If you are an early to mid-career professional from an eligible African country looking to pursue a fully funded Master's degree in Ireland, the Ireland Fellows Programme Africa 2027/2028 is an excellent opportunity. Funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs, the programme aims to develop future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
About the Ireland Fellows Programme
The Ireland Fellows Programme enables talented professionals from eligible African countries to undertake a fully funded Master's degree at one of Ireland's leading higher education institutions.
The programme seeks to:
- Develop future leaders.
- Strengthen institutional and professional capacity in participating countries.
- Support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Build lasting partnerships between Ireland and participating countries.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:
- Full tuition fees.
- Visa application fees.
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Return economy airfare.
- Irish residence permit fee.
- Settling-in allowance.
- Completion and departure allowance.
- Monthly living stipend (currently €700, subject to review).
- Accommodation provided during the first two study trimesters.
- Accommodation stipend for the final trimester (typically €800–€1,000 depending on location).
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be nationals and residents of one 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
Note: Some countries operate through embassy nomination or partnership arrangements. Applicants should review the country-specific guidance before applying.
Eligible Courses
Applicants may choose from eligible Master's programmes in areas such as:
- Agriculture
- Public Health
- Education
- Human Rights
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Climate Change
- Governance
- Environmental Studies
- Food Security
- Development Studies
- Other programmes listed in the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a resident national of an eligible African country.
- Possess 2–3 years of substantial work experience relevant to the proposed field of study (requirements vary by country).
- Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (typically First Class or Second Class Upper; Second Class Lower may be considered where substantial relevant experience exists).
- Have obtained the Bachelor's degree within the last 12 years.
- Not already possess a Master's degree or higher (subject to limited country-specific exceptions).
- Not currently be enrolled in another Master's programme.
- Apply for a new eligible Master's programme beginning in Ireland in August or September 2027.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Demonstrate commitment to contributing to national development upon returning home.
- Select three eligible Master's programmes from the official programme directory.
- Meet the English language requirements of the chosen universities.
- Not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once previously.
Required Documents
During the application process, applicants may be required to submit:
- Completed Stage 1 application form.
- Bachelor's degree certificate.
- Academic transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Proof of employment/work experience.
- Passport or national identification.
- Other supporting documents specified in the Applicant Guidance Note.
Selection Process
The programme is conducted in three stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Application.
- Stage 2: Detailed Application (for shortlisted applicants).
- Stage 3: Interview and final selection.
Application Deadline
Application Opens: 29 June 2026
Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
How to Apply
- Read the official Applicant Guidance Note.
- Confirm that your country is eligible.
- Select three eligible Master's programmes.
- Complete the Stage 1 Application Form.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Official Application Portal
https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/applying-for-the-ireland-fellows-programme/
You can also access the Africa programme portal at:
https://educationinireland.africa/ireland-fellows-programme/
Final Thoughts
The Ireland Fellows Programme Africa remains one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunities available to African professionals. Beyond funding your Master's degree, it equips participants with leadership skills, international exposure, and professional networks that can help drive sustainable development in their home countries.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, begin preparing your application early, gather all required documents, and carefully review the official guidance before submission.
Scholarship Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Ireland |
| Study Level | Master's Degree |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Professionals from eligible African countries |
| Duration | 10–16 months |
| Application Opens | 29 June 2026 |
| Deadline | 26 July 2026 |
| Application Link | Apply Here |
