Irish Scholarships Now Open!
Are you interested in studying a fully-funded master’s degree in one of Ireland’s prestigious universities? The Ireland Fellows Programme is now open and they are on the lookout for high-achieving Zambian professionals.
The Programme offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a high education institution (HEI) studying in Ireland. It enables early to mid-career professions from eligible countries to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education contributing to capacity building. It aims to nurture future leaders, to develop in country capacity to achieve national SDG goals, and to build positive relationships with Ireland.
The Programme scholarship covers programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs. Once home, graduates are expected to bring their acquired skills to contribute to capacity building in their home country. It is envisaged that they will then contribute to building enduring positive personal and professional relationships with Ireland, promoting institutional linkages.
Master’s level programmes
The eligible master’s level programmes are listed in a Directory, which includes a range of areas such as climate change, conservation and behaviour, wildlife conservation and management, environmental science and renewable energy. You can find the Directory here for information on all the Programmes offered.
Programmes begin in Ireland in August or September each year and, depending on the programme chosen, run for between 10 and 16 months.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa scholarship commencing at the beginning of the academic year 2022 applicants must:
- Be a resident national of Zambia (see here for more eligible countries)
- Have a minimum of 2 or 3 years’ work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study, depending on the country (see the Guidance Note for Applicants)
- 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 (in some cases a second class honour Grade 2 may be accepted, if the applicant has sufficient directly relevant work experience). It must have been awarded in 2010 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 2021/22
- Be applying to commence a new programme at master’s level in Ireland no sooner than August 2021
- 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 3 programmes relevant to your academic and professional background from the 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 2022/2023
How to apply
Ireland boasts one of the most highly educated populations in the world, with many of the world’s biggest and best companies being located in Ireland. This has led to an unparalleled ecosystem of collaboration between Irish academic researchers and some of the most powerful multi-nationals of the planet.
The application process consists of three stages:
- Stage 1 Preliminary Application
- Stage 2 Detailed Application
- Stage 3 Interviews
More information and application forms can be downloaded from here. All Stage 1 applications must be emailed to Zambiafellowships@dfa.ie. Applicants who are selected to go forward to second stage will be required to sit an IELTS, or Duolingo English Test unless they are already in possession of an IELTS certificate or Duolingo test certificate that is dated 2020 or later at the time of application which shows the applicant has achieved the necessary score for the course they intend to apply to. Early preparation for the IELTS and Duolingo English test exam is strongly advised, even for native English speakers.
For more information on how to apply for the academic year 2021/22 visit www.irishaidfellowships.ie You can also find out more and ask questions about the scholarships on the Embassy of Ireland, Zambia’s Facebook Page
The closing date for applications is 1 August 2021. Please include ‘Ireland-Africa Fellowship’ in the subject line of all emails.
The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded by the Irish Government and is offered under the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes equal opportunity and welcomes diversity.