The Ireland Fellows Programme Ghana is a fully funded Master’s scholarship that brings talented Ghanaian professionals to Ireland to study for a taught postgraduate degree at an Irish higher education institution. It is aimed at early to mid-career people who have already shown leadership potential and a genuine commitment to development back home.
The programme is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs, with implementation support in Ireland provided by ICOS. Beyond the degree itself, the goal is to help graduates sharpen their skills, advance inclusion, and build lasting ties between Ghana and Ireland.
For a Ghanaian professional who wants a world-class Master’s without the cost, this is one of the most complete packages available: tuition, travel, housing and living costs are all covered. The 2027-2028 intake is open now, with a deadline of 26 July 2026.
Scholarship benefits
- Full coverage of programme (tuition) fees
- Return flights between Ghana and Ireland
- Accommodation support
- A monthly stipend to cover living costs
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a resident national of Ghana
✔ You hold a recognised bachelor’s degree
✔ You have at least two years of substantial work experience directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study
✔ You can demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to development
Application tips for African students
- Have your documents ready as PDFs early for stage 1 you’ll need your passport or official ID, your undergraduate degree certificate, and your final degree academic transcript. Scan them clearly and name the files sensibly.
- Make the link between your work experience and your chosen Master’s obvious. The two-year experience requirement is not a box to tick, reviewers want to see that your job history flows naturally into the programme you’re applying for.
- Lead with leadership. Because the fellowship explicitly rewards leadership potential and development impact, give concrete examples: teams you’ve led, initiatives you started, problems you solved in your community or workplace.
- If a statement or motivation section is required, keep it focused. Explain what you’ll study, why it matters for Ghana, and what you plan to do afterwards.
- Line up strong referees who know your work well and can speak to your leadership, and give them plenty of notice before the deadline.
- Confirm any English-language or entry requirements for your specific Irish institution and course, and factor in time for any tests. Check the official page for current requirements.
- Don’t wait until 26 July 2026. Submit well ahead so document upload or portal issues don’t cost you the application.
How to apply
Applications are made online. For stage 1, prepare PDF copies of your passport or other official ID, your undergraduate degree certificate, and your final academic transcript, then submit through the official application portal. For full details, eligible programmes and to apply, visit the official website: Ireland Fellows Programme Ghana.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme Ghana?
It is open to resident nationals of Ghana who hold a recognised bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of substantial work experience directly relevant to their proposed Master’s programme, along with clear leadership potential and commitment to development.
What does the fellowship cover?
It is fully funded and covers programme fees, return flights, accommodation support, and a monthly stipend for living costs.
What level of study does it support?
The programme funds a Master’s level degree at a higher education institution in Ireland.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on 26 July 2026 for the 2027-2028 intake.
What documents do I need for stage 1?
You’ll need PDF copies of your passport or other official ID, your undergraduate degree certificate, and your final degree academic transcript.
Who funds the programme?
It is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs, with implementation support in Ireland from ICOS.