Government of Ireland Fellows Programme (Irish Aid)

The Government of Ireland Fellows Programme is a fully funded one-year master’s scholarship in Ireland for early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Small Island Developing States and Palestine. It covers programme fees, flights, accommodation, a monthly living allowance and insurance for the full 10 to 16 month degree.

Candidates need a strong bachelor’s degree, two to three years of relevant work experience and demonstrated leadership tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. Selection runs in three stages with interviews in early 2027. Stage 1 applications for the 2027-28 intake are open now and close on July 26, 2026, so act immediately.

• Early to mid-career professionals with leadership potential from eligible countries under the programme strands: Africa (about 24 countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe), Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and others), Latin America, Small Island Developing States, and Palestine.
• Resident nationals of the eligible country with two to three years of substantial work experience directly relevant to the proposed study (the exact requirement varies by country).
• Bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a recognized institution, awarded in 2015 or later; a good second-class degree can be considered with strong relevant experience.
• Not already holding a master's degree, and applying to start a new master's-level programme in Ireland in August or September 2027.
• Three programmes selected from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes, with a clear understanding of their academic and English requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership, commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in your country, and interest in building links with Ireland.
• Maximum of two lifetime applications, and in several countries (including Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Sierra Leone) applications are by invitation through Irish Aid partner organizations only.

• Full programme fees at an Irish higher education institution for a 10 to 16 month master's.
• Economy return flights between your home country and Ireland.
• Accommodation costs covered for the duration of the programme.
• Monthly living allowance for food, transport and personal expenses, plus insurance and support services through the Irish Council for International Students.
• Named prestige strands in some countries, such as the Roger Casement Fellowship (Nigeria) and Kader Asmal Fellowship (South Africa).
• An alumni network of nearly 4,000 Ireland Fellows from 79 countries built since 1974.

• Stage 1 preliminary application form submitted online (or to the relevant Embassy of Ireland, per your country's guidance note).
• Identity document and academic transcripts with certificates.
• Evidence of relevant work experience.
• Your shortlist of three eligible programmes from the official directory.
• Stage 2 detailed application for those shortlisted, followed by an interview at stage 3.
• English test evidence: shortlisted candidates without certification sit the Duolingo English Test (or IELTS in January 2027 if their chosen institution requires it).

• Read the guidance note for your country strand on ireland.ie, since eligibility, work-experience rules and application routes differ by country.
• Choose three master's programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes that match your background; areas include agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering and business.
• Submit the Stage 1 application before the deadline: the current 2027-28 window runs to July 26, 2026 (July 27 at 3 PM GMT for the strands run through Canon Collins Trust), and this is a firm cutoff.
• Successful Stage 1 candidates complete the detailed Stage 2 form later in 2026 and interviews follow in early 2027.
• Take the English test promptly if shortlisted so your conditional place can be confirmed.
• Awards are finalized in spring 2027 for programmes starting August or September 2027, and Fellows are expected to return home to apply their skills.