Ireland Fellows Programme 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s Degree | Open to African Countries

Ireland Fellows Programme 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s Degree | Open to African Countries

Are you a changemaker with leadership potential and a passion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026 is your gateway to a fully funded, one-year Master’s degree in Ireland, covering tuition, flights, accommodation, and living expenses!

This prestigious fellowship empowers early to mid-career professionals from developing countries to study at world-class Irish universities, grow their leadership skills, and return home to drive sustainable change.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: Ireland
  
  

• Study Location: Europe
  
  

• Category: Master’s Scholarships | Fellowships
  
  

• Eligible Countries: Select African nations (see list below)
  
  

• Duration: 10 to 16 months
  
  

• Deadline: Not Specified
  
  

• Scholarship Worth:
  Full Tuition
  Round-trip Flights
  Accommodation
  Monthly Living Stipend
  
  

Programme Goals

The Ireland Fellows Programme aims to:

Nurture future leaders
Build in-country capacity aligned with SDG goals
Strengthen international ties with Ireland
Equip professionals to return and drive development in their home countries

Eligible Countries (Africa)

• Angola
  
  

• Burundi
  
  

• Democratic Republic of Congo
  
  

• Djibouti
  
  

• Eritrea
  
  

• Eswatini
  
  

• Ethiopia
  
  

• Kenya
  
  

• Lesotho
  
  

• Liberia
  
  

• Malawi
  
  

• Mozambique
  
  

• Nigeria
  
  

• Rwanda
  
  

• Senegal
  
  

• Sierra Leone
  
  

• Somalia
  
  

• South Sudan
  
  

• Sudan
  
  

• Tanzania
  
  

• Uganda
  
  

• Zambia
  
  

• Zimbabwe
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

Be a resident and national of one of the eligible countries listed above
Have 2–3 years of relevant work experience (depending on your country)
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA 3.0) awarded in 2013 or later
NOT hold or be studying for a Master’s degree currently
Demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to SDGs, and willingness to strengthen ties with Ireland
Be ready to begin a Master’s programme in August or September 2025

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition for any eligible master’s programme
  
  

• Return economy airfare
  
  

• Accommodation in Ireland
  
  

• Monthly living allowance
  
  

• Health insurance and student support services
  
  

Application Process (3 Phases)

1. Stage 1 – Preliminary Application
   
   

2. Stage 2 – Detailed Application (for shortlisted candidates)
   
   

3. Stage 3 – Interview (final stage)
   
   

Language Tests Required:

• Online Duolingo English Test after Stage 2
  
  

• IELTS Test (unless already held) after interviews
  
  

Pro Tip: Start preparing early for the IELTS exam, even if you’re a fluent English speaker!

Why You Should Apply

This is more than a scholarship, it’s a transformational leadership opportunity. Build global connections, earn a world-class degree, and return home empowered to make lasting change.