The Government of Ireland Fellows Programme offers outstanding early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries the opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland. The programme aims to develop future leaders by equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills that contribute to sustainable development in their home countries while strengthening long-term partnerships between Ireland and participating nations.
About the Government of Ireland Fellows Programme
The Government of Ireland Fellows Programme is funded by the Irish Government to support talented professionals with demonstrated leadership potential. It provides access to world-class education at Irish higher education institutions while promoting capacity building, sustainable development and international collaboration.
The programme is designed for graduates who are committed to addressing development challenges in their home countries. Upon completing their studies, fellows are expected to return home and apply the knowledge and experience gained to support national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to academic training, the Government of Ireland Fellows Programme seeks to build lasting professional and personal relationships between Ireland and participating countries through leadership development and international networking.
Scholarship Benefits
The Government of Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded and covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Visa application costs
- International return flights
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Accommodation expenses
- Living allowance throughout the programme
Eligible master’s programmes usually begin in August or September and last between 10 and 16 months, depending on the course.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Government of Ireland Fellows Programme, applicants must:
- Be a resident national of an eligible participating country.
- Have at least two or three years of relevant professional work experience, depending on their country of application.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to a First Class or Second Class Honours degree.
- Have obtained their bachelor’s qualification in 2013 or later.
- Not already possess a master’s degree or higher qualification.
- Not be currently enrolled in or due to begin another master’s programme.
- Apply for a new eligible master’s programme in Ireland.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals in their home country.
- Show a commitment to building positive relationships between their country and Ireland.
Eligible countries include Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others under the programme.
Application Process
The Government of Ireland Fellows Programme uses a three-stage selection process:
- Preliminary Application
- Detailed Application
- Interview
Applicants who progress beyond the second stage must complete the Duolingo English Test.
Candidates shortlisted after the interview stage will normally be required to take the IELTS examination unless they already possess a valid IELTS certificate issued in 2023 or later that satisfies their chosen university’s English language requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare for the IELTS examination well in advance, even if English is their first language.
Required Documents
Applicants should be prepared to provide documents such as:
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of relevant work experience
- Personal statement and supporting application documents
- Identification documents
- Any additional documents requested during the application process
How To Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official Government of Ireland Fellows Programme portal and carefully follow the instructions for each stage of the selection process. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
Application Deadline
July 26, 2026