Minister Richmond welcomes the 2025/26 Ireland Fellows

Minister Richmond welcomed the 224 arriving students for the Ireland Fellows Programme 2025/26 academic year as they begin their studies in Ireland this month. After an intensely competitive process, the Fellows will begin their studies in 16 third level institutions across Ireland.

Minister Richmond said:

I am delighted that 2025 sees the highest number of Fellows in the 51 year history of the Ireland Fellows Programme, now representing 49 countries.

The Fellows who have come to Ireland are an incredibly talented group of people. Education is vital for a country’s development and the knowledge the Fellows gain from Irish third level institutions is invaluable. The bonds and friendships they build in Ireland are an integral part of the Programme.

This year is the 51st year of the Fellowships, which support future leaders to study for a prestigious high quality master’s degree from participating Irish Higher Education Institutions.

The Minister also expressed his appreciation to ICOS – The Irish Council for International Students, who administer the Ireland Fellows Programme on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

This year’s Fellows represent 49 of Ireland’s partner countries across continental Africa, Palestine, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Latin America and Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa and Asia.

The study programme allows high-potential professionals to gain skills and qualifications that can be put into practical use in their home country. Students can undertake a masters-level qualification at a University or Institute of Technology in Ireland in programmes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes gender equality; equal opportunity; and welcomes diversity.

ENDS

19 September 2025