Description

The 2027–2028 Ireland-Africa Fellows Scholarship Program is a scholarship opportunity sponsored by Irish Aid (the Irish Government). The Ireland Fellows Program (Africa component) enables African professionals to pursue a one-year master’s degree at an Irish institution, fully funded, to strengthen their country’s capacity. This SkillReFlex fact sheet outlines key information to help you understand the target audience, the level of funding, important dates, required documents, program limitations, and points to consider before applying. Program Objective - The objective is to train future leaders, strengthen national capacity to achieve the SDGs, and build lasting relationships with Ireland. Proposed Experience - Scholarship recipients will pursue a one-year master’s degree (beginning in August 2027) at an Irish institution of higher education, with all costs covered (tuition, flights, insurance, visa, and residence permit). Funding and Benefits : The support offered is as follows: Fully funded scholarship: tuition, round-trip economy-class flights, medical and travel insurance, visa fees, and Irish residence permit fees. Key points to note are: Tuition fully covered; Round-trip economy-class flights to Ireland; Medical and travel insurance; Visa and Irish residence permit fees covered; one-year master’s degree at a recognized Irish institution. When an opportunity combines support, training, funding, travel, or visibility, it is important to distinguish between what is guaranteed, what depends on the final selection, and what remains the responsibility of the applicant. Candidate Profile : The program is open to nationals residing in one of the 24 eligible countries (including the DRC, Senegal, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria…), who hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0), with 2 to 3 years of experience, and who do not already hold a master’s degree. The main criteria to verify are: Being a resident national of one of the 24 eligible African countries; Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0); Have 2 to 3 years of relevant professional experience (depending on the country); Not already hold a master’s degree or higher; Be applying for a master’s program starting no earlier than August 2027. Timeline - The date set for public announcement is July 26, 2026. Official details: Application deadline: July 26, 2026; Start of the master’s program: beginning in August 2027. If the official page lists multiple application rounds, countries, categories, or time zones, always confirm the date that applies to your situation before finalizing your application. Application : Recommended Procedure: Review the list of countries and the directory of eligible programs on ireland.ie; select three relevant master’s programs; complete the official application form; submit your application by July 26, 2026. Documents you’ll need to prepare include: Bachelor’s degree and transcripts (minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0), proof of professional experience, the application form, and your selection of three programs. Verify that your country and experience meet the required thresholds. Choose three programs aligned with your background and the SDGs. Some applications are by invitation only through local Irish Aid partners: inquire early. Keep a copy of every document you submit, use a permanent email address, and note the time zone for the deadline. Important Note : This post does not replace the official source. Verified details: The 2027/2028 program is confirmed as open, with a deadline of July 26, 2026, according to official sources from Irish Aid / ireland.ie on July 8, 2026.; Coverage (expenses, flights, insurance, visa) and eligibility (24 countries, GPA of 3.0, 2–3 years) verified. Apply only through ireland.ie and Irish Aid’s official partners. No Irish government scholarship requires payment. Apply only through the official channels listed and refuse any promise of selection in exchange for payment, any request for unlisted fees, or any contact that urges you to bypass the official channel.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Be a resident national of one of the 24 eligible African countries
• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Provide proof of 2 to 3 years of relevant professional experience (depending on the country)
• You must not already hold a master's degree or higher
• Apply for a master's program starting no earlier than August 2027

Application procedure