The Roger Casement Fellowship is a fully funded master’s opportunity for Nigerian professionals who want to study Human Rights in Ireland. It sits within the wider Ireland Fellows Programme, which is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs, with delivery support in Ireland provided by ICOS.
The fellowship carries real meaning for Nigerian applicants. It honours Roger Casement, the Irish human rights activist who spent part of his early working career in Calabar, Nigeria. Each year it supports Nigerians to pursue a master’s course of study in the human rights field.
If you are a Nigerian professional with a few years of relevant work behind you and a genuine commitment to development, this is a rare chance to earn a recognised Irish master’s degree without carrying the cost yourself, while joining a global network of alumni.
Scholarship benefits
- Fully funded tuition for your master’s programme
- A living stipend to support your time in Ireland
- Membership of a global alumni network
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a resident national of Nigeria
✔ You hold a recognised bachelor’s degree
✔ You have at least two years of substantial work experience directly relevant to your proposed programme of study
✔ You can demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to development
✔ You choose a programme from the Casement Fellowship Course Directory, focused on Human Rights, Law, Governance, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Studies or related development fields
Application tips for African students
- Start early, the process runs through several stages (preliminary, detailed, and an interview/physical stage), so give yourself weeks, not days, before the July 26, 2026 deadline.
- Only pick programmes listed in the Casement Fellowship Course Directory; applying to a course outside it can disqualify you, so confirm your choice is on the approved list first.
- Make your two years of relevant work experience explicit. Show clearly how each role connects to Human Rights, Law, Governance or your chosen development field.
- Write a focused, honest motivation statement that links your past work, your leadership record, and how you intend to use the degree back home for development impact.
- Line up strong recommenders early, ideally people who can speak to both your professional performance and your leadership potential.
- Get your bachelor’s transcripts and degree certificate certified and, if needed, translated well ahead of the detailed application stage.
- If English-language test scores are requested by your chosen Irish course, book any IELTS/TOEFL sitting early so results arrive in time. Check each programme’s specific requirement.
How to apply
The fellowship uses a three-stage process. Stage 1 is a preliminary application for an initial eligibility review and basic applicant details. Stage 2 is the detailed application, where you submit supporting documents, your programme choices, your work experience and your motivation. Stage 3 is a physical or interview stage for shortlisted candidates. There is no public online form for this final stage. Applications close on July 26, 2026. Apply and read the full details on the official page: https://irelandfellows.africa/nigeria/
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Roger Casement Fellowship?
Resident nationals of Nigeria who hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of relevant work experience, and can show leadership potential and a commitment to development.
What does the fellowship cover?
It is fully funded, covering tuition and a living stipend, and it connects you to a global alumni network.
What can I study?
A master’s-level course chosen from the Casement Fellowship Course Directory, primarily in Human Rights, Law, Governance, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Studies and related development fields.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on July 26, 2026.
Where will I study?
In Ireland, through the Ireland Fellows Programme funded by the Government of Ireland.
How is the selection carried out?
Through three stages: a preliminary application, a detailed application with supporting documents, and a final interview or physical stage for shortlisted applicants.