The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–27 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship programme designed for early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries. The programme aims to empower individuals with leadership potential by providing them with access to a world-class education in Ireland. It promotes sustainable development and capacity building in partner countries while strengthening long-term relationships between Ireland and international professionals.
This comprehensive guide covers the eligibility criteria, application stages, funding benefits, and everything else you need to know to successfully apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme.
What is the Ireland Fellows Programme?
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides selected candidates with the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s degree at an Irish higher education institution (HEI). Programmes generally commence in August or September and run for 10 to 16 months, depending on the course of study.
The programme is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and aligns with several strategic international development and foreign policy frameworks. In Ireland, the programme is managed in collaboration with the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), while regional implementation is overseen by relevant Irish embassies.
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Objectives of the Ireland Fellows Programme:
The Ireland Fellows Programme is more than a scholarship it is a platform for global cooperation, leadership development, and capacity building. The programme’s core goals include:
● Fostering leadership skills among future influencers and decision-makers.
● Supporting national progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).
● Promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality, especially for underrepresented groups including individuals with disabilities and those whose gender identity does not align with binary norms.
● Strengthening diplomatic, academic, and professional links between Ireland and partner countries.
● Developing in-country expertise to support institutional reform and sustainable development.
Upon completion, fellows are expected to return home and apply their skills to contribute meaningfully to development goals in their home countries while maintaining enduring ties with Ireland.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
One of the most attractive features of the Ireland Fellows Programme is its comprehensive financial coverage, which removes all financial barriers for selected candidates. The fellowship includes:
● Full tuition fees for eligible one-year master's programmes.
● Visa application fees and Irish residence permit fee.
● Medical and travel insurance.
● Economy-class return flights to and from Ireland.
● Monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review).
● Settling-in allowance to support initial living costs upon arrival.
● Completion and departure allowance at the end of the programme.
● Student housing provided for Trimester 1 and 2 (September to May).
● A monthly accommodation stipend of €800–€1000 for Trimester 3, depending on location in Ireland.
● The fellowship does not provide funding for spouses or dependents.
In addition to academic studies, fellows benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, training workshops, and volunteering opportunities, enriching their experience and expanding their global networks.
Eligible Fields of Study:
Applicants must select their courses from the Directory of Eligible Programmes, which includes master’s programmes relevant to sustainable development and public service. Fields include:
● Agriculture and rural development.
● Health and medicine.
● Education.
● Human rights and international law.
● Engineering and infrastructure.
● Computer science and ICT.
● Business, finance, and economics.
● Public administration.
● Environmental science and climate action.
Candidates are required to select three master’s programmes that are relevant to their academic and professional background.
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Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–27, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality and Residency:
● Be a resident national of an eligible country.
● Reside in the country of eligibility at the time of application.
2. Work Experience:
Possess a minimum of:
● Two years of relevant work experience for Vietnam.
● Three years for Cambodia and Lao PDR.
● Work experience must be directly related to the proposed field of study.
3. Academic Qualifications:
Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), or an equivalent grade such as:
● First Class Honours.
● Second Class Honours, Grade 1.
● Second Class Honours, Grade 2 may be considered if the applicant has substantial work experience.
● The degree must have been awarded in 2014 or later (within the last 12 years).
4. Other Requirements:
● Must not already hold a master’s or higher-level qualification.
● Must not be currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme, nor scheduled to begin one in 2025/26.
● Must plan to begin studies in August 2026 or later.
● Must show leadership potential and a clear commitment to sustainable development goals in their home country.
● Must demonstrate an interest in building long-term links with Ireland.
● Must not have applied more than once to the Ireland Fellows Programme previously.
● Must be in a position to relocate to Ireland for the full academic year.
5. English Language Proficiency:
Applicants must be aware of the English proficiency requirements of their chosen programmes. While most higher education institutions in Ireland require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, some may have higher or more specific sub-score requirements.
Required Documents:
Applicants must upload the following documents when submitting the Stage 1 preliminary application:
● Official identification: Passport (identity page) or another government-issued ID.
● Bachelor’s degree certificate.
● Official academic transcripts, along with an explanation of the grading system (where available).
● Applications missing any of these documents will be considered incomplete and disqualified.
Application Process:
Stage 1: Preliminary Application:
● Opens: 30 June 2025.
● Closes: 25 July 2025.
● Applicants submit a brief initial form and supporting documents.
Stage 2: Detailed Application:
● Opens: 22 September 2025.
● Closes: 17 October 2025.
● Applicants who pass Stage 1 and meet language requirements will submit a more comprehensive application form, including all documentation.
Stage 3: Interviews:
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview, usually conducted by representatives of the Irish embassy or programme officials.
Tips for a Successful Application:
● Start early: Contact referees and gather documents in advance.
● Select programmes wisely: Choose three programmes closely aligned with your career and academic goals.
● Demonstrate leadership and impact: Highlight how you’ve contributed to your sector or community.
● Connect to the SDGs: Clearly articulate how your work and study plans support sustainable development in your country.
● Be authentic: Express genuine interest in building a long-term relationship with Ireland and contributing meaningfully after returning home.
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Important:
There are different types of Ireland fellows program including:
1. Ireland Fellows Programme Africa
2. Ireland Fellows Programme Asia
3. Ireland Fellows Programme Latin America
4. Ireland-SIDS Fellows Programme
The eligibility criteria, application requirements, choice of program, and benefits may vary from program to program. So make sure to follow the instruction of the program for which you are applying for.
Conclusion:
The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–27 is a transformative opportunity for professionals seeking to advance their careers through international education while making a long-lasting impact in their home countries. With comprehensive financial support, world-class universities, and a strong commitment to global development, Ireland offers an ideal environment for nurturing future leaders. If you're driven by purpose, committed to progress, and ready to expand your academic and professional horizons, this fellowship could be the key to unlocking your next chapter. So to apply and know more visit Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–27 official link here.