The Ireland Fellows Programme is a prestigious, fully funded Master’s scholarship designed to empower early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries, including Nigeria. Funded by the Irish Government, this initiative offers exceptional individuals the opportunity to study at leading Irish universities for a one-year postgraduate programme—tuition-free and with comprehensive financial support. The fellowship includes full tuition coverage, round-trip flights, university accommodation, living stipends, and waived application fees, eliminating financial barriers to world-class education.
The award covers 100% of tuition, round-trip international flights, accommodation, monthly living stipends, and application fees, ensuring you focus entirely on your academic and leadership development. Programmes commence in August or September 2026 and typically run for 10 to 16 months, depending on the course and institution.
The Ireland Fellows Programme aims to nurture future leaders committed to advancing sustainable development in their home countries. It promotes gender equality, inclusivity, and diversity, and strongly encourages applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and minority or disadvantaged groups, including those whose gender identity does not conform to the binary. The initiative is part of Ireland’s global development strategy, aligned with SDG 16 on building accountable, inclusive institutions.
Fellows are expected to return home equipped to contribute to national development goals, influence institutional change, and serve as ambassadors for Ireland, building long-term partnerships and people-to-people connections between nations.
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What the Scholarship Covers
This is one of the few international scholarships that covers everything you need to study abroad:
- ✅ 100% tuition at top Irish universities
- ✈️ Return flights to and from Ireland
- 🏡 Accommodation allowance
- 💶 Monthly living stipends
- ❌ No application or university processing fees
- 📚 Access to world-class libraries, research centres & mentoring
Where You Can Study in Ireland
Fellows will study at Ireland’s leading institutions, including:
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- University of Galway
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
- University of Limerick
- Munster Technological University
These institutions offer a wide range of one-year Master’s programmes in:
- Public Health & Global Health
- Climate & Environmental Studies
- Education
- Human Rights & Development
- Business, Economics & Policy
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Agriculture & Sustainable Development
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Must be a citizen of any of the eligible countries
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic results
- Have not previously completed a Master’s degree
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and commitment to development
- Meet English language requirements (e.g. IELTS)
- Must be committed to returning to your home country to contribute after the scholarship
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Documents You’ll Need
Prepare these documents ahead of time:
- Your Bachelor’s certificate and transcripts
- A valid passport
- Recent passport-size photo
- IELTS or equivalent English test score
- Two letters of recommendation
- Updated CV
- Personal motivation & leadership statement
Key Application Dates
- Stage 1 Deadline: July 25, 2025
- Stage 2 (if shortlisted): October 17, 2025
👉 Important Note: Do not apply directly to Irish universities unless instructed in Stage 2.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Ireland Fellows website
- Complete Stage 1 application by July 25, 2025
- If shortlisted, follow Stage 2 instructions to apply for your preferred Master’s programme
- Await final selection and university placement
Why You Should Apply
Studying in Ireland is an opportunity to join a global network of changemakers, gain advanced skills in your chosen field, and return to your home country better equipped to create impact through policy, research, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get a fully funded Master’s degree in Europe while preparing to lead Nigeria into the future.
APPLY FOR THE IRELAND FELLOWS PROGRAMME
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