The Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa is a fully funded, zero-cost opportunity for early-to-mid career professionals across Africa to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in Ireland at top-tier Irish universities. This prestigious, high-impact scholarship provides a fast-track route to academic excellence and professional leadership while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
The programme is administered by Irish Aid, the government’s development cooperation arm, and is designed for talented individuals with leadership potential who are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making an impact in their home countries. Fellows are selected through a highly competitive and time-sensitive process, with all costs covered — including tuition, travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and a generous monthly stipend.
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This is a transformational opportunity for professionals who want to upgrade their careers, deepen their knowledge, and establish meaningful partnerships with institutions and peers from Ireland and around the world. More than a scholarship, it is an exclusive leadership pipeline that nurtures future policy shapers, innovators, and changemakers.
The scholarship is particularly targeted at individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and those from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. Each fellow will be able to select from a wide directory of eligible master’s programmes aligned with key development areas including climate change, public health, ICT, gender equality, agriculture, education, human rights, and more.
With urgent application deadlines and limited national quotas, this is a final call for African professionals to act fast, prepare early, and claim this opportunity of a lifetime.
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Requirement/Eligibility
To be considered for the Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality & Residency: Must be a citizen and resident of one of the following 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, or Zimbabwe.
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2. Educational Qualification: Must hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum of 3.0 GPA equivalent) from a recognized institution. The degree must have been awarded within the last 12 years.
3. Work Experience: Must have at least 2–3 years of substantial, relevant work experience that relates to the desired field of study.
4. Postgraduate Status: Must not already possess a Master’s degree or higher qualification.
5. Leadership & Development Commitment: Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to the SDGs and national development.
6. Return Commitment: Applicants must commit to returning to their home country after completion of the fellowship and contribute to development for at least two years.
7. Application Access: In certain countries, including Nigeria, applicants must be nominated or invited by Irish Aid’s local partner organizations or Irish embassies.
8. Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL, if not exempt.
9. Course Selection: Must select and apply to 1–3 eligible Master’s programmes from the Ireland Fellows Programme Directory aligned with development goals.
10. No Prior Irish Residence Application: Must not have applied for Irish permanent residency within the past five years.
Duration/Stipend
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides a one-year full-time Master’s programme in Ireland. The scholarship covers the following in full:
- Tuition Fees: 100% of university application and academic tuition fees.
- Travel: Return flights (economy class) to and from Ireland.
- Accommodation & Living Costs: Monthly stipend designed to cover housing, transport, food, and personal expenses.
- Settling-in Allowance: Paid upon arrival in Ireland to help with transition expenses.
- Completion Allowance: Paid after graduation to assist fellows in reintegrating upon return home.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage during the period of study in Ireland.
- Visa Costs: Includes student visa fee reimbursement.
- English Language Testing: Fees for Duolingo or IELTS are also reimbursed where applicable.
Deadline
Not Specified
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