The Embassy of Ireland in Nigeria has announced that the opening of applications for the 2026/2027 Ireland Fellows Programme for Nigerians seeking scholarship.
The scholarship programme of Ireland will officially open for Nigerians this coming Monday, June 29, 2026.
This fully funded scholarship offers qualified Nigerian and Ghanaian citizens a unique opportunity to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at top-tier Irish universities and higher education institutions.
The initiative, designed by the Irish Government, aims to nurture future leaders, build institutional capacity in partner countries, and drive progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The embassy disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Friday.
“Applications for the Ireland Fellows Programme open on 29 June 2026! Apply for the opportunity to study in Ireland on a fully funded master’s scholarship,” the embassy stated.
It added that applicants from Nigeria and Ghana could access information about the programme and application process through the official Ireland Fellows Programme portal.
According to details released by the embassy, eligible applicants must be resident nationals of Nigeria or Ghana, possess at least a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower, and have at least three years of relevant work experience.
For Nigerian applicants, the fellowship includes the Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights, which focuses on Master’s programmes in Law, Human Rights, and Governance.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly allowance, accommodation stipends, flight and visa costs, as well as health insurance.
Applications will open on June 29, 2026, and close on July 26, 2026. Interested applicants are expected to submit their applications through the Ireland Fellows Programme website.
What the Fully Funded Scholarship Covers
For successful applicants, the Ireland Fellows Programme removes all financial barriers to studying abroad.
The comprehensive award package covers:
- Full tuition and university registration fees.
- Fully covered international flights to and from Ireland.
- Bi-annual or monthly living stipends and accommodation allowances.
- Comprehensive health insurance and visa processing costs.
- Settling-in allowances to support the relocation transition.
Strict Eligibility Criteria for Nigerian Applicants
The selection process is highly competitive, and candidates must meet explicit academic and professional baseline requirements to be considered:
Nationality & Residence: Applicants must be resident nationals of Nigeria or Ghana.
Academic Background: You must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade of Second Class Lower (2:2).
Professional Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant, professional work experience is mandatory.
Leadership Focus: Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership potential and a clear commitment to returning home to support Nigeria’s national development goals.
