Introduction

Have you ever wished to study in Ireland (Irish)with complete financial support and no debt? A fully funded Master’s scholarship intended to develop tomorrow’s leaders is available to professionals in Ghana and Nigeria through the Irish Aid Government of Ireland Fellowship 2026. This program, which covers tuition, airfare, housing, living expenses, and more, will help you advance into occupations with a worldwide effect while strengthening your relationship with Ireland.

About Irish Aid & the Fellows Programme

Irish Aid Overview

Irish Aid is the official development cooperation section of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, working to promote international education and capacity-building through scholarships, training, and partnerships across Africa and beyond Opportunities Corners+14Wikipedia+14Ireland+14educationinireland.africa+13Instagram+13Ireland+13Opportunities For Africans+8educationinireland.africa+8Opportunities for Youth+8Opportunities for Youth+5Opportunities For Africans+5Ireland Fellows Programme+5Ireland Fellows Programme+7Opportunities For Africans+7educationinireland.africa+7Opportunities for Youth+6Opportunities Corners+6Opportunities For Africans+6Opportunities For Africans+7Opportunities for Youth+7educationinireland.africa+7.

Ireland Fellows Programme

Launched to empower early- to mid-career professionals from eligible African countries, this programme supports 10–16 month master’s studies in Ireland focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leadership, and institutional strengthening educationinireland.africa+6Ireland Fellows Programme+6Opportunities For Africans+6.

Programme Goals

The fellowship nurtures future change-makers, aligning with Ireland’s Global Ireland strategy, SDG 16 (inclusive institutions), and bilateral ties Opportunities for Youth+5Ireland Fellows Programme+5educationinireland.africa+5.

Eligible Countries & Fellowship Strands

Nigeria & Ghana Eligibility

Nigerians and Ghanaians are eligible under the main Africa Fellows strand or, in Nigeria’s case, the specialized Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights Opportunities for Youth+5educationinireland.africa+5Opportunities For Africans+5.

Roger Casement Fellowship

This stream supports Nigerian candidates pursuing human rights Master’s degrees in Ireland, honoring the legacy of Irish volunteer Roger Casement Opportunities Corners+2educationinireland.africa+2Opportunities for Youth+2.

Scholarship Coverage & Benefits

The package includes:

• Full tuition & HEI student fees

• Visa/permit costs and medical insurance

• Return flights to/from Ireland

• Settling-in and completion allowances

• Monthly stipend (~€700)

• Paid accommodation during academic terms (~€800–1,000/month in Trimester 3) Opportunities Corners+6educationinireland.africa+6Ireland Fellows Programme+6Facebook+1Opportunities for Youth+1Opportunities For Africans+1Ireland Fellows Programme+1

Eligible Fields of Study

Supported areas include:

• Human Rights & Governance

• Agriculture, Education, Health, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Environment, etc.

• Refer to the Directory of Eligible Programmes for full details Ireland+12Ireland Fellows Programme+12Opportunities For Africans+12

Eligibility Criteria

1. Citizenship – Must be a Nigerian or Ghanaian national residing in-country educationinireland.africa+1Opportunities For Africans+1

2. Academic – Bachelor’s degree (1st or 2:1) awarded since 2014 Ireland Fellows ProgrammeOpportunities For Africans

3. Work Experience – Minimum 2–3 years relevant professional experience Opportunities For Africanseducationinireland.africa

4. Leadership & SDG Vision – Demonstrated ability to impact national development and foster Ireland relations educationinireland.africa+5educationinireland.africa+5Opportunities For Africans+5

5. No previous master’s or equivalent enrolments at application time Opportunities For Africans+4Ireland Fellows Programme+4Opportunities For Africans+4

6. Language Competence – IELTS or Duolingo certification (must be recent)

Application Timeline & Deadlines

• Stage 1 (Eligibility): June 30–July 25, 2025

• Stage 2 (Full Application): Sept 22–Oct 17, 2025

• Interviews & Final Selection: Early–mid 2026

• Programme begins: Sept–Oct 2026

Step-by-Step Application Process

Stage 1: Preliminary Submission

• Personal info, academic record, degree certificate, work experience, programme choices (up to 3), and passport ID

• Nigeria/Ghana candidates apply online; others by embassy

Stage 2: Full Application

• If shortlisted, submit motivation letter, CV, references, transcripts, proof of language proficiency

• Duration: Sept 22–Oct 17, 2025

Stage 3: Interview & Final Decision

• Panel interview

• Final fellowship awards announced by mid-2026

Preparing Your Documents

• CV/Resume: professional format

• Degree documents: cover certificate, transcript, grading scale

• Passport copy – personal information page

• University statements: motivation, SDG/leadership narratives

• Language test proof (IELTS or Duolingo)

Demonstrating Leadership & SDG Alignment

• Show past leadership roles—even volunteer or activist positions

• Link proposed studies to your country’s SDG priorities

• Show intentions to foster Ireland–Africa ties

Language Requirements

• IELTS scores (usually ≥6.5) or equivalent

• Duolingo tests offered free to Stage 2 candidates missing language proof Interview Preparation Tips

• Learn Ireland Fellows Programme aims and Global Ireland strategy

• Prepare stories: leadership, SDG-focused projects, future impact

• Rehearse responses to common interview questions

What Happens After Selection

• Accept award with official documentation

• Begin visa process (Irish embassy guidance)

• Prepare for travel: orientation, flights, accommodation in Ireland

Life in Ireland as a Fellow

• Academic training, degree classes, collaboration

• Cultural immersion: clubs, language, exploration

• Receive monthly stipend, term-time housing, settling-in support

• Network with peers and Irish institutions

Responsibilities & Return Obligations

• Fellows must return to Nigeria or Ghana post-study

• Engage in national capacity-building or policy work

• Report on how fellowship impacted their communities

For More Information: https://eduireland.live/ifp

FAQs

1. Can I apply if I live abroad?
No—you must be a resident national of Nigeria or Ghana .

2. What counts as ‘relevant work experience’?
Professional roles related to the chosen programme (e.g., health policy, agriculture for development, human rights work) .

3. Is the scholarship truly fully funded?
Yes—covers tuition, flights, visa, accommodation, stipend, and more .

4. What if I don’t have IELTS?
Shortlisted Stage 2 applicants may use the Duolingo English Test provided by the programme .

5. Must I return home after finishing?
Yes—fellows must return and apply what they’ve learned in their home country to build capacity .

Conclusion

The Irish Aid Government of Ireland Scholarship 2026 is life-changing—empowering Nigerian and Ghanaian leaders with top-tier education, global networks, and no financial stress. If you’re passionate about growth, development, and lasting impact, this is your moment. Prepare early, refine your application, and commit to returning home equipped to lead.

Ready to shape Africa’s future? 🛫 Let’s walk through your application and motivation letter together!