Applications for the 2027–2028 Ireland Fellows Programme Are Now Open | Fully Funded Scholarship in Ireland
Are you an ambitious professional looking for a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland? The Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 is now accepting applications, offering talented individuals from eligible countries the chance to study at leading Irish higher education institutions while gaining valuable academic, professional, and leadership experience.
The Ireland Fellows Programme is a prestigious scholarship initiative supported by the Government of Ireland through Ireland’s international development cooperation efforts. The programme aims to develop future leaders by providing access to high-quality education, professional networks, and international learning experiences.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support to complete a Master’s degree in Ireland. This opportunity is designed for individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 Overview
Host Country: Ireland
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Academic Year: 2027–2028
Eligible Applicants: Candidates from eligible partner countries
Study Duration: Usually one year of full-time Master’s study
The programme provides an excellent pathway for professionals who want to enhance their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and create positive change in their communities.
Financial Benefits of the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides extensive financial support to selected candidates. The scholarship package generally includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the approved Master’s programme.
- Return international travel expenses.
- Accommodation support during the study period.
- Monthly living allowance to cover daily expenses.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Assistance with visa and related study arrangements.
This fully funded support allows scholars to focus on their education without the financial burden of studying abroad.
Fields of Study Available
Ireland offers a wide range of Master’s programmes under the Ireland Fellows Programme. Available fields may include:
- Development Studies
- Business and Management
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Science and Innovation
- Public Policy and Governance
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Environmental Studies
- Health and Social Sciences
- Information Technology
Applicants should select a programme that aligns with their professional background, career goals, and future contribution to their country.
Eligibility Criteria for Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set by the programme. While criteria may vary depending on the applicant’s country, common requirements include:
- Citizenship or residency in an eligible country.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Relevant professional experience.
- Strong academic and leadership potential.
- Commitment to returning home after completing studies.
- English language proficiency according to university requirements.
Candidates are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility rules for their specific country before submitting an application.
Eligible Countries:
To be eligible for an Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa award commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2027, applicants must:
Be a resident national of one of the countries listed below:
- 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
- For Burundi, please see both this document and the Courtney Fellowship page.
- For Nigeria, please see both this document and the Roger Casement Fellowship page.
- For Namibia, please see the Seán Mac Bride Fellowship page.
- For South Africa, please see the Kader Asmal Fellowship page.
- For Zambia, please see both this document and the Frank Ferguson Fellowship page.
- For African SIDS (Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sao Tomé and Príncipe), please see the Ireland-SIDS Fellows page.
- Have a minimum of two or three years’ substantial work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study, depending on the country (see Page 8 for details).
- Hold a bachelor’s level academic qualification from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) – i.e. a first class honour, or second class honour, Grade 1 (a second class honour Grade 2 may be accepted if the applicant has substantial directly relevant work experience). It must have been awarded in 2014 or later (i.e. within the last 12 years).
- Not already hold a qualification at master’s level or higher. Not currently undertaking a programme at master’s level or higher, or be due to start a programme at master’s level or higher in the academic year 2025/26. Candidates from Senegal must hold a minimum of a Senegalese Masters 2 with 2-3 years relevant work experience. A Senegalese Masters 1 with significant relevant work experience may be considered.
- Be applying to commence a new programme at master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2026.
- Be able to demonstrate the following: leadership abilities and aspirations; a commitment to the achievement of the SDGs within your own country; and a commitment to contribute to building positive relationships with Ireland.
- Have identified and selected three programmes relevant to your academic and professional background from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
- Have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiencies required for all programmes chosen.
- Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.
- Be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2026/2027.
- In addition, applications are by invitation only in the following countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Eritrea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia. This means that fellowships in these countries are restricted to the staff of government departments and NGOs which work in partnership with Irish Aid, and to personnel of organisations that are aligned with Irish Aid’s development strategy in their country which have already been identified by the Embassy of Ireland. Applications from outside these partnerships will not be eligible.
To find out if you are eligible to apply, please contact the relevant Embassy of Ireland or your employer.
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form.
- Valid passport or national identification document.
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Personal statement or motivation essay.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required).
- Additional documents requested by the programme or university.
A strong personal statement is especially important because applicants must demonstrate their leadership abilities, career goals, and commitment to creating positive impact.
How to Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028
The application process usually involves several steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Visit the official Ireland Fellows Programme website and confirm whether your country is eligible for the 2027–2028 intake.
Step 2: Choose a Master’s Programme
Select suitable Master’s courses offered by participating Irish universities that match your academic and professional interests.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents, including academic records, CV, recommendation letters, and personal statement.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit the online application before the official deadline. Late applications are generally not accepted.
Step 5: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on academic achievement, leadership potential, professional experience, and development impact.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 depends on the applicant’s country and the specific application round. Applicants should check the official programme website regularly for updated deadlines and announcements.
Early preparation is highly recommended because the programme is competitive and requires strong supporting documents.
Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland is one of Europe’s most popular study destinations for international students. The country is known for:
- Globally recognized universities.
- High-quality research and innovation.
- A welcoming international community.
- English-language education.
- Strong career opportunities.
- A safe and multicultural environment.
Studying in Ireland provides students with both academic knowledge and international experience that can support future career growth.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection
To create a competitive application:
- Start preparing early.
- Choose a programme connected to your career goals.
- Write a clear and impactful personal statement.
- Highlight leadership experiences.
- Explain how your studies will benefit your home community.
- Ensure all documents are accurate and complete.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Final Words
The Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 is an outstanding opportunity for talented professionals who want to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Ireland. With financial support, world-class education, and international exposure, the programme helps future leaders gain the skills needed to make meaningful contributions in their communities.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your application today and take the first step toward an exciting academic journey in Ireland.
Apply early, prepare carefully, and make your dream of studying in Ireland a reality.
