ELIGIBILITY:

Eligible Courses: Master’s programs at Irish higher education institutes in the areas of Law, Human Rights and Governance.

To be eligible for an Ireland Fellows Programme – Casement Fellowship award commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2026, applicants must: 

Be a resident national of Nigeria. 

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

Hold a bachelor’s level academic qualification from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (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). It must have been awarded in 2014 or later (i.e. within the last 12 years). 

Not already hold a qualification at master’s level or higher. Not currently undertaking a programme at master’s level or higher, or be due to start a programme at master’s level or higher in the academic year 2025/26. 

Be applying to commence a new programme at master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2026.  

Be able to demonstrate the following: leadership abilities and aspirations; a commitment to the achievement of the SDGs within your own country; and a commitment to contribute to building positive relationships with Ireland. 

Have identified and selected three programmes relevant to your academic and professional background from the Casement Fellowship Directory of Eligible Programmes. 

Have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiencies required for all programmes chosen. 

Must not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion. 

Be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2026/2027. 

In addition, please see the Ireland Fellows Programme Africa page. 

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

BENEFIT:

The program offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland. The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs. Eligible master’s level programmes in Ireland commence in August or September each year and, depending on the programme, will run for between 10 and 16 months.