For applicants
Ireland Fellows timeline
Official dates for the 2027/28 Ireland Fellows Programme – SIDS round, which includes Papua New Guinea. Source: Stage 1 Guidance Note 2027-28 and the official SIDS Fellowship page.
Stage 1 for 2027/28 is now closed. The official 2027/28 dates are listed below, followed by an estimated pattern for the next round — the 2028/29 dates will be confirmed on the official site when announced.
29 June – 26 July 2026
Stage 1: initial application
Short online application with your degree, work experience and up to three eligible Master's programme choices. Closed 26 July 2026.
September 2026
English language test
Shortlisted Stage 1 applicants sit a Duolingo English test. A score of 120 (at least 105 in each sub-score) is needed to move on.
21 September – 18 October 2026
Stage 2: detailed application
Invited applicants complete the detailed form and upload all required documents, including transcripts, references and employer support.
November – December 2026
Stage 3: interviews
Interviews take place in person or remotely by video or phone. Bring certified copies of your documents at or before the interview.
January 2027
Candidates & IELTS
Successful interviewees are named Candidates or Reserve Candidates. Those without a valid recent English certificate take IELTS (or another accepted test).
Around March 2027
Apply to universities
Candidates are invited to apply to two of their programme choices in Ireland. Do not apply before being invited — application fees are covered.
June – early July 2027
Fellowship confirmed
Candidates holding a university offer receive confirmation of their award and sign the Form of Undertaking and Award Acceptance.
August – September 2027
Arrive in Ireland
New Fellows travel to Ireland, depending on when their programme starts. The academic year runs to June–September 2028.
Expected 2028/29 (estimate)
Not official. These are the likely dates for the next round, based on how the 2027/28 round runs. Check the official Ireland Fellows page for the confirmed call — it usually opens around late June.
Expected late June – late July 2027
Stage 1: initial application
Expected September 2027
English language test
Expected September – October 2027
Stage 2: detailed application
Expected November – December 2027
Stage 3: interviews
Expected January 2028
Candidates & IELTS
Expected around March 2028
Apply to universities
Expected June – July 2028
Fellowship confirmed
Expected August – September 2028
Arrive in Ireland