Fully Funded Ireland Fellows Programme for Africans – The Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa Scholarship 2023/24, offered by the Irish government’s Department of Foreign Affairs, would allow young Africans to enroll in master’s-level programs in Ireland with all program fees, travel, housing, and living expenses paid for.

Early- to mid-career professionals from qualified nations who have leadership potential can take advantage of a prestigious, top-notch education that builds capacity through the Ireland Fellows Programme.

Scholarship Sponsor(s): Irish Government, Department of Foreign Affairs

Host Institution(s): Higher Education Institution in Ireland

Scholarship Worth: Full funding

Number of Awards: Several

Study Level: Postgraduate (Masters)

Nationality: Africans

Ireland Fellows Programme for Africans | DETAILS

The fellowship gives chosen individuals the chance to enroll in a one-year, fully funded master’s program at an Irish higher education institution (HEI). The award includes program fees, travel, lodging, and living expenses. The program aims to strengthen local ability to meet national SDG targets, cultivate future leaders, and foster good ties with Ireland.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa award commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2023, applicants must:

  • Be a resident national of one of the following countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Have a minimum of two or three years’ substantial work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study, depending on the country (see Pages 6 and 7 for details).
  • Hold a bachelor’s level academic qualification from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) – i.e. a first class honour, or second class honour, Grade 1 (a second class honour Grade 2 may be accepted if the applicant has substantial directly relevant work experience). It must have been awarded in 2011 or later (i.e. within the last 12 years).
  • Not already hold a qualification at master’s level or higher. Not currently undertaking a programme at master’s level or higher, or be due to start a programme at master’s level or higher in the academic year 2022/23.
  • Be applying to commence a new programme at master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2023.
  • Be able to demonstrate the following: leadership abilities and aspirations; a commitment to the achievement of the SDGs within your own country; and a commitment to contribute to building positive relationships with Ireland.
  • Have identified and selected three programmes relevant to your academic and professional background from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
  • Have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiencies required for all programmes chosen.
  • Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.
  • Be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2023/2024.

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: Eligible and qualified applicants for the Ireland Fellows Programme -Africa Scholarship 2023/24 are to read the Applicant Guidance Note carefully before completing the application as eligibility criteria for each country may differ.

Applications are to be typed and submitted by email to the relevant Embassy of Ireland at the email address for each country.

Application Deadline: 31 July, 2022