The Ireland Fellows Programme is one of the most generous fully funded master’s scholarships currently open, offering early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Palestine the chance to complete a one-year master’s degree in Ireland — with tuition, living costs, accommodation, flights, and health insurance fully covered.
If you’re researching fully funded scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year, this guide walks through exactly who qualifies, what the fellowship covers, which documents you’ll need, and how to apply before the deadline.
Quick Overview
| Level of study | Master’s degree |
| Funded by | Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Government of Ireland) |
| Duration | 10–16 months, depending on the programme |
| Funding type | Fully funded |
| Application window | Monday, 29 June 2026 – Sunday, 26 July 2026 |
| Programme start | August 2027 |
What the Ireland Fellows Programme Covers
This is a fully funded scholarship. Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition and programme fees
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- An accommodation allowance
- A settling-in allowance
- Round-trip international airfare
- Health insurance for the duration of study
The fellowship covers the recipient only — it does not extend to funding or visa support for spouses or dependents.
Who Can Apply
The programme runs through several regional strands, each with its own list of eligible countries and, in some cases, its own application route. Before applying, confirm which strand applies to you and whether your country’s process is open to individual applicants or restricted to nominations through a partner organization or employer — this varies by country, so it’s worth checking the strand-specific page rather than assuming.
Broadly, eligible regions include:
- Africa — a wide group of countries across East, West, and Southern Africa
- Asia — currently Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific
- Palestine — via a separate process
Because the exact country list and application route (open vs. invitation-only) can differ by strand and by year, always confirm your eligibility on the official strand page linked at the end of this post before you start preparing documents.
Core Eligibility Criteria
While specific requirements vary slightly by country, the general criteria across the programme are:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited, government-recognised institution, typically with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent — first class or upper second class honours), awarded within roughly the last 12 years
- Have a minimum of 2–3 years of relevant work experience related to your intended field of study
- Not already hold a master’s degree or higher, and not be currently enrolled in one
- Be applying to start a new master’s programme in Ireland no sooner than August 2027
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals relevant to your home country
- Select three relevant programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements for your chosen programmes
- Not have applied to this fellowship more than once previously
- Be available to take up the fellowship in the 2027/2028 academic year
Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship funds master’s study across a broad range of development-linked disciplines, including:
- Health
- Agriculture
- Education
- Human rights
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Business
- Climate change and sustainability
You’ll select three programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes as part of your application.
English Language Requirements
Every applicant must demonstrate English proficiency — there are no exceptions, even for those from primarily English-speaking countries.
If you’re shortlisted after the first stage and don’t already hold an accepted certificate, you’ll typically be asked to sit the Duolingo English Test. If your chosen university requires a different standard, you may instead need an IELTS score, usually completed around January 2027. You don’t need a completed test to apply, but you should know in advance the score required for each of your three chosen programmes.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally asked to prepare:
- Completed Stage 1 application form
- Updated CV
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose or motivation statement
- Two recommendation or reference letters
- Passport copy
- Passport-style photograph
- English language certificate, if already available
Document requirements can be refined from year to year, so cross-check the Applicant Guidance Note for your strand before submitting.
Application Process
- Stage 1 – Preliminary Application: Submit the initial application form along with core documents before the deadline.
- Stage 2 – Detailed Application: Shortlisted candidates submit a more comprehensive application covering leadership experience, SDG commitment, and specific programme choices.
- Stage 3 – Interview: Final shortlisted candidates are interviewed before selection decisions are made.
Key Dates
- Applications open: Monday, 29 June 2026
- Application deadline: Sunday, 26 July 2026 — a strict, firm cutoff
- English testing (if required): Around January 2027
- Programme start: August 2027
Reference letters and transcripts take time to arrange, so it’s worth starting well before the deadline rather than in the final days.
Official Resources
- Main programme page: https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/
- Applying for the Ireland Fellows Programme (strand-by-strand eligibility): https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/applying-for-the-ireland-fellows-programme/
Use these pages to confirm your specific strand, country eligibility, and application route before preparing your documents, and to download the current guidance note and directory of eligible programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship really fully funded? Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, an accommodation allowance, a settling-in allowance, flights, and health insurance.
Can I apply if I already hold a master’s degree? No. Applicants must not already hold a master’s degree or higher.
Do I need work experience to apply? Yes, generally a minimum of 2–3 years of relevant work experience is required, though this can vary slightly by country.
Is the application open to everyone, or by invitation only? It depends on your country. Some countries have an open application process; others require nomination through a partner organization or employer. Always check the strand-specific page for your country.
Can I bring my spouse or children? No. The fellowship funds the recipient only and does not cover dependents.
What happens if I miss the 26 July 2026 deadline? There is no late submission window. Start gathering your documents early, since reference letters and transcripts typically take the longest to arrange.
Follow @stepbystepscholarshipguide for more fully funded scholarship breakdowns, deadlines, and step-by-step application guidance.
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