Fully Funded Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027 | Study in Ireland

Ireland Fellows Programme Status
Scholarship Name:
Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027
Funded By:
Irish Aid – Department of Foreign Affairs
Funding Type:
Fully Funded (Tuition, Travel, Living)
Eligible Countries:
Selected countries across Africa
Application Stage 1 Closes In:
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Stage 1 Deadline:
28 July 2025

Want to study in one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world — without paying for tuition, flights, or living costs? 🌍✈️

The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027 is your golden opportunity. It’s a fully funded scholarship for students from selected countries who want to earn a master’s degree in Ireland.

This program is not just about free education. It’s about becoming a future leader, gaining world-class skills, and building a better future for your home country.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything:

  • What the program offers
  • Who can apply
  • How to apply
  • And when to apply

So, if you’re ready to take your career to the next level — and experience life in Ireland — keep reading!

What Is the Ireland Fellows Programme?

The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027 is a fully funded scholarship that allows students from eligible countries to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland. The program is funded by Irish Aid, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland.

The goal is to support future leaders by giving them the chance to study in Irish universities. These students can then return home and use their knowledge to make a positive impact in their country.

Courses last between 10 and 16 months, and classes begin in August or September 2026. Students can choose from many fields, such as health, education, engineering, and more.

This program supports gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunity. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, minorities, and underrepresented groups.

Benefits of the Ireland Fellows Programme

This fellowship offers many valuable benefits. It removes the cost of studying abroad and helps students settle comfortably in Ireland.

Here is a list of what the scholarship covers:

BenefitDetails
Full Tuition Fees100% of academic fees covered for the selected program
Air TravelRound-trip international flights to and from Ireland
Monthly StipendMonthly allowance for living expenses like food and transport
AccommodationHousing costs are fully supported
Relocation AllowanceOne-time payment to help students settle after arriving in Ireland

These benefits are designed to help students focus fully on their studies without any financial stress.

Fields of Study You Can Choose From

The Ireland Fellows Programme allows students to study a wide range of subjects. These are master’s level courses at top universities in Ireland.

Some of the most popular fields include:

  • Agriculture
  • Health
  • Education
  • Human Rights
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Business and Management
  • Sustainable Development
  • Climate Studies
  • Public Policy and Governance

For a full list of eligible courses, visit the official Directory of Eligible Programmes 2026–27.

You must select three programs from this directory when you apply.

List of Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to applicants from selected countries across sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia, and other regions.

Here is a list of eligible countries for the 2026–2027 cycle:

Africa
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

Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of these countries at the time of application.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme, you must meet certain requirements. These are designed to ensure that the program supports students who are ready to succeed in an international academic setting.

Here are the main eligibility rules:

  • You must be a citizen of an eligible country
  • You must have at least 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience
  • You should not already have a master’s degree
  • Your bachelor’s GPA must be 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale)
  • You must apply for a new master’s program that starts in August or September 2026
  • You should show leadership skills and a commitment to community development
  • You must choose three eligible programs from the official list
  • You must meet academic and English language requirements
  • You must not have applied more than once for this program before

Senegalese students must have a Master 2 degree and 2 to 3 years of experience.

What Documents You Need to Apply

To complete your application, you need to prepare and upload several documents. These documents help prove your qualifications and readiness for the program.

Here is a list of required documents:

  • Academic transcripts from your previous studies
  • Degree certificates showing your educational background
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement explaining your goals and motivation
  • Updated CV or resume
  • Passport copy
  • Recent passport-sized photo
  • IELTS certificate (or proof of English proficiency)

Make sure all documents are clear and complete. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

How to Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme

Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme

Applying for this scholarship is done online through the official Irish Aid website.

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Create an account on the official application portal
  2. Fill in the form with personal info, education details, and work experience
  3. Upload all documents, including proof of English proficiency
  4. Choose three programs from the eligible courses directory
  5. Check your form to make sure everything is correct
  6. Sign and submit the application

You don’t need to pay anything to apply. The process is completely free.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The application process has two stages. Each stage has a separate deadline. Be sure to submit your application on time.

StageDates
Stage 1: PreliminaryOpens: 1 July 2025Closes: 28 July 2025
Stage 2: DetailedOpens: 23 September 2025Closes: 18 October 2025

Start preparing early so you don’t miss any deadlines.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward a Life-Changing Experience

The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027 is more than a scholarship. It is your chance to study in Ireland for free, grow as a leader, and make a real difference in your country.

If you meet the requirements and have the passion to create change, don’t wait. Start preparing your documents today and get ready to apply.

This is your time to shine. A new world of knowledge, opportunity, and personal growth is waiting for you in Ireland.

Apply here: https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie

Let Ireland be the next big step in your journey.