The Government of Ireland has officially opened applications for the 2027/2028 Ireland Fellows Programme Africa. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship initiative is designed to nurture future African leaders, enhance local capacity to achieve national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and foster long-lasting, positive relationships between Ireland and participating African nations.
Eligible Countries
Early to mid-career professionals residing in the following countries are eligible to apply:
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, and Zimbabwe.
Core Areas of Study
The fellowship supports one-year taught Master’s degrees at accredited higher education institutions in Ireland. Eligible disciplines include, but are not limited to:
- Agriculture & Environmental Science
- Health & Medicine
- Education
- Human Rights & Law
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Business & Economics
A comprehensive list of approved courses can be found in the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2027/2028 intake, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Nationality & Residency: Must be a resident national of one of the eligible African countries listed above.
- Professional Experience: Possess 2 to 3 years of substantial, directly relevant professional work experience (specific requirements vary slightly by country).
- Academic Excellence: Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (equivalent to a First Class or Second Class Honours, Grade 1). The degree must have been awarded in 2015 or later.
- Academic Level: Must not already hold a Master’s degree or higher, nor be currently enrolled in a postgraduate program for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Leadership & Impact: Demonstrate clear leadership potential, a strong commitment to advancing the SDGs in their home country, and a desire to build cross-cultural connections with Ireland.
- Language Proficiency: Meet the strict English language proficiency standards required by Irish higher education institutions.
- Application History: Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once in the past.
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Support
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides comprehensive financial coverage to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their studies. The award includes:
- Full payment of academic tuition fees.
- Coverage for visa applications, medical insurance, and travel insurance.
- Economy-class return flights to and from Ireland.
- Irish Residence Permit (IRP) fee coverage.
- Stipends & Allowances:
- A settling-in allowance upon arrival.
- A monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review).
- Fully arranged and paid student accommodation for Trimesters 1 and 2 (typically September to May).
- An accommodation stipend of €800 to €1,000 per month for Trimester 3, depending on the location.
- A completion and departure allowance at the conclusion of the study period.
The Application Process
The selection process is highly competitive and is broken down into three progressive stages:
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- Stage 1: Preliminary Application (Initial eligibility check and submission of the Stage 1 Application Form).
- Stage 2: Detailed Application (For shortlisted candidates to provide deeper academic and professional insights).
- Stage 3: Interviews & English Language Testing.
Timeline & How to Apply
Application Deadline: July 26, 2026
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Funding Status: Fully Funded
Before beginning, applicants are strongly advised to thoroughly review the specific Applicant Guidance Note for their respective country, as subtle local variations may apply.
To download the Stage 1 Application Form and explore the complete course directory, visit their official website:
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
