Are you an ambitious professional looking to earn a world class master’s degree without worrying about tuition or living expenses, the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/2028 is one of the best fully funded scholarship opportunities available for you.

Funded by the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid, the programme supports early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of their home countries.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to study at leading Irish universities, develop leadership skills, and build lasting international networks.

Applications for the 2027/2028 Ireland Fellows Programme officially opened on Monday, 29 June 2026, giving eligible candidates the opportunity to begin their journey toward a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland.

Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Ireland Fellows Programme, including eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, participating universities, application process, and important deadlines.

What is the Ireland Fellows Programme?

The Ireland Fellows Programme is a prestigious international scholarship funded by the Government of Ireland as part of its international development policy.

The programme aims to strengthen leadership capacity, promote sustainable development, and foster long-term partnerships between Ireland and participating countries.

Successful applicants undertake a one-year full time master’s degree at selected higher education institutions in Ireland.

The programme focuses on developing future leaders who will return home after graduation and use their knowledge and skills to contribute to national development.

Unlike many scholarships that focus solely on academic achievement, the Ireland Fellows Programme also evaluates leadership potential, professional experience, and a clear commitment to creating positive change within applicants’ communities.

Scholarship Benefits

The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded and covers nearly all expenses associated with studying in Ireland.

Successful applicants receive:

• Full tuition fees for an approved master’s programme
• Economy return airfare between their home country and Ireland
• Visa application fees
• Irish residence permit fee
• Medical and travel insurance
• A settling-in allowance upon arrival
• A completion and departure allowance
• A monthly living stipend
• Accommodation support throughout the programme
• Orientation and leadership development activities

This comprehensive financial package enables fellows to focus on their studies and professional development without financial stress.

Eligible Countries

The programme is available only to applicants from eligible countries. Eligibility varies depending on the regional strand of the programme, including Africa and other partner regions supported by Irish Aid.

Applicants must generally be both citizens and residents of an eligible country at the time of application.

For these, resident nationals of Nigeria and Ghana are eligible to apply.

Eligible Degree Programmes

The Ireland Fellows Programme supports one-year taught master’s degrees in fields that align with sustainable development priorities.

Eligible areas commonly include:

• Agriculture and Food Security
• Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
• Public Health
• Human Rights
• Education
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business and Management
• Public Policy
• Economics
• International Development
• Gender Equality
• Renewable Energy

Applicants must choose eligible courses listed in the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.

Ireland Fellows Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/2028, applicants must satisfy several eligibility requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

• Be a resident national of an eligible country.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher education institution.
• Meet the minimum academic standard required for admission.
• Have at least two or three years of relevant work experience, depending on their country or fellowship stream.
• Demonstrate leadership ability and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Be applying for a new eligible master’s programme beginning in the 2027/2028 academic year.
• Meet the English language requirements of their chosen universities.
• Not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification (subject to country-specific guidance).

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning the online application:

• Completed Stage 1 application form
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• Development impact statement
• Employment reference letters
• Academic reference
• Valid passport or national identification
• English language qualification (where required)

Ensure that all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.

How to Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027

The application process consists of several stages.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Carefully review the eligibility criteria for your country and ensure you satisfy the academic, professional, and residency requirements.

Step 2: Select Eligible Master’s Programmes

Choose up to the permitted number of master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes that align with your academic background and career goals.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documents before beginning the online application.

Strong personal statements and development impact statements can significantly strengthen your application.

Step 4: Submit Your Stage 1 Application

Applications for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/2028 officially opened on Monday, 29 June 2026.

Eligible applicants must complete and submit their Stage 1 application before the closing date.

Step 5: University Applications

Applicants who successfully pass Stage 1 will be invited to submit applications to participating Irish universities.

Step 6: Final Scholarship Selection

Following university admissions and final assessment, successful candidates receive official scholarship offers before beginning their studies in Ireland.

Selection Criteria

The Ireland Fellows Programme is highly competitive.

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic achievement
• Professional experience
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to sustainable development
• Quality of the personal statement
• Development impact statement
• Relevance of the selected master’s programme

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

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Ireland Fellows Programme 2027 Application Dates

The Government of Ireland has announced the following application timeline for the 2027/2028 Ireland Fellows Programme:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.

Applying early gives you enough time to prepare your supporting documents, review your personal statement, secure reference letters, and avoid last minute technical issues during the online application process.