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Open Call: Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia 2027

Deadline: 26-Jul-2026

The Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia offers fully funded scholarships for eligible professionals from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland during the **2027/2028 academic year. The programme aims to develop future leaders, strengthen national capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and foster long-term partnerships between Ireland and participating countries.

Overview

The Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia is a prestigious scholarship programme funded by the Government of Ireland that enables talented professionals from selected Asian countries to undertake a fully funded master’s degree at Irish higher education institutions.

The programme focuses on building leadership skills, enhancing professional expertise, and supporting sustainable development by equipping participants with advanced knowledge that they can apply in their home countries after completing their studies.

Purpose

The Ireland Fellows Programme aims to:

  • Develop future leaders across priority sectors.
  • Strengthen national capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Support professional and academic development.
  • Promote knowledge exchange between Ireland and participating countries.
  • Build long-term partnerships between Ireland and Asia.
  • Enhance institutional and sectoral capacity in participating countries.
  • Support graduates in contributing to sustainable social and economic development.

Eligible Study Areas

Applicants may choose eligible master’s programmes in fields including:

Applicants must select three eligible master’s programmes that align with their educational background and professional experience.

Funding Information

The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded and provides comprehensive financial support.

The fellowship 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 upon arrival.
  • Completion and departure allowance at the end of the programme.
  • Monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review).

Accommodation Support

  • Fully funded student accommodation during the first and second trimesters (typically September to May).
  • Monthly accommodation allowance of €800–€1,000 during the third trimester, depending on the study location (subject to review).

Note: The fellowship supports only the selected fellow. Financial assistance and visas for spouses or dependents are not included.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

  • Be a resident national of:
    • Vietnam
    • Cambodia
    • Lao PDR
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognized higher education institution.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have obtained the bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later.
  • Not already hold or currently be pursuing a master’s degree or higher qualification.
  • Be available to begin a new master’s programme in Ireland from August 2027.

Work Experience Requirements

Applicants from Vietnam must have:

  • At least two years of substantial work experience directly related to their proposed field of study.

Applicants from Cambodia and Lao PDR must have:

  • At least three years of relevant work experience.

Application Process

Applicants should:

  • Review the eligibility criteria carefully.
  • Select three eligible master’s programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
  • Prepare all required academic and professional documents.
  • Complete the fellowship application.
  • Submit all supporting documents before the application deadline.
  • Await the selection and admission process.

How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you meet the nationality, academic, and work experience requirements.

Step 2: Explore Eligible Programmes

Review the Directory of Eligible Programmes and identify three master’s courses that match your career goals.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Gather the required documents, including:

  • Bachelor’s degree certificate.
  • Academic transcripts.
  • Proof of work experience.
  • Identification documents.
  • Any additional documents required by the programme.

Step 4: Submit the Fellowship Application

Complete the application accurately and provide all required supporting information.

Step 5: Selection Process

Applications are assessed based on:

  • Academic qualifications.
  • Professional experience.
  • Leadership potential.
  • Relevance of the proposed study programme.
  • Potential contribution to sustainable development in the applicant’s home country.

Step 6: Admission to an Irish Institution

Successful applicants will proceed with admission to an eligible master’s programme in Ireland.

Step 7: Begin Studies

Selected fellows will commence their master’s degree during the 2027/2028 academic year.

Why It Matters

The Ireland Fellows Programme helps:

  • Develop highly skilled professionals.
  • Strengthen public and private sector capacity.
  • Support Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Promote international academic collaboration.
  • Build future leaders across Asia.
  • Encourage innovation and evidence-based policymaking.
  • Foster long-term cooperation between Ireland and participating countries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Selecting programmes outside the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
  • Applying without sufficient work experience.
  • Not meeting the minimum GPA requirement.
  • Choosing programmes unrelated to your academic or professional background.
  • Submitting incomplete documentation.
  • Applying while already holding or pursuing a master’s degree.
  • Missing application deadlines.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Choose master’s programmes closely aligned with your career goals.
  • Clearly demonstrate how your studies will contribute to your country’s development.
  • Highlight leadership experience and professional achievements.
  • Provide accurate and complete supporting documents.
  • Ensure your work experience directly relates to your proposed field of study.
  • Carefully review all eligibility requirements before applying.
  • Submit your application well before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia?

It is a fully funded scholarship programme that supports eligible professionals from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR to pursue master’s degrees in Ireland.

2. Which countries are eligible?

Applicants must be resident nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Lao PDR.

3. What expenses are covered?

The fellowship covers tuition fees, visa fees, insurance, return flights, residence permit fees, accommodation support, monthly living allowance, settling-in allowance, and departure allowance.

4. Is family support included?

No. The fellowship supports only the selected fellow and does not provide funding or visas for spouses or dependents.

5. What work experience is required?

Applicants from Vietnam require at least two years of relevant work experience, while applicants from Cambodia and Lao PDR require three years.

6. Can applicants who already hold a master’s degree apply?

No. Applicants must not already possess or be undertaking a master’s degree or higher qualification.

7. How many programmes must applicants select?

Applicants are required to select three eligible master’s programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes that align with their academic background and professional experience.

Conclusion

The Ireland Fellows Programme – Asia provides an outstanding opportunity for emerging professionals from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland. By investing in leadership development, advanced education, and international collaboration, the programme helps participants build the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to sustainable development and create lasting positive impact in their home countries.

For more information, visit Ireland Fellows Programme.