Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ireland is announcing Fully Funded Ireland Fellows Programme for the African applicants. The study award is open for the academic session 2025/2026.

Applicants must be nationals and residents of eligible African countries, hold a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above (awarded in 2014 or later), and have 2–3 years of relevant work experience. They must not already hold or be pursuing a master’s degree and must demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to SDGs, and a willingness to build ties with Ireland. In some countries, applications are by invitation only through Irish Aid partner organizations.

Ireland’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are globally recognized for academic excellence, research innovation, and a strong commitment to student support. They include universities, institutes of technology, and specialized colleges that offer a wide range of postgraduate programs.

Application Deadline: The Stage 2 application form opens 22 September 2025 and closes on 17 October 2025.

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ireland

• Department: Various (based on the selected programme)

• Course Level: Master’s degree (One-year, full-time)

• Award: Fully funded (includes tuition, flights, accommodation, living expenses)

• Access Mode: Online application

• Number of Awards: NA

• Nationality: Citizens of eligible African countries

• The award can be taken in: Ireland

Eligibility

• Eligible 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

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Courses in agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and more as listed in the Directory of Eligible Programmes.

• Admissible Criteria: Applicants must:
  • Be a resident national of an eligible country
  • Have at least 2–3 years of relevant work experience (varies by country)
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or higher, awarded in 2014 or later
  • Not hold or be undertaking a master’s or higher-level qualification
  • Be applying for a new master’s starting in August/September 2026
  • Demonstrate leadership, commitment to SDGs, and an intent to build ties with Ireland
  • Choose three eligible programmes from the official directory
  • Meet the academic and English language requirements
  • Not have applied to this programme more than once before
  • Be able to take up the fellowship in 2026–27
  • In certain countries, applications are by invitation only (e.g., Burundi, Kenya, Uganda) – applicants must be affiliated with Irish Aid partner organizations

How to Apply

The application process involves three stages:

1. Preliminary Application

2. Detailed Application

3. Interview

4. English language testing is normally through the International English Language Test (IELTSwww.IELTS.org). IELTS examines competency in the English language across reading, writing, speaking and listening. Most HEIs require a score of 6.5 overall, but some require a higher overall score, or specific scores within each band. The Ireland Fellows Programme Directory of Eligible Programmes will indicate the levels required for each programme. It is the applicant’s responsibility to be aware of the IELTS score required for all the programmes selected.

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Return airfare

• Accommodation and monthly living allowance

• Health insurance

• Support for study-related travel within Ireland
  Note: The award does not cover family members or dependents.

Apply Now