Are you an early to mid-career professional looking to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Europe? Applications are opening for the Ireland Fellows Programme Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship 2027, a prestigious initiative funded by the Government of Ireland.
The fellowship provides outstanding professionals from eligible countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, the opportunity to study for a one-year Master’s degree at leading higher education institutions in Ireland. Beyond academic excellence, the programme aims to develop future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development and positive change in their home countries.
Successful fellows will receive full financial support, leadership training, and access to an international network of professionals.
Ireland Fellows Programme 2027 Summary
- Host Country: Ireland
- Host Institutions: Participating Higher Education Institutions in Ireland
- Funded By: Government of Ireland
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Duration: 10–16 months (depending on programme)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Eligible countries including Nigeria and Ghana
- Applications Open: 29 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
Scholarship Benefits
Selected applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Return flight tickets
- Visa application costs
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Study at leading Irish universities
- Leadership development and capacity-building opportunities
- International networking with professionals from around the world
- Globally recognized Master’s degree
Eligible Programmes
For Nigerian Applicants
Nigerian applicants can apply under the Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights, which supports eligible Master’s programmes in:
- Human Rights
- Law
- Governance
For Ghanaian Applicants
Applicants from Ghana may apply for eligible Master’s programmes in areas such as:
- Agriculture
- Health
- Education
- Human Rights
- Engineering
- Business
- Other approved disciplines
Applicants should carefully review the eligible programmes available for their country before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ireland Fellows Programme, applicants must:
- Be a resident citizen of an eligible country (including Nigeria or Ghana where applicable).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) or equivalent.
- Have at least three (3) years of relevant work experience.
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and leadership potential.
- Show a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home country after completing the programme.
- Meet the admission requirements of their selected Irish university.
- Meet all country-specific eligibility requirements.
- Prepare to obtain an IELTS or equivalent English language qualification, as required by Irish higher education institutions.
Note: Some fellowship strands are open to all eligible applicants, while others are by invitation through the relevant Irish Embassy. Applicants should carefully check the requirements for their country.
Why Apply?
The Ireland Fellows Programme is more than just a scholarship. It invests in future leaders by providing:
- World-class education
- Professional and leadership development
- International exposure
- Global networking opportunities
- Skills to support sustainable development in home countries
- Lifelong connections with Ireland and international professionals
Application Process
The application process consists of three stages:
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Stage 1 – Preliminary Application
Applications open annually around June/July.
Stage 2 – Detailed Application
Shortlisted applicants will be invited by the relevant Irish Embassy to submit:
- Original supporting documents
- Detailed application form
- Additional required information
This stage usually takes place between mid-September and mid-October.
Stage 3 – Interview
Successful Stage 2 applicants will be invited for interviews, typically held between November and December.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of work experience
- Personal statement
- Leadership achievements
- Supporting documents requested by the programme
- IELTS or equivalent English language certificate (where required)
Application Deadline
- Applications Open: 29 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Ireland Fellows Programme application portal once applications open.
Early preparation is highly recommended, especially for obtaining English language test results and gathering all required documents.
