The Seán MacBride Fellowship is a strand of the Ireland Fellows Programme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs and supported in Ireland by ICOS. It offers a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland to mid-career Namibian professionals who are ready to step into leadership roles back home.
The programme has three clear aims: to nurture future leaders, to strengthen in-country capacity to meet Namibia’s Sustainable Development Goals, and to build lasting ties between Namibia and Ireland. For a Namibian public servant, it is a rare chance to earn an internationally recognised master’s qualification at no personal cost while joining a global network of alumni.
This is a tightly targeted award. It is open only to resident nationals of Namibia who currently work with one of four named ministries, so it rewards professional experience as much as academic strength.
Scholarship benefits
- Fully funded tuition for a master’s programme in Ireland
- A living stipend to cover day-to-day costs during study
- Access to a global alumni network of Ireland Fellows
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a resident national of Namibia.
✔ You have at least two years of substantial work experience directly relevant to your proposed course of study.
✔ You work with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the Ministry of Justice (including the Office of the Judiciary), the Ministry of Defence, or the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Protection in Namibia.
✔ You hold a bachelor’s qualification from an accredited, government-recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (first class honours, or second class honours Grade 1; second class honours Grade 2 may be accepted with substantial relevant experience), awarded in 2015 or later.
✔ You do not already hold a master’s-level (or higher) qualification and are not currently enrolled in, or due to start, one in 2026/27.
✔ You are applying to begin a new master’s programme in Ireland no earlier than August 2026.
✔ You can demonstrate leadership ability and ambition, commitment to achieving the SDGs in Namibia, and a commitment to building positive relationships with Ireland.
✔ You have chosen three relevant programmes from Sections C and D of the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
✔ You understand the academic and English language requirements of every programme you select.
✔ You have not applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before.
✔ You can take up the Fellowship in the 2027/2028 academic year.
Application tips for African students
- Confirm your ministry eligibility first. This award is limited to staff of four named Namibian ministries, so check that your employer qualifies before you invest time in the application.
- Choose your three programmes carefully from the Directory of Eligible Programmes, and make sure each one matches both your academic background and your work experience.
- Check the English language requirement for every programme you pick. If a course expects IELTS or TOEFL, plan and book your test early so results arrive before deadlines.
- Get your degree certificate, transcripts and GPA documentation ready and, if needed, certified or translated. Note the rule that your bachelor’s must have been awarded in 2015 or later.
- Write a focused personal statement that shows leadership, a concrete commitment to Namibia’s SDGs, and how study in Ireland will help you deliver in your ministry.
- Line up strong references from your workplace early. Supervisors who can speak to your two-plus years of relevant experience carry real weight here.
- Submit well ahead of the 26 July 2026 deadline, and double-check that your completed form reaches the correct embassy email address.
How to apply
Download and complete the official application form, then submit it by email to the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia at [email protected]. Make sure you have selected your three eligible programmes and gathered all supporting documents before you send it. Full details and the application form are available on the official page: Seán MacBride Fellowship – Ireland Fellows Programme.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Seán MacBride Fellowship?
Resident nationals of Namibia who work with one of four named ministries. International Relations and Cooperation, Justice (including the Office of the Judiciary), Defence, or Gender Equality and Child Protection — and who meet the academic and experience requirements.
What does the fellowship cover?
It fully funds tuition, includes a living stipend, and gives you access to a global alumni network.
What level of study does it support?
It supports a new master’s-level programme in Ireland, commencing in the 2027/2028 academic year. Applicants must not already hold or be studying for a master’s or higher.
Is there an English language requirement?
Yes. Each programme sets its own academic and English language requirements, and applicants are expected to understand and meet them for every course they choose. Check whether IELTS or TOEFL is needed for your selected programmes.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 26 July 2026.
How do I submit my application?
Complete the official application form and email it to the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia at [email protected].