Fully Funded Ireland Fellows Programme for Africans – Apply for 2026/27
Looking to study abroad for your master’s degree in 2026? The Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa offers a fully funded one-year master’s degree scholarship in Ireland, specifically designed for early to mid-career African professionals with leadership potential.
This prestigious programme supports capacity building, gender equality, and SDG implementation in eligible African countries.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to nationals and residents of the following African countries:
Angola, Burundi, DRC, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
🔒 Note: In countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Liberia, applications are by invitation only for employees of Irish Aid partner organizations.
📝 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Return airfare to/from Ireland
✅ Accommodation
✅ Living allowance
✅ Insurance
✅ Support services in Ireland
Courses start in August or September 2026 and run for 10 to 16 months, depending on the program.
🎯 Areas of Study
Eligible master’s programmes span fields aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Agriculture & Food Systems
Health & Nutrition
Education Policy
Human Rights & Governance
Computer Science & Data Analytics
Environmental Management
Business & Finance
Engineering & Infrastructure
Gender & Social Inclusion
👉 Browse the official Directory of Eligible Programmes for details.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2026/27, you must:
Be a national and resident of an eligible African country
Have at least 2–3 years of relevant professional experience
Hold a bachelor’s degree with GPA 3.0 (Second Class Upper or above)
Not already hold a master’s degree or be currently enrolled in one
Be applying for a new master’s programme in Ireland starting in 2026
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to the SDGs
Select 3 eligible programmes from the official directory
Prepare for and pass English proficiency tests (Duolingo & IELTS)
📢 Special Notes:
For Nigeria: Also check the Roger Casement Fellowship.
For South Africa: Apply via the Kader Asmal Fellowship.
For Burundi & Senegal: Additional academic conditions apply.
🧭 How to Apply
The application process includes three competitive stages:
Preliminary Application
Detailed Application
Interview and English Proficiency Tests
📝 Important: Even native English speakers must prepare for the IELTS exam if selected after interviews.
📅 Application Timeline – 2026/27 Intake
Applications Open: July 2025
Preliminary Deadline: Varies by country
Study in Ireland Begins: August/September 2026
🎯 Only complete applications meeting all eligibility requirements will be considered.
💬 Why Choose the Ireland Fellows Programme?
🌐 Access a global education system
💼 Boost your career and leadership journey
🛠️ Help build sustainable development capacity in your home country
🤝 Build enduring professional networks with Ireland and other fellows
📞 Contact & Support
For guidance, reach out to your local Embassy of Ireland or partner employer if applications are by invitation.
🌐 Official Website:
👉 https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie
📌 Final Call: Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026/27
If you’re passionate about transforming your community and meeting global development challenges, don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to earn a master’s degree in Ireland with full financial support.
📣 Tag a friend, share this opportunity, and start preparing your documents!
📢 For regular updates on scholarships, education news, and career tips, follow Kelvin Kibet Media.
