Hey Future Leaders! Ever dreamt of studying abroad, fully funded? Well, guess what – the incredible Ireland Fellows Programme Africa Bursary for 2026 is officially open, and it’s your chance to make that dream a reality in beautiful Ireland!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a golden ticket for early to mid-career professionals from eligible African countries (including South Africa!) to pursue a fully funded one-year Master’s degree at a top-notch Irish university. Imagine getting a world-class education, boosting your leadership skills, and contributing to your country’s development – all without worrying about tuition fees, flights, accommodation, or even living costs! The programme aims to nurture future leaders, build in-country capacity for SDG goals, and foster strong relationships between Ireland and African nations.
Who Can Apply?
Ready to pack your bags for Ireland? Here’s who can apply for this amazing opportunity (for the academic year 2026/2027):
- Be a resident national of one of the following 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, and Zimbabwe.
- Important for South Africa: Please note that applications for this specific fellowship are managed under the Kader Asmal Fellowship. Make sure to check their page for specific details relevant to South African applicants!
- For other country-specific fellowships, please refer to: Burundi (Courtney Fellowship), Nigeria (Roger Casement Fellowship), Namibia (Seán Mac Bride Fellowship), Zambia (Frank Ferguson Fellowship), and African SIDS (Ireland-SIDS Fellows).
- Have a minimum of two or three years of substantial work experience directly relevant to your chosen programme(s) of study (check Page 8 of the Directory of Eligible Programmes for details per country).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) – meaning a First Class Honour, or Second Class Honour, Grade 1. A Second Class Honour Grade 2 might be accepted if you have significant, directly relevant work experience. Your degree must have been awarded in 2014 or later (within the last 12 years).
- Not already hold a Master’s level qualification or higher, and not currently undertaking a Master’s programme or higher, or due to start one in the 2025/26 academic year. (Candidates from Senegal need a minimum of a Senegalese Masters 2 with 2-3 years relevant work experience. A Senegalese Masters 1 with significant relevant work experience may be considered).
- Be applying to start a new Master’s programme in Ireland no sooner than August 2026.
- Be able to demonstrate leadership abilities and aspirations, a commitment to achieving SDGs in your country, and a commitment 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 chosen programmes.
- Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before.
- Be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2026/2027.
- Important Note: For some countries (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Eritrea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia), applications are by invitation only, restricted to staff of government departments and NGOs partnering with Irish Aid. If you’re from one of these countries, please contact your relevant Embassy of Ireland or your employer to check eligibility.
Please remember, this bursary covers the recipient only. Financial support or visas for spouses or dependents are not included.
What Does It Cover?
Prepare for a worry-free study experience! The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded and covers:
- All academic fees.
- Visa application fees.
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Economy flights to and from Ireland.
- The Irish residence permit fee.
- A settling-in allowance for initial expenses.
- A completion and departure allowance at the end of your study period.
- A monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review).
- Student accommodation arranged and paid for trimesters 1 and 2 (usually September to May), plus a monthly accommodation stipend of €800-€1000 in trimester 3, depending on your location in Ireland (subject to review).
How to Apply?
Excited to apply? Here’s a quick guide to the application journey, which consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Application
- Stage 2: Detailed Application
- Stage 3: Interviews
If you’re selected to progress after the second stage, you’ll need to take an online Duolingo English Test. Should you be shortlisted after the interview, you’ll generally be required to take another English language test, typically the IELTS exam, unless you already have an IELTS certificate from 2023 or later with the required score for your chosen course(s). We highly recommend preparing for the IELTS exam early, even if you’re a native English speaker!
For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the official webpage:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Ireland Fellows Programme Africa
If this incredible opportunity sounds like the perfect fit for your academic and career goals, don’t hesitate! Apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme Africa Bursary now and kickstart your journey to a world-class education in Ireland. Plus, don’t forget to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room – your future awaits!