Ireland Fellows Program 2025–26: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Ireland

Are you searching for a fully funded master’s scholarship in Europe that boosts your career and leadership skills? The Ireland Fellows Program 2025–26 is a flagship scholarship by the Irish Government, offering early- to mid-career professionals from eligible countries the chance to earn a one-year master’s degree at top Irish universities—at no cost. This in-depth, SEO-optimized guide explains everything: deadlines, benefits, eligibility, required documents, living expenses, tips for success, and more.

Basic Information About the Ireland Fellows Program

Host Country: Ireland
Program Type: One-year (10–16 months) fully funded master’s program
Academic Year: 2025–26
Deadline: Stage 1 application closes July 25, 2025 (3pm GMT)
Sponsor: Irish Government, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Financial Coverage: 100% Tuition, living costs, flights, accommodation, and more

The Ireland Fellows Program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeks future leaders, and fosters long-term relationships between Ireland and participating countries .

University/Institution Details

Ireland’s leading higher education institutions (HEIs) host Fellows, including:

Trinity College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD)
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
University College Cork (UCC)
Dublin City University (DCU)
University of Limerick (UL)
Maynooth University

Fellows can select their top three programs from the annually updated Directory of Eligible Programmes, comprised of master’s courses most closely aligned with SDGs and relevant to home country development .

Study Areas (Available Program Names)

The scholarship covers a broad range of fields:

Agriculture and Environmental Science
Rural Development and Conservation
Food Science and Food Engineering
Pharmacy and Biotechnology
Health, Medicine, and Health Economics
Development and Peace Studies
Education
Social Policy, Social Research, Community Development
Gender, Equality, and Human Rights
Law, Public Policy, and International Relations
Engineering, Hydrology, and Sustainable Technology
Economics, Finance, and Accounting
Business Management (Public Sector focus)
ICT and Communications Technology
Tourism and Hospitality

A full list of specific eligible programs is available in the official Directory, but typical examples include MSc in Development Practice, MPhil in International Peace Studies, MSc in Environmental Policy, MA in Education, etc.

Scholarship Benefits

The Ireland Fellows Program is among the most generous master’s scholarships in Europe. It includes:

Full Tuition Fees: 100% covered for the master’s course
University Application and Exam Fees
Economy Airfare: Return flights from home country to Ireland
Accommodation: Paid, usually in university residence or equivalent
Monthly Living Stipend: Covers food, transportation, utilities, and other living costs
Settling-in, Book, and Study Allowances
Visa Application Fee Reimbursement
Health and Emergency Insurance
Support Services: Pre-departure briefings and arrival orientation

All major expenses are covered, ensuring you can focus entirely on your studies and personal growth.

Benefits Not Included

While comprehensive, some costs are not included:

Personal Expenses: Entertainment, phone bills, shopping, travel outside program
Family/Dependent Support: Costs for spouses, children, or dependents
Upgraded Travel or Accommodation Above Standard Package
Additional English Test Attempts (if required after initial subsidy)
Specialized Medical or Dental Costs Not Covered by Standard Insurance
Non-program Study Materials/External Courses

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

Be a resident national of an eligible country (lists include countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, SIDS)
Have a minimum of 2–3 years of relevant work experience (depends on the country)
Hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA 3.0/4 or equivalent, awarded in 2014 or later)
Not already hold (or currently pursue) a master’s degree or higher
Be committed to SDGs and future leadership in your country
Meet specific program and English language requirements
Apply for three eligible master’s programs from the official directory
Not have previously applied for the Ireland Fellows Program more than once

See the country-specific guidelines for any additional requirements or exceptions.

Required Documents for the Application

Prepare these documents to apply:

Completed online preliminary application form
Passport identity page or another official identification
Bachelor’s degree award certificate
Academic transcripts (+ grade system explanation)
IELTS or equivalent English proficiency certificate
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Two recommendation letters
Motivation/personal statement
Recent passport-size photograph

All documents must be in English or include certified translations. Additional proof (e.g., work experience letters) may be requested.

Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Review Guidelines
Carefully read the Applicant Guidance Note and country-specific eligibility details.

2. Stage 1: Preliminary Application
Submit the online form with basic details and scanned documents by July 25, 2025 .

3. Stage 2: Detailed Application
If shortlisted, submit a more comprehensive application with additional documentation (invitation opens Sept 22; closes Oct 17, 2025).

4. Stage 3: Interviews
If shortlisted again, prepare for a panel interview (often remote/online).

5. English Language Testing
Take required language tests (Duolingo for screening and IELTS for final admission, if not already available).

6. Master’s Program Applications
Finalists will be invited to apply to Irish HEIs for selected master’s programs; DFA pays application fees.

7. Final Selection and Visa
Wait for the offer letter, then apply for your Irish student visa with support from the program.

8. Pre-Departure and Arrival
Attend briefings, finalize accommodation, arrange travel, and prepare for your studies in Ireland .

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Give yourself enough time for document gathering and essay writing.
Follow All Instructions: Stick to all guidelines and deadlines cited in official documents.
Be Strategic: Choose programs that match your goals and national development needs.
Showcase Leadership: Share examples of leadership, innovation, or social commitment.
Demonstrate Impact: Explain how your studies in Ireland will help your home country advance.
Proofread: Ensure your application is free from spelling or grammatical errors.
Get Strong References: Ask for recommendations from supervisors or mentors familiar with your abilities.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice discussing your achievements, ambitions, and alignment with SDGs.
Document English Proficiency Early: Secure the required IELTS or equivalent score promptly.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Ireland (USD)

Although the scholarship provides a stipend to cover major costs, understanding the monthly budget is crucial:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation	$1,350 – $1,600
Food	$450 – $600
Transportation	$60 – $120
Utilities/Internet	$80 – $180
Health Insurance	Covered
Miscellaneous	$140 – $250
Total	$2,080 – $2,750

All costs are approximate and depend on location and lifestyle; major university cities (Dublin, Cork) may cost more than smaller cities or towns.

Why Choose the Ireland Fellows Program? (Top 5 Reasons)

100% Fully Funded Education:
All tuition, living, travel, insurance, and visa costs are covered.
Access to Top Irish Universities:
Study in world-renowned institutions with long histories of academic excellence.
Career & Leadership Development:
Tailored for future leaders in public service, NGO, and key sectors.
Diverse, Global Community:
Network with scholars from across the globe, building lasting relationships.
Focus on SDGs and Impact:
Training and education directly support your nation’s development and the SDGs.

Bonus: Ireland’s friendly, hospitable culture and central role in the European Union makes it an ideal launchpad for a global career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What does the Ireland Fellows Program cover?
A: Everything: tuition, application fees, flights, accommodation, stipend, health insurance, and more .

Q2: Who can apply for this scholarship?
A: Early- to mid-career professionals from eligible countries, with a bachelor’s degree (2014 or later) and relevant work experience .

Q3: Can I bring my family or spouse?
A: No, the program supports only the selected Fellow. Dependents’ expenses and visa are not included.

Q4: How many programs can I apply to?
A: You must select three eligible programs from the official Directory in your preliminary application .

Q5: What English test is required?
A: IELTS is standard; Duolingo may be used for screening. Many Irish universities require at least IELTS 6.5, with no section less than 6.0 .

Q6: Is the program for master’s or PhD?
A: Only for full-time taught master’s programs (10–16 months), not for PhD or undergraduate studies .

Q7: What happens after I complete the degree?
A: Awardees must return to their home country, use their new skills for national development, and maintain positive ties with Ireland .

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Conclusion

The Ireland Fellows Program 2025–26 is one of the best fully funded master’s scholarships in Europe for transformative, development-focused professionals. With top-tier universities, unmatched financial support, and a powerful global network, this program is your ticket to an impactful international career—and a chance to help shape the future of your home country.

Start your application today and take the next step toward global leadership and academic excellence!