Ireland Fellows Programme – Government of Ireland, International Development Programme

OPENING 30 JUNE 2025 FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-27

The Ireland Fellows Programme enables early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education contributing to capacity building.

The Programme offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland. The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs. The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes gender equality, equal opportunity, and welcomes diversity.

The Ireland Fellows Programme is one of a number of commitments set out in Ireland’s Second Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which reflects the breadth of areas where Ireland and SIDS already collaborate, and where we have shared interests in global outcomes. The aims of the Programme are: to nurture future leaders; to develop in-country capacity to achieve national Sustainable Development Goals, including addressing climate change; and to build positive relationships with Ireland. Since 2020, awards have been made to over 75 Fellows from 26 Small Island Developing States.

Eligible master’s level programmes are listed in a Directory when applications open and are in a wide range of areas such as environmental leadership; food security; marine management; engineering; science and technology; development studies; international relations; law; human rights; gender and equality; health; education; information systems; social policy; and business. Programmes in Ireland commence in August or September each year and, depending on the programme, will run for between 10 and 16 months.

The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded by the Irish Government and is offered under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s level academic qualification with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) awarded within the last 12 years, and should not already hold a qualification at master’s level or higher. Potential applicants will require a satisfactory level of English which will be verified by English language testing.

For full eligibility criteria and more information, please visit www.irishaidfellowships.ie.