Deadline: 25-Jul-2025
Entries are now open for the Ireland Fellows Programme, which supports early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries who show leadership potential. The programme offers a prestigious, fully funded one-year master’s level education at a higher education institution in Ireland. Eligible master’s programmes start in August or September each year and typically last between 10 and 16 months.
The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes gender equality, equal opportunity, and embraces diversity. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16, focusing on building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Applications are encouraged from a broad range of candidates, including those with disabilities, minorities, and disadvantaged groups. The programme particularly aims to increase female applicants and those whose gender identity does not fit the male/female binary.
The programme’s goals are to nurture future leaders, develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals, and foster positive relationships with Ireland. It supports graduates to return home equipped with skills to build capacity and become leaders in their fields. It also hopes to establish lasting personal and professional links between fellows and Ireland.
Awards are fully funded, covering academic fees, visa application fees, medical and travel insurance, economy flights to and from Ireland, and the Irish residence permit fee. Fellows receive a settling-in allowance, a completion and departure allowance, and a monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review). Accommodation for the first two trimesters is arranged and paid for, while in the third trimester, fellows receive a monthly accommodation stipend between €800 and €1000, depending on location.
To be eligible for the Casement Fellowship starting in the 2026 academic year, applicants must be Nigerian nationals with at least two years of relevant work experience. They should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, awarded within the last 12 years. Applicants must not already hold or be pursuing a master’s or higher qualification, and must plan to start a new master’s programme in Ireland no earlier than August 2026.
Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities, a commitment to advancing the SDGs in their country, and a desire to build positive ties with Ireland. They should select three relevant master’s programmes from the Casement Fellowship Directory and understand the academic and English language requirements. Candidates must not have applied more than once before and must be able to start the fellowship in the 2026/2027 academic year.
The first stage of the application requires submitting basic information along with scanned copies of official ID (passport or equivalent), undergraduate degree certificate, and final transcripts. Transcripts should include grading system explanations if available.
For more information, visit Irish Aid.
