Deadline: 25-Jul-2025
The Ireland Fellows Programme supports early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries who have leadership potential by offering a prestigious, world-class education that contributes to capacity building. Selected students get the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a higher education institution in Ireland. These master’s programmes usually start in August or September and last between 10 and 16 months, depending on the course.
The programme promotes gender equality, equal opportunity, and embraces diversity. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Applications are welcomed from a broad range of candidates, including those with disabilities, minorities, and disadvantaged groups. There is a special emphasis on increasing the representation of female applicants and those whose gender identity does not fit the traditional male/female binary.
The main goals of the programme are to nurture future leaders, build capacity in home countries to achieve national SDG goals, and foster positive relationships with Ireland. Graduates are expected to use the skills they gain to contribute to capacity building in their home countries and become leaders in their fields. The programme also aims to create lasting personal and professional ties with Ireland and promote institutional partnerships.
Ireland Fellows Programme awards are fully funded. The award covers 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 to help with arrival expenses, a completion and departure allowance at the end of their studies, and a monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review). Accommodation is arranged and paid for during the first two trimesters, with a monthly accommodation stipend of €800-€1000 in the third trimester, depending on location (also subject to review).
To be eligible for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship starting in the academic year 2026, applicants must be resident nationals of Zambia. They should have at least three years of substantial work experience relevant to their proposed programme. Applicants must be members of the Engineering Institution of Zambia and hold a degree in engineering or a related discipline with Merit or higher from an accredited institution. They must meet the academic standards required to be accepted onto a master’s level engineering programme at the University of Galway.
Applicants must not already hold or be pursuing a master’s or higher qualification, nor be starting one before the 2026/27 academic year. They must be applying to start a new master’s programme in Ireland no earlier than August 2026. Candidates should demonstrate leadership abilities, a commitment to achieving the SDGs in their home country, and a dedication to fostering positive relationships with Ireland.
Applicants need to select two relevant engineering programmes from the University of Galway’s list and understand the academic and English language requirements for those programmes. They must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before and must be able to begin the fellowship in the 2026/27 academic year.
The Stage 1 application is preliminary and requires submission of official identification (passport or equivalent), undergraduate degree certificate, final academic transcripts including grading system explanations if available, and a copy of the Engineering Institution of Zambia membership certificate.
For more information, visit Irish Aid.
