Applications are now open for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/28, a fully funded scholarship opportunity for eligible professionals who want to study for a master’s degree in Ireland.
For Nigerian applicants, the programme is offered through the Roger Casement Fellowship. The fellowship supports resident nationals of Nigeria who have leadership potential and are committed to contributing to development, human rights, inclusion and positive change in their communities. The fellowship allows successful applicants to study a master’s programme at an Irish higher education institution, with full financial support from the Government of Ireland.
Scholarship Benefits
The Ireland Fellows Programme covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Return international flights
- Accommodation
- Living costs
- Orientation and networking events
- Leadership and professional development training
The award supports selected students to undertake a fully funded master’s level programme in Ireland. Eligible programmes usually begin in August or September and may run for 10 to 16 months, depending on the course.
Eligible Courses for Nigerians
For Nigerian applicants, the Roger Casement Fellowship supports master’s programmes in the areas of:
- Law
- Human Rights
- Governance
Applicants are expected to select three relevant programmes from the Casement Fellowship Directory of Eligible Programmes.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Ireland Fellows Programme under the Roger Casement Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a resident national of Nigeria
- Have at least three years of substantial work experience directly relevant to the proposed course of study
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Have completed their bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later
- Not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification
- Not currently be studying for a master’s degree or higher qualification
- Be ready to begin a new master’s programme in Ireland from August 2027
- Show leadership ability and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Be able to contribute to positive relationships between Nigeria and Ireland
- Have selected three eligible programmes related to their academic and professional background
- Understand the academic and English language requirements for their chosen programmes
- Not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before
- Be available to take up the fellowship in the 2027/2028 academic year
English Language Requirement
Irish higher education institutions require a high standard of English language proficiency.
Shortlisted applicants who do not yet have the required English language certification may take the Duolingo English Test. However, if the selected course or institution does not accept Duolingo, the applicant may be required to take an IELTS exam in January 2027.
Applicants are also advised to prepare early for English language testing, as it may be required for admission and visa purposes.
Application Process
The application process has three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Application
Applicants first submit an initial application for eligibility review.
Stage 2: Detailed Application
Successful applicants from Stage 1 may be invited by the Embassy to submit a more detailed application. This stage may include supporting documents, selected course choices, work experience details and further information about the applicant’s motivation.
Stage 3: Interview
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the final selection process.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare the required documents early. These may include:
- Official identification document or passport identity page
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Explanation of grading system
- Passport-style photograph, where required
- Certificates for completed higher education qualifications
- Current CV
- Reference letters, where required
- English language test result, if available
Applicants should carefully read the Applicant Guidance Note before applying, as requirements may differ depending on the fellowship and application stage.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year are open from Monday, June 29, 2026, to Sunday, July 26, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should first review the official Ireland Fellows Programme overview and the Roger Casement Fellowship page.
Applicants should then complete their application through the Casement online application portal.
For more details about available fellowships and application guidance, visit the official Applying for the Ireland Fellows Programme page.
Students who want to learn more about studying in Ireland can also visit the official Education in Ireland website.
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