidates may also be required to take an online English language test.

Stage 3: Interviews: Final-stage candidates will be invited to an interview with the selection panel. A valid IELTS certificate (minimum overall score of 6.5) is mandatory at this stage.

Please read the Applicant Guidance Note carefully before completing as eligibility criteria may differ from country to country.

How to Apply

The application portal for the Ireland Fellows Programme Africa is available on the official website. Applicants must submit their Stage 1 application before the deadline.

Application Link: Click here to apply

Why This Programme Matters

The Ireland Fellows Programme is a strategic investment in Africa’s future leaders. By providing world-class education and fostering professional networks, it equips talented professionals with the skills and knowledge to tackle critical development challenges in their home countries. For early and mid-career professionals from eligible African nations, this is a rare opportunity to gain a fully funded, internationally recognized Master’s degree and become part of a lifelong network of changemakers.

For More Information: Visit the Official Ireland Fellows Programme Website