SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW
Programme Name: Ireland Fellows Programme (IFP)
Host Country: Ireland
Funded By: Government of Ireland (Irish Aid – Department of Foreign Affairs)
Degree Level: Master’s Degree (NFQ Level 9, Full-Time)
Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition, Flights, Stipend, Accommodation, and more)
Eligible Countries: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States
Application Stage 1 Deadline (Africa Strand): 25 July 2025
Program Start: August – September 2026
About the Ireland Fellows Programme (IFP)
The Ireland Fellows Programme offers early- to mid-career professionals from eligible low- and middle-income countries the chance to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree at a top Irish university. Managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and delivered in partnership with Irish institutions and ICOS, the programme fosters leadership, supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and builds lasting links between Ireland and partner countries.
The scholarship is awarded competitively, with no application fee required. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential and commitment to returning home to contribute to national development.
What the Fellowship Covers
- Full tuition fees (EU rate or waiver)
- Monthly stipend: €700
- Visa, travel & medical insurance fees
- Accommodation support:
- Semesters 1–2: student housing paid
- Semester 3: stipend (€800–€1,000/month)
- Return economy-class airfare
- Settling-in & completion allowances
- English test voucher (Duolingo) for eligible candidates
Note: No funding is provided for dependants.
Eligible Study Fields
Applicants must choose three Master’s programs from the official directory that are:
- Full-time, on-campus, up to 16 months
- Relevant to the following areas:
- Agriculture & Rural Development
- Health
- Gender Equality
- Climate & Environmental Science
- Public Policy
- Human Rights & Governance
- ICT & Engineering
- Public Financial Management
- International Relations
Who Can Apply? (Africa Strand Example)
To be eligible for the 2026–27 intake, applicants must:
- Be a resident national of an eligible African country (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours (Grade 1) or GPA ≥ 3.0 (awarded 2014 or later)
- Have 2–3 years’ relevant full-time work experience
- Not hold a Master’s or higher qualification
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to SDG-aligned national development
- Be able to meet the IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) requirement by Stage 3
- Not have applied more than once before
Application Timeline (Africa Strand – 2026–27)
| Stage | Window | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Expression of Interest | 30 Jun – 25 Jul 2025 | Short form, passport/ID, degree certificate, transcript (submit via email: ethiopiafellowships@dfa.ie) |
| Stage 2 – Detailed Application (By Invitation Only) | 22 Sep – 10 Oct 2025 | Personal statement, references, IELTS/Duolingo results, certificates, academic history |
| Stage 3 – Interview & English Test | Nov – Dec 2025 | In-person or video interviews focusing on development vision, leadership, and course alignment |
| Final Decision | June–July 2026 | Successful candidates will receive final award letters |
Post-Award Obligations
- Fellows must return to their home country after graduation
- Apply skills to support national priorities and SDG implementation
- Join the Ireland Fellows Alumni Network, with access to:
- Mentoring & small-grant opportunities
- Continued networking with Irish embassies and universities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align career goals with national development plans and SDGs
- Show evidence of leadership and impact in your field
- Choose courses that complement your current role
- Prepare early for IELTS/Duolingo
- Secure academic and professional referees who can vouch for your potential
How to Apply
- Email your Stage 1 documents (as individual PDFs) to your region’s address
- Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti: ethiopiafellowships@dfa.ie
- Use correct file naming: e.g.,
First-Name Last-Name – Transcript.pdf - Applications that are late or incomplete will not be considered
Where to Get Official Information
- Embassy of Ireland in your country – local calls and contact emails
- ICOS – practical pre-departure briefings and on-arrival support for awardees
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