Hey bursary hunters of Mzansi! While Bursaries Room usually focuses on incredible opportunities right here at home, sometimes an international chance pops up that we just *have* to share, especially if you’re a Nigerian national looking for an amazing opportunity! Today, we’re diving into the **Irish Aid Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights Bursary 2026** – an awesome way to get fully funded for your Master’s degree in Human Rights in Ireland!
This prestigious bursary, part of the Ireland Fellows Programme, is designed for early to mid-career professionals who show leadership potential and want to pursue a one-year Master’s level programme at a top Irish university. The goal? To build future leaders, boost in-country capacity for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthen positive relationships with Ireland. If you’re passionate about making a difference in fields like Law, Human Rights, or Governance, this could be your golden ticket!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this incredible opportunity for the academic year 2026/2027, make sure you tick these boxes:
- You must be a resident national of Nigeria.
- You need a minimum of two years of substantial work experience directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study.
- You should hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). This typically means a first-class honour, or a second-class honour, Grade 1. (A second-class honour, Grade 2 may be accepted if you have substantial, directly relevant work experience). Your degree must have been awarded in 2014 or later (within the last 12 years).
- You should not already hold a qualification at Master’s level or higher. Similarly, you shouldn’t be currently undertaking a programme at Master’s level or higher, or be due to start one in the academic year 2025/2026.
- You must be applying to commence a new programme at Master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2026.
- You need to be able to demonstrate strong leadership abilities and aspirations, a commitment to achieving the SDGs within your own country, and a commitment to contributing to building positive relationships with Ireland.
- You must have identified and selected three programmes relevant to your academic and professional background from the Casement Fellowship Directory of Eligible Programmes.
- You need to have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiencies required for all your chosen programmes.
- You must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.
- You must be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2026/2027.
What Does It Cover?
This is a truly fully funded bursary, meaning most of your major expenses are covered! Here’s what you can expect:
- Academic Fees: Your full university tuition fees are paid directly.
- Travel & Visa: Economy flights to and from Ireland, plus your visa application fees and Irish residence permit fee.
- Insurance: Comprehensive medical and travel insurance for your peace of mind throughout your studies.
- Living Allowances:
- A settling-in allowance to help you get comfortable upon arrival in Ireland.
- A completion and departure allowance at the end of your study period.
- A monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review), giving you pocket money for daily expenses.
- Student accommodation arranged and paid for during Trimesters 1 and 2 (normally September to May). For Trimester 3, you’ll receive a monthly accommodation stipend of €800-€1000, depending on your location in Ireland (also subject to review).
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this amazing opportunity? Here’s what you need to do:
- Review Eligibility: Double-check all the criteria under the ‘Who Can Apply?’ section above to ensure you qualify.
- Explore Programmes: Go through the Casement Fellowship Directory of Eligible Programmes to select three Master’s courses that fit your academic and professional goals.
- Visit the Official Webpage: All applications are done online. Head over to the official Irish Aid Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights webpage to access the application portal and get detailed instructions.
- Apply Online: Complete the application form carefully, ensuring all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Remember, the closing date for applications is 25 July 2025! Don’t leave it until the last minute!
If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more bursaries on Bursaries Room!