Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2021-2022 Postgraduate Scholarship for Young Africans (Ireland)

The Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2021-2022 to nurture future African leaders, women and men, is now open.

Through the programme, early career professional women and men, with leadership potential, from eligible countries will avail of relevant postgraduate study opportunities in Irish higher education institutions. On completion of their studies, graduates will have acquired relevant skills and knowledge and be better capacitated and positioned to influence the advancement of national social, economic and development priorities. Fostering women’s leadership capacity will be a priority. On return, graduates are expected to resume work and put their acquired skills into good use for the benefit of their home countries

Studying at postgraduate level in Ireland offers a unique opportunity to join programmes that are driving innovation and changing lives worldwide. Applicants can choose from almost 200 postgraduate programmes specially selected to enhance capacity in line with stated country development goals and the strategy of the Irish Embassy. The range of courses includes development studies, gender studies, climate related rural development, health care, education and strategic management.

• Table of Content
• About Government of Ireland
• Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme
• Requirements for Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme

Aim and Benefits of Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme

The programme offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded one-year master’s programme at a prestigious higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland. The award covers course fees, flights, and accommodation and living costs. Eligible master’s courses in Ireland commence in August or September each year and, depending on the course, will run for between 10 and 16 months. The Programme promotes equal opportunity and welcomes diversity.

Requirements for Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme Qualification

To be eligible for an Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme scholarship commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2021 applicants must:

• Be a resident national of one of the following countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Have a minimum of two or three years’ work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study (this can include internships).
• Hold a bachelor’s level academic qualification from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) – i.e. a first class honour, or second class honour, Grade 1 (in some cases a second class honour Grade 2 may be accepted, if the applicant has sufficient directly relevant work experience).
• Not already hold a qualification, have started a programme, or be due to start a programme in the academic year 2020/21, at master’s level or higher.
• Be applying to commence a new programme at master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2021.
• Be able to demonstrate leadership abilities and aspirations, as well as commitment to the achievement of the SDGs within your own country.
• Have identified and selected three relevant programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
• Have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiencies required for all programmes chosen.
• Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.
• Be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2021/2022.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please read the Applicants Guidance Note carefully before completing as eligibility criteria may differ from country to country. 

The application process consists of three stages:

• Stage 1   Preliminary Application;
• Stage 2   Detailed Application;
• Stage 3   Interviews.

All applicants who are selected to go forward to second stage will be required to sit an IELTS exam, unless they are already in possession of an IELTS certificate that is dated 2019 or later at the time of application which shows the applicant has achieved the necessary score for the course they intend to apply to. Early preparation for the IELTS exam is strongly advised, even for native English speakers.

For more details, visit Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme website.