Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 in Ireland (Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship for Nigerian Professionals)

Applications are now open for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 for eligible applicants from Nigeria. Funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs, this prestigious fellowship provides early- and mid-career professionals with the opportunity to pursue a fully funded one-year Master’s degree at leading universities in Ireland.

The programme aims to develop future leaders, strengthen institutional capacity, and support sustainable development by equipping fellows with world-class education and leadership skills. Upon completion of their studies, fellows are expected to return to Nigeria and contribute to the country’s social, economic, and institutional development.

Scholarship Overview

• Host Country: Ireland
• Scholarship: Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028
• Funded By: Government of Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs)
• Study Level: Master’s Degree
• Duration: 10–16 Months
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Nigerian Citizens
• Application Deadline: 26 July 2026

Financial Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Round-trip airfare
• Visa application costs
• Health insurance
• Arrival and settling-in allowance
• Academic and professional support throughout the programme

Available Fields of Study

Applicants may choose from a wide range of eligible Master’s programmes, including:

• Agriculture
• Climate Change
• Environmental Studies
• Business and Management
• Economics
• Engineering
• Public Health
• Human Rights
• Law
• Public Policy
• Governance
• Education
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Sustainable Development
• Gender Studies
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Social Sciences

Applicants must select eligible programmes listed in the official programme directory.

Special Fellowship for Nigeria

Nigerian applicants are also eligible to apply for the Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights, which supports Master’s studies in:

• Human Rights
• Law
• Governance
• International Development
• Related disciplines

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

• Be a resident citizen of Nigeria.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a Second Class Lower (or equivalent).
• Have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to national development.
• Meet the admission requirements for eligible Irish Master’s programmes.
• Be willing to return to Nigeria after completing the fellowship to apply their knowledge and skills.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application form
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Passport or national identification
• Employment verification
• Professional reference letters
• Personal statement or motivation statement
• Other supporting documents as specified in the application guidelines.

Selection Process

The fellowship is conducted in multiple stages:

Stage 1 – Preliminary Application

Applicants submit an initial online application for eligibility screening.

Stage 2 – Detailed Application

Shortlisted candidates submit a comprehensive application, including supporting documents and preferred Master’s programme choices.

Stage 3 – Interview

Finalists participate in interviews and additional assessments before the final selection.

Why Apply?

The Ireland Fellows Programme offers participants the opportunity to:

• Earn a globally recognized Master’s degree in Ireland.
• Study at leading Irish universities.
• Join an international network of emerging leaders.
• Build leadership, policy, and professional skills.
• Develop expertise aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Become part of a lifelong global alumni community supported by the Government of Ireland.

The Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 is one of the most prestigious fully funded Master’s scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian professionals. If you have leadership potential, relevant work experience, and a passion for contributing to Nigeria’s development, this fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity to gain a world-class education in Ireland while joining a global network of changemakers.