The Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 is a life-changing scholarship opportunity for African professionals to study in Ireland and become future leaders.
The Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 is a fully funded master’s scholarship for early to mid-career professionals from 23 African countries. The goal is to build the next generation of leaders who will return to their home countries and help improve their communities. The programme covers tuition, flights, accommodation, living costs, and more, allowing selected candidates to study a one-year master’s degree in Ireland beginning August or September 2026.
Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Ireland
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Flight Ticket | Accommodation | Living allowance
- Deadline: Not Specified
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Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 Details
The Ireland Fellows Programme is a prestigious initiative fully funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It offers African professionals the chance to pursue a one-year full-time master’s degree at top universities and institutions in Ireland.
The scholarship is designed for people working in areas like:
- Agriculture
- Health
- Education
- Human rights
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Business, and more.
The programme promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, with a strong focus on building leadership skills, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthening ties between Ireland and the participating countries.
Scholars are expected to return home after their studies and use their new skills to bring positive change to their home countries.
The programme is implemented by the Embassies of Ireland in the eligible countries and managed in Ireland by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS).
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Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the 2026 Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident and national of one of the eligible African 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, Zimbabwe. - Have 2–3 years of relevant work experience, depending on your country.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class upper (second-class lower may be accepted with strong experience). The degree must have been awarded in 2014 or later.
- Must not already hold a master’s degree or be currently enrolled in one.
- Be applying to start a new master’s programme in Ireland starting August 2026.
- Show evidence of:
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to the SDGs
- Willingness to contribute to development in your home country
- Interest in building strong ties with Ireland
- Choose three eligible master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.
- Understand the academic and English language requirements for each selected course.
- Have never applied more than once to the Ireland Fellows Programme in the past.
- Be ready and available to take up the award in August/September 2026.
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Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 Benefits
If selected, you will receive a completely free, all-expenses-paid scholarship that covers:
- 100% of tuition fees
- Return flights to and from Ireland
- Accommodation costs in Ireland
- Monthly living allowance
- Medical insurance
- Visa fees
- Support from ICOS (Irish Council for International Students)
- Access to a prestigious education in world-class Irish institutions
Please note: The scholarship does not cover costs for spouses or dependents.
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Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 Required Documents
While the specific documents may vary slightly by country, you will generally need:
- A valid international passport
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Work experience letter or proof of employment
- Three selected master’s courses from the eligible course list
- Personal statement outlining your motivation and leadership goals
- English language test results (Duolingo and later IELTS, unless you already have a valid IELTS from 2023 or later)
How to Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa 2026 (Step-by-Step Application Process)
The Ireland Fellows Programme uses a three-stage process:
Stage 1: Preliminary Application
- Submit a basic application expressing interest.
- Highlight your work experience, leadership goals, and selected courses.
Stage 2: Detailed Application
- If shortlisted, you will be asked to submit more documents, including your bachelor’s degree, CV, essays, and course selections.
Stage 3: Interviews and Language Test
- Selected applicants take the Duolingo English Test.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview.
- Finalists must take the IELTS test (unless you already have a valid result from 2023 or later).
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Deadline
Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are now open. The deadline is not yet specified. Apply early!
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