Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The Ireland Fellows Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) offers fully funded master’s degree scholarships in Ireland for emerging leaders from eligible Small Island Developing States. The programme aims to strengthen leadership, build national capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and foster long-term partnerships with Ireland through higher education and professional development.
Ireland Fellows Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
The Ireland Fellows Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) provides fully funded master’s degree opportunities in Ireland for qualified professionals from eligible Small Island Developing States across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
The fellowship supports future leaders by enhancing professional knowledge, leadership skills, and technical expertise while contributing to sustainable development in their home countries. It also strengthens educational, diplomatic, and development partnerships between Ireland and participating nations.
Overview
The Ireland Fellows Programme enables emerging professionals to pursue a master’s degree at leading Irish higher education institutions.
The programme aims to:
- Develop future leaders.
- Strengthen institutional and national capacity.
- Support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Build long-term partnerships between Ireland and Small Island Developing States.
- Enhance professional skills through postgraduate education.
- Encourage graduates to contribute to national development after completing their studies.
Purpose of the Programme
The programme seeks to:
- Develop leadership capacity in eligible countries.
- Support sustainable national development.
- Strengthen professional knowledge and technical expertise.
- Promote international cooperation.
- Build lasting relationships between Ireland and participating countries.
- Encourage graduates to apply their knowledge to development challenges.
- Support evidence-based policymaking and innovation.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants must choose three eligible master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.
Fields may include:
- Agriculture
- Environmental studies
- Climate change
- Public health
- Education
- Human rights
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Business and management
- Economics
- Public policy
- Sustainable development
- Governance
- Other approved master’s programmes
Funding Information
The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded.
The fellowship covers:
- Full academic tuition fees
- Visa application fees
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Economy-class return airfare
- Irish residence permit fee
- Settling-in allowance
- Completion and departure allowance
- Monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to review)
- Fully funded student accommodation during Trimesters 1 and 2
- Accommodation stipend of €800–€1,000 per month during Trimester 3 (depending on study location and subject to review)
Note: The fellowship covers expenses for the recipient only. Financial support is not provided for spouses or dependents.
Programme Benefits
Participants benefit from:
- Fully funded master’s education
- International academic experience
- Leadership development
- Professional networking
- Exposure to Irish institutions and culture
- Career advancement opportunities
- Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
- Long-term alumni engagement
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an eligible Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
- Be resident in an eligible participating country.
- Have at least three years of substantial work experience relevant to their proposed field of study.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher education institution.
- Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Have obtained their bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later.
- Apply for a new master’s programme beginning no earlier than August 2027.
- Select three eligible master’s programmes from the official programme directory.
- Meet the required academic and English language admission requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Be willing to contribute to strengthening relations with Ireland.
Applicants must not:
- Already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification.
- Be currently enrolled in or scheduled to begin another master’s programme during the 2026/27 academic year.
- Exceed the programme limit of two previous application attempts.
How the Fellowship Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review the nationality, residency, education, work experience, and programme eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Select Eligible Master’s Programmes
Choose three master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes that align with your academic background and career goals.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Gather the required documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Employment records
- Professional experience details
- Supporting documentation
- English language qualifications (if required)
Step 4: Submit the Fellowship Application
Complete the application within the official submission period and provide all requested information.
Step 5: Assessment Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to sustainable development
- Programme suitability
- Overall application quality
Step 6: Study in Ireland
Successful applicants begin their master’s studies in Ireland during the 2027/2028 academic year, with full financial support throughout the fellowship.
Why It Matters
The Ireland Fellows Programme helps:
- Build future national leaders.
- Strengthen public institutions.
- Support sustainable economic and social development.
- Improve professional expertise.
- Promote international collaboration.
- Strengthen resilience in Small Island Developing States.
- Foster long-term partnerships between Ireland and participating countries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing programmes outside the official eligible directory.
- Applying without sufficient relevant work experience.
- Selecting fewer than three eligible programmes.
- Not meeting GPA or academic requirements.
- Applying while already pursuing a master’s degree.
- Submitting incomplete documentation.
- Failing to demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to the SDGs.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Select master’s programmes closely aligned with your career goals.
- Clearly explain how the fellowship will benefit your country.
- Highlight leadership achievements and professional impact.
- Demonstrate commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Showcase relevant work experience with measurable achievements.
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
- Meet all academic and English language requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Ireland Fellows Programme for Small Island Developing States?
It is a fully funded master’s scholarship programme that supports emerging leaders from eligible Small Island Developing States to study in Ireland.
2. What expenses are covered?
The fellowship covers tuition fees, visa costs, insurance, return flights, residence permit fees, accommodation, living stipend, settling-in allowance, and completion allowance.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must be nationals and residents of participating Small Island Developing States, possess at least three years of relevant work experience, and meet the academic and admission requirements.
4. How many master’s programmes must applicants select?
Applicants must choose three eligible master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.
5. Can applicants who already have a master’s degree apply?
No. Individuals who already hold a master’s qualification or higher are not eligible.
6. Is financial support available for family members?
No. The fellowship covers only the selected fellow and does not provide financial assistance for spouses or dependents.
7. When does the fellowship begin?
Successful applicants will begin their master’s studies in Ireland during the 2027/2028 academic year, with programmes starting no earlier than August 2027.
Conclusion
The Ireland Fellows Programme for Small Island Developing States offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging leaders to gain a fully funded master’s education in Ireland while developing the skills needed to drive sustainable development in their home countries. Through comprehensive financial support, leadership development, and international academic experience, the programme helps strengthen national capacity, advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and build lasting partnerships between Ireland and Small Island Developing States.
For more information, visit Ireland Fellows Programme.