The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027 is officially open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship is your gateway to earning a Master’s or PhD degree in Ireland at some of the world’s top-ranked universities—all expenses paid!
About the Ireland Fellows Programme
The Ireland Fellows Programme is an initiative of the Government of Ireland, funded through Irish Aid and administered in partnership with the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). The programme was established to provide early- to mid-career professionals from eligible countries the chance to pursue postgraduate education in Ireland, enhance their leadership skills, and return home equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Since its launch in 1974, the programme has supported over 4,000 Fellows from 79 developing countries, with a strong focus on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Study Opportunities: Master’s and PhD Programmes
✅ Fully Funded Master’s Degrees
Selected candidates will study in Ireland for one year (typically September–August) and complete a taught Master’s degree in fields aligned with national development priorities and the SDGs. Examples include:
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Education
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Health and Medicine
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Climate Change
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Engineering and Technology
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Agriculture and Food Systems
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Human Rights and Law
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Gender Studies
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Public Administration
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Business and Finance
Programmes are offered at top Irish universities and institutions, including:
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Trinity College Dublin
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University College Dublin
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University of Galway
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University College Cork
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Dublin City University, and more.
PhD Research Opportunity (Pilot)
New for this cycle, a fully funded PhD research strand is available as a pilot scheme for Vietnamese applicants. This includes one year of PhD study and research in Ireland with full financial support, including research grants up to €3,250.
Specialised Fellowship Strands
The Ireland Fellows Programme includes both regional and country-specific strands to promote inclusiveness and diversity:
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Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme
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Ireland-Asia Fellows Programme
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Casement Fellowship (Nigeria – Human Rights & Law)
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Courtney Fellowship (Burundi – Peace Studies)
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Kader Asmal Fellowship (South Africa – Development & Democracy)
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Frank Ferguson Fellowship (Zambia – Engineering)
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Seán MacBride Fellowship (Namibia – Law & Governance)
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Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Fellowship
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Latin America and Caribbean Fellowship
Each stream offers tailored opportunities for applicants based on their country and area of expertise.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
One of the biggest highlights of this programme is that everything is fully funded:
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Full tuition fees
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Travel costs (return flights to Ireland)
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Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
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Accommodation allowance
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Health insurance
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Visa fees
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Books and study materials
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Settling-in allowance
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Research support grant (for PhD strand)
This makes it one of the most comprehensive scholarship opportunities available to students from developing countries.
Who Can Apply?
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
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Be a citizen and resident of an eligible country (check country-specific requirements).
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Have a strong academic background with at least a bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent).
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Be early- or mid-career professionals with relevant work experience.
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Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to development in their home country.
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Not have previously studied or worked in a high-income country for more than 12 months.
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Meet the English language requirements (IELTS or Duolingo English Test score).
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Be able to commence studies in September 2026.
Some fellowships may have additional requirements, such as field of study or prior community engagement, so always check your specific country’s strand.
Application Timeline
The application process is multi-staged and begins July 1, 2025:
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Preliminary Application (Stage 1) – Open call for expressions of interest.
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Detailed Application (Stage 2) – Selected candidates submit essays, recommendations, and documents.
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Interview Stage (Stage 3) – Finalists undergo interviews and English proficiency tests.
⏳ Application Deadline: Varies by strand, but most close by July 25, 2025. Check the official site or your country’s Irish Embassy for exact dates.
How to Apply
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Visit the official Ireland Fellows Programme website:
https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie -
Identify your eligibility strand (Africa, Asia, SIDS, etc.)
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Read the Directory of Eligible Courses carefully and select your preferred programme(s).
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Begin your Stage 1 application online and gather supporting documents:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Passport or ID copy
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Personal statement/motivation letter
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Recommendation letters
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English test scores (if available)
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Submit your application before the deadline and await contact for the next stage.
Pro Tips for a Strong Application
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Start early! Prepare your academic documents and personal statement in advance.
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Focus your motivation letter on your goals, development impact, and why Ireland is the best fit.
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Highlight leadership experience and professional achievements.
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Choose relevant courses aligned with your country’s development needs.
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Practice for interviews and improve your English skills ahead of time.
✅ Final Thoughts
The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027 offers an outstanding opportunity for ambitious professionals from developing countries to access world-class education, gain leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their nation’s growth. If you’re passionate about creating positive change and ready to expand your academic and professional horizons, don’t miss this opportunity.
Apply today and take the first step toward a life-changing journey in Ireland!
Official Website: https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie
Deadline: ~July 25, 2025 (depending on your strand)