Note: This web version is provided for convenience. In the event of any recent updates or discrepancies, the official PDF document remains the definitive source of information.
Important Information for Applicants
ABOUT THIS DIRECTORY
This directory should be read alongside the guidance notes and the programme application form. These notes explain the application process and you are advised to study them carefully.
On your application form, you are required to identify the specific postgraduate programme(s) in order of preference, which you are interested in undertaking, based on the information in this directory and the latest details provided by the relevant institution. You should not rely solely on the information in this document, as the information about programmes provided by institutions at the time of publishing this directory may be subject to change. Before preparing or submitting an application, you are advised to check all details with the online information provided by the college. You should particularly ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for the selected programme(s). It is also important that you research the institution(s) you propose to study at to ensure that it is a good fit for you and will meet your expectations.
Applicants shortlisted as a Candidate following interview, whose applications, documentation and English language certificate have been verified and are in order, will be provided with information on making programme applications to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in March 2026. Applications should not be made to HEIs in Ireland until invited to do so. Application fees will be paid by the Department of Foreign Affairs for shortlisted Candidates. Reimbursements will not be made where a shortlisted candidate applies for a programme before being formally invited to do so.
PROGRAMME SELECTION
It should be noted that some sections of the directory may not be available to applicants for all strands and countries, reflecting programme priorities of the Embassy of Ireland in those countries. These sections are clearly marked in the table of contents.
In addition to ensuring you select programmes which are available to applicants from your country, y ou must also select programmes from this directory that align with your academic and professional experience. Furthermore, to maximise your chances of receiving a course place offer if shortlisted by the Ireland Fellows Programme, applicants are strongly advised to select three programmes at three different institutions.
When Candidates are formally invited to apply to HEIs in Ireland, priority will be given to their choices in the order they have listed them in their application. Candidates will be invited to apply to two programmes, and w here possible, priority will be given to the top 2 programmes listed. In the case of more than one offer being received from their programme choices, all candidates will be required, for logistical reasons, to accept the programme which they have ranked highest within their application. It is therefore very important to carefully consider the order in which you list the programmes on your application form.
Programme place offers are entirely at the discretion of the HEIs in Ireland. If a Candidate does not receive an offer from either of their two HEI applications, their Fellowship application will have concluded.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AND RECOGNITION
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the programmes they select from this directory align with their academic qualifications, professional experience, and career objectives. Before making final programme selections, applicants should carefully review the published entry requirements for each programme. The course requirements may be about required subjects; minimum qualification level; professional experience; English language test scores; or necessary documentation.
Please note that in Ireland, the final decision about acceptance onto a course of study rests with the relevant Higher Education Institution (HEI). The Ireland Fellows Programme has carefully researched general equivalences between applicants’ countries and the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. However, the Programme cannot formally assess the equivalence of international qualifications, determine whether an applicant meets the academic entry requirements for a particular programme, or guarantee admission to any selected programme. Applicants are strongly advised to consult the NARIC Ireland database as a guide to how their international qualifications may compare to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
HEIs typically require applicants to hold the equivalent of an Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 qualification for entry to a master's programme. However, academic eligibility requirements and recognition of international qualifications may vary between institutions and between individual programmes. Applicants should not assume that eligibility for one programme or institution means that they will be eligible for another.
If an applicant’s undergraduate bachelor's degree does not clearly meet this requirement (NFQ Level 8), many HEIs and programmes will consider highly relevant professional experience as a valid substitute or supplement for entry through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Entry. Please note that RPL processes vary between institutions and programmes, and not all programmes offer an RPL route for entry.
Applicants are strongly advised to contact the relevant HEI admissions office or programme contact before making their final programme selections, particularly where they are unsure whether their qualifications meet the stated entry requirements. Any such contact should be for guidance on general eligibility only and should not involve making a formal application before being invited to do so by the Ireland Fellows Programme. Contacting an HEI does not guarantee admission, but may help applicants to make informed and realistic programme choices. For candidates who reach Stage 3, Embassies may be able to provide additional insights.
RPL, where available, is strictly for meeting minimum entry requirements, and cannot be used for module exemptions, "advanced entry," or reduced programme requirements. Successful Candidates must complete the full programme of study to remain eligible for the Ireland Fellows Programme.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Irish higher education institutions require a high standard of English language proficiency and this must be formally certified, normally through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS - www.ielts.org). IELTS examines competency in English language across reading, writing, speaking and listening and is necessary for admission to all Irish HEIs.
While we have made every effort to identify the IELTS score requirement for each score in this directory, applicants are asked to please check the programme webpage or contact the college directly to confirm the IELTS requirements for any programme(s) they are considering applying to.
PROGRAMMES THAT INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL FIELD TRIPS
Some of the programmes included in this directory include the option of a fieldtrip abroad. It is important to note when selecting programmes that the Ireland Fellows Programme does not provide funding for participation in optional international fieldtrips.
WEB ADDRESSES
Throughout the listings, many long web addresses for programme information have been shortened, for example: www.bit.ly/qEdRCn. This format allows for easier transcription, if required. Any capitalisation should be noted accurately as these shortened addresses are case-sensitive. While every effort has been taken to ensure all website links work, these links may change after the publication of the directory, but all programmes can be found by going directly to the institution’s website.