The Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans scholarship is open to young Africans aged 18–40 with a clean criminal record. Applicants need to possess a degree in any subject, or an equivalent qualification, and be able to demonstrate leadership qualities.
About the The Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans
The Irish Aid Fellows’ programs were launched in 2008 to allow young and talented Africans the opportunity to come and study in Ireland for 12 months.
Around 10 fellows are enrolled in the program and will spend a year with one of the Irish Aid partners at universities or colleges all over Ireland.
The fellowships are very competitive, with hundreds of applications received every year. The selection process is rigorous, and each potential fellow is interviewed by a panel consisting of Irish aid and partner organizations. Africa is an important focus for Irish aid and there are 18 countries currently receiving aid from Ireland. The fellows will gain exposure to all these countries while they are on placement in Ireland.
They will also work closely with their Irish hosts to gain a real understanding of how development programs operate at home as well as abroad.
- The purpose of the programme
This program aims to provide young Africans with opportunities that will help them realize their potential as agents of change in their societies. The project provides fellowships that enable several up-and-coming talented individuals to embark on a variety of vocational or academic training programs at universities and institutes across the world, including Ireland, the UK, Canada, India, Japan, and the USA.
- Tuition
cost The scholarship will provide €8,000 towards the cost of studying in Ireland for one year. The successful student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 from their time studying abroad in Ireland.
Courses Offered at The Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans
The following courses are offered through the Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans:
- Certificate of Peace and Human Security
- Certificate in Geo-Spatial Information Systems
- Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation
- Certificate in Gender and Governance
- Certificate in Digital Storytelling & Social Media Communications
- Certificate in Literacy and Orality Y
- Certificate in International Studies
- A Certificate in Social Media Long-form Journalism
- Post Graduate Diploma in Community Development
- Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies
- Master of Arts in International Studies
- Master of Arts in Development Studies
- Master of Arts in Gender and Governance
- Master of Arts in Peace and Human Security
- Master of Management in International Relations
- A Doctorate in Peace and Human Security
- Doctorate in Geo-Spatial Information Systems
- Doctorate in Climate Change Adaptation
- A Doctorate in Gender and Governance
- Doctorate in Digital Storytelling & Social Media Communications
- Doctorate in Literacy and Orality ICT1020 Y
- Doctorate in International Studies
- A Doctorate in Gender and Governance
- Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies (PhDIPIS)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies (Ph.D.)
- Master Programme on International Forests and Sustainable Forest Management (MIPFS).
- Pre-Master Programme on International Forests and Sustainable Forest Management (PIPFS)
- Master in Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (MDHRG)
- Doctorate in Overseas Development Studies (DODS)
- Master of Science in Gender and Governance (MSG)
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Commercial Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, International Trade Law & Investment Law, Labour Law or Public International Law
- MIT Entrance Certificate Programs (for MIT students only) -Certificate/Advanced Certificate programs are offered on the following subjects: Poverty Reduction through Social Enterprises; Environment; Sustainable Development; Conflict Resolution.
- A Diploma in Public Administration
- Master of Arts in History and International Relations
- Master of Arts in International Political Economy
- Certificate Programme in European Studies (for postgraduate students only)
- Certificate Programme on Surveillance Studies (for postgraduate students only)
- Certificate Programme in Human Rights and Democratization (for postgraduate students only)
- Certificate Programmes on the following subjects: Gender, Social Entrepreneurship, Food Security and Agro-ecology, Sustainable Livelihoods, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction, Environmental Sustainability.
Application Information For The Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans
We are inviting applications for the Irish Aid 2023–2024 Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme for Young Africans (IAAF). Under this scholarship program, you can study in Ireland for one year and receive €8,000 towards your living expenses while you study here.
The 2023–2024 IAAF is targeted at young professionals who have an interest in leadership and management development and who are keen and able to use their new knowledge and experience to promote development in their countries of origin upon returning home.
Application forms must be submitted online through the IAFA Online Fellowships Application System. Once you submit your online application form, you will be asked to upload a photo, CV, personal statement, and academic transcripts. The documents you upload must be in PDF format.
Application Process for African Students who Wish to Apply
The application process for Irish Aid’s Fellows Programme for Young Africans is open to all African citizens with the right skill set, who are passionate and innovative thinkers, and who want to make a difference in their communities.
The application process involves submitting an online form which will be reviewed by the Irish Aid team, and if successful, selected candidates will be invited to attend a selection seminar.
The selection seminar will comprise a presentation on Irish Aid’s work, an introduction to the Fellows Programme, and an opportunity to ask any questions. Selection will be based on compatibility with Irish Aid’s work as well as on individual initiative, motivation, and leadership qualities.
Successful applicants need to be available for a 10-day training program between mid-September and mid-October in Dublin, Ireland. The program may involve some travel in Ireland during the 10 days.
Eligibility Requirements for The Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans
Do you have what it takes to make a difference? The Irish Aid Fellows Programme for Young Africans is looking for a dynamic and self-motivated person!
To be considered, you must be:
- aged between 18 and 35 years old.
- a citizen of an African country.
- and have not received any higher education in Ireland.
Internship Types: Internships, Mentoring, and Training.
Documents Needed to Apply for the Irish Aid Fellows Programme
The Irish Aid Fellows Programme is a unique opportunity to study at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. This scholarship provides an opportunity for young Africans to study at one of the leading universities in Europe while also having their living costs and tuition fees covered. The following documents are needed before an application can be submitted:
- A letter of good academic standing from your former educational institution; an
- Your human resources department’s recommendation letter; -Your statement explaining the reasons why you wish to study abroad in Ireland;
- A copy of your valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC); and
- Proof of a return airfare or other means of transportation.
- A copy of your valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is required before submitting your application.
The Irish Aid Fellows Programme is administered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at Trinity College Dublin, and they retain full editorial control and responsibility for the selection process.
What do you Stand to Benefit?
The benefits of this program are numerous.
- For starters, the Irish and Kenyan governments have been great supporters of this program as well as of Ireland’s Kenya 2020 Partnership Programme. This allows fellows to gain networks that will help them in terms of opportunities and ease of doing business with these countries in the future.
- The program “focuses on building links between Africa and Ireland, promoting entrepreneurship across the continent and enhancing skills to enable young Africans to prosper in their home countries.”
- The program also empowers Africans by giving them opportunities to learn skills and be entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Irish Government offers a number of fellowship programmes to students from developing countries to undertake full-time study at Master’s level at an Irish higher level institution, with a focus on courses that are relevant to Irish Aid’s development objectives.
What is the Fellowship Scheme? The Fellowship Scheme is an opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic about progressing their careers in academia and research.
REFERENCES
- https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/ireland-fellows-programme-2023-2024/
- https://studygreen.info/ireland-fellows-programme-for-africans-2023/
- http://youthtriumph.com/master/ireland-africa-fellows-programme/
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