GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND, DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (IRELAND FELLOWS PROGRAMME)
Casement Fellowship in Human Rights
full · masters
- ~35,000-45,000 EUR / year (est.)Full funding package value
- 1-year master'sDegree funded
- Nigerian nationalsEligibility
- 3 stagesSelection process
- 2+ years experienceWork requirement
- Tuition + travel + livingWhat is covered
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Feb 27, 2027
Deadline
Nigeria
Country
Government of Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland Fellows Programme)
Provider
The Casement Fellowship in Human Rights is part of the Ireland Fellows Programme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs, and named after Roger Casement, an Irish diplomat and human rights advocate. It enables early- to mid-career professionals from Nigeria to pursue a fully funded one-year master's degree in Ireland in human rights, law, or governance. Eligible programmes are listed in the Casement Fellowship Directory of Eligible Programmes, are delivered by accredited Irish universities, and typically run 10 to 16 months starting in August or September 2026. The award covers full tuition, return international airfare between Nigeria and Ireland, accommodation and living costs, health insurance, and essential expenses; the combined living and stipend support is broadly in the range of 35,000 to 45,000 EUR (est.) for the year, though only the individual applicant is funded and no support is offered for dependents. To qualify, applicants must be Nigerian nationals residing in Nigeria with at least 2 years of professional experience, a bachelor's degree (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0) awarded no earlier than 2014, and no existing master's qualification. Selection runs in three stages, preliminary application, detailed application, and interview, and shortlisted candidates must sit IELTS unless they hold a valid certificate from 2024 or later. Because the deadline and exact financial terms change each cycle, confirm the current figures and dates on the official Ireland Fellows Programme website before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for an eligible one-year master's programme at an accredited Irish university.
- International airfare — Round-trip economy airfare between Nigeria and Ireland.
- Living and accommodation — Accommodation and living costs in Ireland; the combined living and stipend support is broadly 35,000 to 45,000 EUR (est.) for the year.
- Health insurance — Health insurance cover for the duration of the programme.
- Essential expenses — Essential study-related and settling-in expenses, for the individual fellow only.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the Ireland Fellows Programme website in a three-stage process, after carefully reading the Applicant Guidance Notes.
- Read the guidance notes — Review the Applicant Guidance Notes and the Directory of Eligible Programmes on the official website before starting.
- Stage 1: preliminary application — Submit your basic details and confirm your eligibility.
- Stage 2: detailed application — Provide your academic background, course preferences, and personal motivation for applying.
- Stage 3: interview — Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview and additional evaluation.
- Sit IELTS if required — Take the IELTS exam unless you already hold a valid certificate issued in 2024 or later that meets course requirements.
Eligibility
Nationality and residenceNigerian national currently residing in Nigeria.
Work experienceAt least two years of relevant professional work experience.
QualificationA bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent), awarded no earlier than 2014, and no existing master's degree or higher.
ProgrammeApplying for a new one-year master's beginning in 2026 from the Casement Directory of Eligible Programmes.
Leadership and SDGsDemonstrated leadership potential and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.
The fellowship funds individual applicants only; dependents and spouses receive no funding or visa support. Applicants who have already applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before are not eligible.
Eligible countries
Nigeria
Deadlines
2026/2027 academic year~Late February 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection runs in three stages, a preliminary eligibility check, a detailed application, and an interview. Candidates are assessed on academic record, professional experience, leadership potential, motivation, and commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and human rights in Nigeria. Shortlisted applicants must meet the English-language requirement through IELTS.
Verified sources
- Ireland Fellows Programme (official)irelandfellowsprogramme.orgofficial
About the provider
The Ireland Fellows Programme is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs and offers fully funded master's scholarships to professionals from partner countries; the Casement Fellowship in Human Rights is its dedicated strand for Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who is eligible to apply for the Casement Fellowship?
+
Only Nigerian nationals residing in Nigeria with at least two years of work experience and a bachelor's degree (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0) awarded in or after 2014, who do not already hold a master's degree.
Is the fellowship available to other nationalities?
+
No. The Casement Fellowship is exclusively for Nigerian citizens; other countries are covered by separate strands of the Ireland Fellows Programme.
What does the fellowship cover?
+
Full tuition, return airfare between Nigeria and Ireland, accommodation and living costs, health insurance, and essential expenses, broadly worth 35,000 to 45,000 EUR (est.) for the year.
What can I study?
+
Eligible one-year master's programmes in human rights, law, or governance, as listed in the Casement Directory of Eligible Programmes at accredited Irish universities.
How long are the programmes?
+
Eligible master's programmes typically run 10 to 16 months, starting in August or September 2026.
Do I need to take the IELTS test?
+
Yes, unless you already hold a valid IELTS certificate issued in 2024 or later that meets the course requirements.
Can I bring my family or dependents?
+
No. The fellowship does not provide funding or visa support for dependents or spouses.
How does the selection process work?
+
There are three stages: a preliminary application, a detailed application, and an interview for shortlisted candidates.
Can I apply if I already have a master's degree?
+
No. Applicants must not already hold a master's degree or higher qualification.
How many times can I apply?
+
You may apply only if you have not previously applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once.
When does the programme start?
+
Funded master's programmes begin in August or September 2026.
What is the deadline?
+
Deadlines vary by cycle; a recent round closed in late February. Confirm the current deadline on the official Ireland Fellows Programme website.