Open Call for Ireland Fellows Programme

The Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 offers fully funded master’s scholarships for future leaders from selected Latin American countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland. The fellowship covers tuition fees, travel, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, visa costs, and other essential expenses while supporting leadership development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and long-term partnerships with Ireland.

About the Ireland Fellows Programme

The Ireland Fellows Programme is an international scholarship initiative that enables outstanding professionals from eligible countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree in Ireland.

The programme seeks to develop future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development, strengthen institutional capacity in their home countries, and foster lasting relationships between Ireland and participating nations.

Successful fellows receive comprehensive financial support and leadership development opportunities while studying at Irish higher education institutions.

Programme Objectives

The Ireland Fellows Programme aims to:

• Develop future leaders.
• Strengthen professional and institutional capacity.
• Support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Promote international collaboration.
• Build lasting partnerships between Ireland and participating countries.
• Enhance leadership, professional knowledge, and public service.

Scholarship Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

• Full academic tuition fees.
• Visa application fees.
• Medical insurance.
• Travel insurance.
• Economy-class return flights between the participant’s home country and Ireland.
• Irish residence permit fee.
• Settling-in allowance.
• Completion and departure allowance.
• Monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review).
• Accommodation arranged and paid for during Trimesters 1 and 2.
• Monthly accommodation allowance of €800–€1,000 during Trimester 3, depending on the study location (subject to review).

Eligible Awards

Applicants must be nationals of countries participating under one of the following award categories:

• Central America Award
• Roger Casement Award in Human Rights
• Cecilia Grierson Award in Equality

Eligibility depends on the applicant’s country of residence and nationality under the relevant award category.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a resident national of an eligible country under the participating award categories.
• Have at least three years of substantial professional work experience directly related to the proposed field of study.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Have received the bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later.
• Not already hold or currently pursue a master’s degree or a higher qualification.
• Apply for a new eligible master’s programme beginning no earlier than August 2027.
• Demonstrate leadership experience and future leadership potential.
• Show commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in their home country.
• Demonstrate commitment to building positive relationships with Ireland.
• Select three eligible master’s programmes that match their academic background and professional experience.
• Meet the academic and English language requirements for all selected programmes.
• Not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once previously.
• Be available to begin studies during the 2027–2028 academic year.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are assessed on:

• Academic achievement.
• Professional work experience.
• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to sustainable development.
• Relevance of the proposed master’s programme.
• Contribution to national development.
• Motivation for studying in Ireland.
• Commitment to strengthening Ireland–partner country relationships.

Application Process

The Ireland Fellows Programme follows a three-stage selection process.

Stage 1: Preliminary Application

Applicants submit an initial application to determine eligibility and demonstrate their qualifications, professional experience, and leadership potential.

Stage 2: Detailed Application

Shortlisted candidates submit a comprehensive application, including supporting documentation and details of their selected master’s programmes.

Stage 3: Interview

Final shortlisted applicants participate in an interview where their academic background, leadership qualities, professional achievements, motivation, and future development plans are assessed.

Choosing Master’s Programmes

Applicants must:

• Select three eligible master’s programmes.
• Ensure the programmes align with their education and work experience.
• Meet all academic admission requirements.
• Meet all English language requirements.
• Demonstrate how the chosen programmes support their long-term career goals and national development priorities.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Ireland Fellows Programme develops professionals who can contribute to sustainable development and institutional strengthening in their home countries.

The programme helps fellows:

• Obtain an internationally recognised master’s degree.
• Develop leadership and management skills.
• Build international professional networks.
• Gain advanced academic knowledge.
• Strengthen public institutions and organisations.
• Support implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Foster long-term cooperation between Ireland and participating countries.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain how their work experience relates to their chosen master’s programmes.
• Demonstrate measurable leadership achievements.
• Show commitment to public service and sustainable development.
• Select programmes closely aligned with their career goals.
• Prepare a compelling statement of motivation.
• Meet all academic and English language requirements before applying.
• Highlight how they will apply their learning after returning home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Selecting master’s programmes unrelated to your professional background.
• Failing to meet English language requirements.
• Providing insufficient evidence of leadership experience.
• Applying without the required three years of professional experience.
• Choosing ineligible programmes.
• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Applying after already holding a master’s degree.
• Exceeding the programme’s application limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Ireland Fellows Programme?

The Ireland Fellows Programme is a fully funded international scholarship that enables professionals from eligible countries to complete a master’s degree in Ireland while developing leadership skills and supporting sustainable development.

2. What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The fellowship covers tuition fees, visa fees, medical and travel insurance, return economy airfare, Irish residence permit fees, accommodation, living expenses, settling-in support, and departure allowances.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible resident nationals from participating Latin American countries under the Central America Award, Roger Casement Award in Human Rights, or Cecilia Grierson Award in Equality who meet all academic and professional requirements may apply.

4. How much professional experience is required?

Applicants must have at least three years of substantial work experience directly related to their proposed master’s programme.

5. How many master’s programmes must applicants select?

Applicants must identify three eligible master’s programmes that align with their academic qualifications and professional experience.

6. What are the stages of the application process?

The selection process consists of Preliminary Application, Detailed Application, and Interview stages.

7. What qualities are the selection committee looking for?

Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, leadership potential, commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, and a desire to strengthen relationships between Ireland and their home country.

Conclusion

The Ireland Fellows Programme 2027–2028 offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging leaders from selected Latin American countries to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland. By covering all major study and living expenses while promoting leadership development, international collaboration, and sustainable development, the programme equips fellows with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to drive positive change in their home countries and strengthen long-term partnerships with Ireland.