The Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa offers early to mid-career professionals from eligible African countries a fully funded opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree in Ireland. This prestigious program aims to nurture future leaders by providing world-class education that supports national capacity building and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Selected fellows will study at top higher education institutions in Ireland, covering tuition fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs. The program runs for 10 to 16 months, starting in August or September 2026. It promotes gender equality, inclusion, and diversity, welcoming applicants from minority and disadvantaged groups.
The fellowship encourages participants to develop leadership skills and contribute to positive relationships between Ireland and their home countries. The program is funded by the Irish Government and managed in partnership with Embassies and the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS).
Quick Overview of Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026-27
- Host Country: Ireland
- Host Institutions: Accredited Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Deadline: Stage 1 opens June 30, 2025; closes July 25, 2025
- Program Length: 10 to 16 months (full-time master’s degree)
- Value: Fully funded (tuition, flights, accommodation, living stipend)
- Eligible Countries: Angola, Burundi, DRC, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 3.0/4.0, 2-3 years relevant work experience, no prior master’s or higher degree
Perks of the Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships 2026-27
- Full coverage of master’s tuition fees and academic costs
- Economy return flights between the home country and Ireland
- Paid accommodation for the first two trimesters; monthly housing stipend in the third trimester
- Monthly living allowance of approximately €700
- Visa application fees and medical/travel insurance included
- Settling-in and departure allowances to support transition
- Access to extracurricular activities, training, and volunteering opportunities
- Support from the Irish Council for International Students and Irish Embassies
Benefits of the Scholarships for Students from Africa 2026-27
- Gain world-class education at Ireland’s leading universities
- Build leadership skills to contribute to your country’s SDG goals
- Establish lifelong academic and professional links with Ireland
- Return home equipped to strengthen institutions and communities
- Enhance career opportunities in government, civil society, and the private sector
- Experience Ireland’s rich culture and innovation ecosystem
- Benefit from an inclusive, diverse, and supportive fellowship community
Moreover, the program aligns with global and Irish development policies, supporting sustainable growth and international cooperation. In the long term, fellows help build accountable and inclusive institutions in their home countries.
Exclusions of the Irish Government Scholarships 2026-27
- Fellowship funds cover the recipient only; no financial support or visas for spouses/dependents
- Applications from outside government or NGO partnerships (in some countries) are not eligible
- Must not currently hold or pursue a master’s or higher degree in the 2025/26 academic year
- Applicants can only apply once; multiple prior applications disqualify
- English language proficiency test costs beyond IELTS/Duolingo offered by the program are the applicant’s responsibility
Eligibility Criteria of Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026-27
- Be a national and resident of one of the eligible African countries listed above
- Hold a bachelor’s degree awarded in 2014 or later with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Have at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience, depending on the country
- Not hold or be enrolled in a master’s or higher degree program before August 2026
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to the SDGs and building relations with Ireland
- Select three eligible master’s programs from the approved directory
- Meet the academic and English proficiency requirements for selected programs
- For certain countries, applications must be from staff of government departments or NGOs partnering with Irish Aid
- Be able to take up the fellowship for the academic year 2026-2027
Important Dates of Fully Funded Fellowships in Ireland 2026-27
- Stage 1 Application Opens: June 30, 2025
- Stage 1 Application Closes: July 25, 2025
- Stage 2 Application Opens: September 22, 2025
- Stage 2 Application Closes: October 17, 2025
- Interviews (Stage 3): November – December 2025
- English Tests (Duolingo/IELTS): September 2025 & January 2026
- Fellowship Start: August/September 2026
How to Apply to the Ireland Fellowship for Africa 2026-27
- Review eligibility and read the applicant guidance notes carefully.
- Prepare required documents: passport ID, bachelor’s degree certificate, transcripts.
- Complete Stage 1 preliminary application and submit by July 25, 2025, via your relevant Irish Embassy email or online portal (Nigeria and Ghana).
- If shortlisted, take the Duolingo English Test (if required).
- Submit a detailed Stage 2 application with supporting documents by October 17, 2025.
- Attend an interview (Stage 3) by video or in person between November and December 2025.
- If successful, prepare for the master’s program applications to Irish HEIs starting March 2026.
- Accept fellowship and prepare for travel to Ireland in August/September 2026.
Required Documents for Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026-27
- Official identification (passport or government-issued ID)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate from a recognized institution
- Academic transcripts with grading explanation
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two academic reference letters (Stage 2)
- English language test scores (IELTS or Duolingo)
- Leadership and motivation statements during the application
