The Irish Government has opened applications for the 2027/2028 Ireland Fellows Programme, giving eligible early- and mid-career professionals from selected African countries a chance to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland.
The programme is open to applicants from 24 eligible African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Angola, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Lesotho, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
Successful applicants can pursue eligible master’s programmes across a wide range of fields, including agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and other development-focused disciplines listed in the programme’s Directory of Eligible Programmes.
The programme, funded by the Irish Government, covers tuition fees, return flights, accommodation and living expenses. It targets professionals with leadership potential and aims to strengthen skills and capacity while supporting sustainable development in participants’ home countries.
Application deadline closes on July 26, 2026.
Ireland Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Ireland Fellows Programme, applicants must:
- Have at least 2 or 3 years of relevant work experience, depending on the country of application.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognized institution, obtained in 2015 or later, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (equivalent to a First Class or Second Class Honours, Upper Division). Applicants with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division may also be considered if they have substantial relevant work experience.
- Not already hold a master’s degree or higher, or be currently studying for one or due to begin one during the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Be applying to start a new master’s programme in Ireland from August 2027.
- Demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their home country, and an interest in strengthening ties with Ireland.
- Select three eligible master’s programmes that match their academic background and professional experience from the programme’s approved course directory.
- Meet the academic and English language requirements for all the selected programmes.
- Have not applied for the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once previously.
- Be available to take up the fellowship during the 2027/2028 academic year.
Interested applicants are advised to confirm their eligibility with the Embassy of Ireland or their employer before submitting an application.
Also Read: How Kenyan Students Can Secure Scholarships to Study in the United States
What the Scholarship Offers
Successful applicants will receive a fully funded scholarship covering tuition fees, visa application costs, medical and travel insurance, return economy flights, and the Irish residence permit fee.
The award also includes a settling-in allowance and a completion allowance.
In addition, fellows will receive a monthly living stipend of about KSh103,000 (€700) to cater for day-to-day expenses.
Accommodation is fully arranged and paid for during the first two academic terms, while in the final term recipients receive a monthly accommodation allowance of approximately KSh118,000-KSh147,000 (€800–€1,000), depending on where they are studying in Ireland.
Also Read: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Kenyans 2026: Eligibility and How to Apply
How to Apply
Applications for the first stage of the Ireland Fellows Programme are open until July 26, 2026.
To apply, candidates should:
- Download and complete the Stage 1 application form. You can download the form from here.
- Submit the required documents, including:
- A copy of a valid passport or other official identification.
- An undergraduate degree certificate.
- Final academic transcripts, including the grading system where available.
- Wait for the Embassy’s decision. Successful Stage 1 applicants will be notified directly. Those who do not already meet the English language requirement must take the Duolingo English Test.
- Complete Stage 2, if shortlisted. This stage runs from September 21 to October 18, 2026, and requires applicants to submit a detailed application along with supporting documents.
- Attend an interview. Candidates who successfully complete Stage 2 will be invited for interviews as the final stage of the selection process.
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