In early July 2025, applications opened for the Ireland Africa Fellows Programme 2025/26, a fully funded master’s scholarship initiative for early- to mid-career professionals from eligible African countries. The fellowship covers tuition, flights, accommodation, and living expenses for 10–16 months in Irish universities and seeks to build leadership and capacity in sectors like agriculture, health, education, engineering, and human rights. With a structured three-stage selection process—preliminary application, detailed submission, and interviews—this prestigious award strengthens development ties between Africa and Ireland.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
- The full tuition expenses for a master’s degree that lasts between 10 and 16 months at an Irish higher education institution.
- Return flights to Ireland
- Living expenses and lodging are entirely reimbursed.
- Access to nearly 200 eligible master’s programs in disciplines that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Zambia’s development priorities
- Opportunities to enhance your leadership and development impact.
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Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this life-changing fellowship, you must:
- Be a citizen of Zambia and currently residing in the country.
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree with Merit or higher from a recognized institution.
- Possess a minimum of three years of substantial, relevant work experience.
- Not possess a master’s degree or higher.
- Apply for a new master’s program that will commence in August or September 2025.
- Be presently employed by one of the eligible government or civil society institutions listed.
- Select three courses that are pertinent.
- Show a steadfast dedication to the development objectives of Zambia.
- Adhere to the procedural requirements of the Government of Zambia
- Comply with the English language proficiency standards mandated by Irish universities, typically through the IELTS exam.
Note: Applicants must not have applied more than once for an Ireland Fellowship in the past.
Eligible Institutions Include:
Government Bodies:
Zambia Development Agency, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, ZAMSTATS, Anti-Corruption Commission, Smart Zambia Institute, Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), and others.
Non-State Entities:
The Law Association of Zambia, Civil Society, NGOs, and organizations that specialize in Human Rights, Climate Justice, Disability, Gender Equality, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
The last date to submit your Stage 1 application for the Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2025 is 25 July 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Ireland Africa Fellows Programme?
A fully-funded scholarship enabling mid-career professionals from eligible African countries to pursue a one-year master’s programme in Ireland—covering tuition, flights, living allowance, accommodation, and settling-in support
Who is eligible?
You must:
Be a national and resident of one of 26 eligible African countries (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, etc.) .
Hold a bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA or equivalent, awarded since 2013)
Have 2–3 years of relevant work experience, depending on your country
Not already hold or be pursuing a master’s degree
Be available to commence studies in Ireland in August/September 2025
Demonstrate leadership qualities, SDG commitment, and a desire to build links with IrelandWhat courses are eligible?
Masters programmes across disciplines like agriculture, health, education, human rights, computer science, engineering, business, and more. A directory of qualifying HEIs is available
