Ireland Fellows Programme for Mid-career Professional in Africa

Deadline: 13-Sep-20

Applications are now open for the Ireland Fellows Programme that enables early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries, with leadership potential, to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education contributing to capacity building.

It offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland. The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs. The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes equal opportunity and welcomes diversity.

The aims of the Programme are to nurture future leaders; to develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals; and to build positive relationships with Ireland.

The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded by the Irish Government and is offered under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It aligns with the Irish Government’s commitment under Global Ireland and the national implementation plan for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ireland’s Policy for International Development, and Ireland’s International Education Strategy. The programme is managed by the relevant Embassy responsible for eligible countries. Programme implementation in Ireland is supported by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS).

Studying at postgraduate level in Ireland offers a unique opportunity to join programmes that are driving innovation and changing lives worldwide. Applicants can choose from almost 200 postgraduate programmes specially selected to enhance capacity in line with stated country development goals and the strategy of the Irish Embassy. The range of courses includes development studies, gender studies, climate related rural development, health care, education and strategic management.

Eligible Courses: Eligible courses are in areas such as agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business and more, and are listed in a Directory of Eligible Programmes each year when applications open.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa scholarship commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2020 applicants must:

Be a resident national of one of the following countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Have a minimum of two or three years’ work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study (this can include internships).
Hold a bachelor’s level academic qualification from an accredited and government-recognized higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) – i.e. a first class honor, or second class honour, Grade 1 (in some cases a second class honour Grade 2 may be accepted, if the applicant has sufficient directly relevant work experience).
Not already hold a qualification, have started a programme, or be due to start a programme in the academic year 2020/21, at master’s level or higher.
Be applying to commence a new programme at master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2021.
Be able to demonstrate leadership abilities and aspirations, as well as commitment to the achievement of the SDGs within your own country.
Have identified and selected three relevant programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
Have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiency required for all programmes chosen.
Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.
Be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2021/2022.