Applications are now open for the SIDS Fellowship Programs 2027 – Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 2027, a fully funded scholarship programme that enables outstanding professionals from eligible Small Island Developing States to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland.
Funded by the Government of Ireland, the programme aims to develop future leaders, strengthen national capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and build lasting partnerships between Ireland and participating countries. Successful fellows receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, accommodation support, flights, and other study-related benefits.
About the Ireland Fellows Programme – SIDS
The Ireland Fellows Programme supports early and mid-career professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to contributing to sustainable development in their home countries.
Participants undertake a fully funded one-year master’s programme at an Irish higher education institution while gaining academic knowledge, professional skills, and international experience that they can apply to national development priorities.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Accommodation support.
- Return international flights.
- Study-related allowances.
- Settling-in support.
- Academic support throughout the programme.
- Opportunity to study at leading Irish universities.
- Membership in the Ireland Fellows global alumni network.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be nationals of, and resident in, one of the eligible Small Island Developing States.
Africa
- Cabo Verde
- Comoros
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mauritius
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Seychelles
Asia
- Maldives
- Timor-Leste
Caribbean
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
Pacific
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia (Federated States of)
- Nauru
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a national of an eligible SIDS country.
- Be resident in an eligible SIDS country.
- Have at least three years of substantial work experience directly related to their proposed field of study.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Have obtained their bachelor’s qualification in 2015 or later.
- Not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification.
- Not currently be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme.
- Be applying to begin a new master’s programme in Ireland in the 2027/2028 academic year.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in their home country.
- Demonstrate commitment to strengthening relationships with Ireland.
- Select three eligible master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Programmes.
- Meet the English language requirements of their selected universities.
- Have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme no more than once previously.
- Be available to commence studies in 2027.
Eligible Programmes
Applicants must choose three master’s programmes from the official Directory of Eligible Postgraduate Programmes, ensuring the courses align with their academic background and professional experience.
English Language Requirements
All fellows must satisfy the English language requirements of their chosen Irish higher education institutions.
Shortlisted applicants who do not already possess an accepted English language qualification will:
- Take the Duolingo English Test, accepted by most Irish universities.
Where a selected institution does not accept Duolingo, applicants will instead complete:
- IELTS in January 2027.
Application Process
The fellowship selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1
- Submit the preliminary application.
Stage 2
- Complete the detailed application if shortlisted.
Stage 3
- Participate in an interview.
Final successful candidates will then proceed with university admission and scholarship arrangements.
Important Notes
Applicants should note:
- The fellowship supports master’s degree studies only.
- Funding is provided for the fellow only.
- Financial support is not available for spouses or dependents.
- Visa arrangements for accompanying family members are not covered by the programme.
Why Apply?
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides exceptional professionals from Small Island Developing States with the opportunity to gain internationally recognized qualifications while strengthening leadership capacity, advancing national development priorities, and building long-term partnerships between Ireland and participating countries. Graduates return home equipped with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and global networks that contribute to sustainable economic, environmental, and social development.
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