Ireland Fellows Programme – SIDS 2026/2027 for Researchers from Small Island Developing States

The Ireland Fellows Programme offers people from around the world the opportunity to spend one year studying in Ireland.

Application Deadline:

• 26 July 2026

Tell Me About The Program:

The Ireland Fellows Programme – SIDS is a fully funded fellowship by the Government of Ireland, designed for early and mid‑career professionals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It provides the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland, while building leadership skills, expanding networks, and contributing to sustainable development goals. Fellows are expected to return home after graduation to apply their knowledge to national development priorities.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Applicants may choose from eligible Master’s programmes in:

• Agriculture & Food Systems
• Business & Management
• Computer Science & IT
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental Science & Climate
• Public Health
• Biotechnology
• Human Rights & Law
• Public Policy & Governance
• Sustainable Development
• Social Sciences

Applicants must select three eligible Master’s programmes aligned with their academic and professional background.

Type:

• Fully Funded Fellowship | Master’s Study | Ireland | SIDS Professionals

Who can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be nationals and residents of eligible SIDS countries.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (2015 or later) with GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0.
• Have at least three years of substantial work experience relevant to chosen Master’s programme.
• Not already hold a Master’s degree or higher.
• Be aged appropriately (normally 23–45, early/mid‑career professionals).
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to SDGs.
• Apply no more than once previously to the Ireland Fellows Programme.

Eligible Countries:

• Africa: Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea‑Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé & Príncipe, Seychelles.
• Asia: Maldives, Timor‑Leste.
• Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago.
• Pacific: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

What is the Benefit of the Program?

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Economy‑class return flights.
• Visa & residence permit fees.
• Medical & travel insurance.
• Arrival allowance + completion allowance.
• Monthly stipend (€700).
• Accommodation fully funded (first two terms).
• Accommodation allowance (€800–€1,000/month final term).
• Leadership development, networking, volunteering, and career support.

How Long Will the Program Last?

• Up to 16 months (Master’s programme duration).

Required Documents:

• Preliminary application form.
• Detailed application (Stage 2).
• References.
• English language certification (Duolingo or IELTS, depending on institution).
• Proof of Bachelor’s degree and GPA.
• Professional CV.

How to Apply:

1. Submit Stage 1 application (29 June – 26 July 2026).
2. If shortlisted, complete Stage 2 application (21 September – 18 October 2026).
3. Attend interviews (November – December 2026).
4. Apply to Irish universities (March 2027).
5. Fellowship awards confirmed (June/July 2027).
6. Begin studies in Ireland (August/September 2027).

Visit the Application Webpage for Details