Ireland Fellows Programme Seán MacBride Fellowship 2026-2026

Ireland Fellows Programme Seán MacBride Fellowship 2026-2026: The Government of Ireland is working with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation in Namibia to provide capacity building in the area of international relations/conflict resolution.

Seán McBride was a former Minister for External Relations in Ireland and also served as the UN High Commissioner for Namibia during an important period in Namibia’s history pre-independence.

In celebration and in memory of the contribution of Seán McBride, and towards deepening the links between Ireland and Namibia, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs – through the Embassy of Ireland in Lusaka – is offering one fellowship for master’s degree level study in Ireland in the areas of international relations and conflict resolution.

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Ireland Fellows Programme Seán MacBride Fellowship 2026-2026

This scholarship has been established as part of a broader range of initiatives and engagements to further strengthen collaboration and cooperation with the Government of Namibia across a range of mutual interests.

Funding

The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs. The Fellowship covers the recipient only. Financial support or visas for spouses or dependents are not included within the scope of the programme.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a resident national of Namibia.
• Have a minimum of two years’ substantial work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme(s) of study, depending on the country.
• Be working with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation in Namibia.
• 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 2011 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 2026/23.
• 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 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.

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How to Apply for Ireland Fellows Programme Seán MacBride Fellowship

Download the application documents:

• Ireland Fellows Programme Directory of Programmes 2026-24 (opens in a new tab)
• MacBride Fellowship 2026-24 Stage 1 Guidance Note (opens in a new tab)
• Application form (opens in a new tab)

Deadline: July 31, 2026