The Government of Ireland has officially announced the opening of applications for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028, offering fully funded Master’s degree scholarships to eligible applicants from Nigeria and Ghana.
The programme is designed for early and mid-career professionals who want to develop their expertise while studying at leading higher education institutions in Ireland. It aims to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy airfare between their home country and Ireland
- Student visa application fees
- Irish residence permit fee
- Medical and travel insurance
- Monthly living stipend (currently €700, subject to review)
- Settling-in allowance upon arrival
- Completion and departure allowance
- Accommodation arranged and paid for during the first two academic trimesters
- Accommodation stipend during the final trimester (amount varies by location)
This makes the Ireland Fellows Programme one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarship opportunities available to African professionals.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to resident nationals of Nigeria and Ghana who meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants are generally expected to:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Have a minimum academic qualification equivalent to a Second Class Lower (or higher). Applicants with a Second Class Lower are expected to have substantial relevant professional experience.
- Possess at least three years of relevant work experience.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show commitment to contributing to the development of their home country after completing their studies.
- Meet the English language and admission requirements of their chosen Irish universities.
Applicants should carefully review the country-specific eligibility requirements before applying.
Opportunities for Nigerian Applicants
Nigerian applicants will apply through the Roger Casement Fellowship, which supports Master’s programmes in areas including:
- Law
- Human Rights
- Governance
The fellowship is specifically designed to strengthen leadership and capacity in governance and human rights-related fields.
Opportunities for Ghanaian Applicants
Eligible applicants from Ghana may apply for approved Master’s programmes in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Agriculture
- Health
- Education
- Engineering
- Business
- Human Rights
- Other development-focused programmes approved under the Ireland Fellows Programme
The full list of eligible programmes will be available on the official application portal.
Application Timeline
Applications Open: 29 June 2026
Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their academic documents, employment records, references, and other supporting materials early, as the programme is highly competitive.
Why Consider the Ireland Fellows Programme?
Beyond earning a world-class Master’s degree, successful fellows gain:
- Access to internationally recognized Irish universities
- Leadership development opportunities
- Professional networking with global experts
- Exposure to international best practices
- Skills that can be applied to national development upon returning home
The programme emphasizes creating long-term partnerships between Ireland and participating countries while supporting professionals committed to making meaningful impacts in their communities.
Final Thoughts
The Ireland Fellows Programme represents an excellent opportunity for qualified Nigerian and Ghanaian professionals seeking fully funded postgraduate education abroad. With tuition, travel, accommodation, insurance, and living expenses covered, the scholarship removes many of the financial barriers associated with studying overseas.
Interested applicants should review the official eligibility criteria carefully and submit their applications before 26 July 2026. As competition is expected to be high, early preparation is strongly recommended.
