Ireland Fellows Programme SIDS 2026

Ireland Fellows Programme SIDS 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for Small Island Developing States

Applications are now open for the Ireland Fellows Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for the 2027/2028 academic year. This fully funded scholarship offers emerging leaders from eligible SIDS countries the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland .

The programme aims to nurture future leaders, develop in-country capacity to achieve national Sustainable Development Goals, and build positive relationships with Ireland . For more leadership development opportunities, explore fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students.

Eligible Countries

To be eligible for an award commencing in 2027, applicants must be a national of one of the following eligible SIDS countries and resident in one of them (they can be a national of one country and resident in another, in the same region) :

Africa: Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles

Asia: Maldives, Timor-Leste

Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Pacific: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Scholarship Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded by the Irish Government and provides comprehensive support for a master’s programme at an Irish higher education institution . The award covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Round-trip airfare

• Accommodation

• A living stipend

Important: The fellowship covers the recipient only. Financial support or visas for spouses or dependents are not included within the scope of the programme.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ireland Fellows Programme – SIDS award commencing in 2027, applicants must :

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) – i.e., a first-class honour or second-class honour, Grade 1 . A second-class honour Grade 2 may be accepted if the applicant has substantial directly relevant work experience.

• Have a minimum of three years’ substantial work experience that is directly relevant to the proposed programme(s) of study.

• Have completed their bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later (i.e., within the last 12 years).

• Not already hold a master’s degree or higher – nor be currently undertaking or due to start a master’s programme in the 2026/27 academic year.

• Apply to commence a new master’s programme in Ireland no sooner than August 2027.

• Demonstrate leadership abilities and aspirations, a commitment to the achievement of the SDGs within their own country, and a commitment to contribute to building positive relationships with Ireland.

• Identify and select three programmes relevant to their academic and professional background from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.

• Not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.

• Be available to take up the fellowship in the 2027/2028 academic year.

For similar opportunities, check the latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

English Language Requirements

Irish higher education institutions require a high standard of English language proficiency . If shortlisted in Stage 1, applicants who do not yet have the required English language certification will take the Duolingo English Test . If the chosen course or institution does not accept Duolingo, applicants will be required to take an IELTS exam in January 2027.

Application Process

The application process consists of three stages :

1. Preliminary Application – Submit your initial application through the official programme website.

2. Detailed Application – Shortlisted applicants proceed to the detailed application stage.

3. Interviews – Finalists are invited for interviews.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents :

• One recent passport-sized photograph

• Copy of graduation certificates for all higher education qualifications completed

• Copy of academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications, including grading system explanation

• Two academic reference letters on official letterhead with contact details and original signatures (from academics who have taught you personally)

• Copy of the identity page of your passport

• IELTS score report, if available (dated September 2024 or later)

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 26 July 2026 . Early applications are recommended to allow sufficient time to prepare the required documents and select eligible master’s programmes.

For a broader view of funding options in Europe, refer to financial aids for students in Europe.

Final Thoughts

The Ireland Fellows Programme SIDS offers a remarkable opportunity for emerging leaders from Small Island Developing States to gain a world-class education in Ireland while building networks and skills to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing your application today and submit it before the 26 July 2026 deadline.

Apply Now for Ireland Fellows Programme SIDS 2027