From Mozambique to Ireland

This year, ten Mozambican students have crossed continents to pursue master’s degrees in Ireland through the Ireland Fellows Programme. More than a scholarship, the programme offers early- to mid-career professionals from partner countries the opportunity to study in Ireland to obtain a master’s degree, fully funded.

Its purpose is to nurture the next generation of leaders, build lasting connections between Ireland and partner nations, while equipping Fellows with fresh perspectives, knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable change at home.

Among this year’s Mozambican Fellows are three inspiring students: Lutea Magaia, Nadine Rodrigues, and Aly Ubisse. Each has a unique academic focus shaped by their passion for addressing pressing challenges in Mozambique, but together they represent the diversity of ambition and talent that the programme aims to support.

Each of them have taken the time to record a short video with advice on how to submit a strong application to the Ireland Fellows Programme drawing from their own experiences.

Lutea, studying Climate Change at Maynooth University, is determined to help Mozambique adapt to the environmental and climate challenges it faces. Drawing on her own journey, Lutea offers five practical tips in her video to help future Fellows to submit a standout application.

Nadine is studying at the University of Galway pursuing a master’s in Gender, Globalisation and Human Rights. She is motivated by her passion to advance equality and ensure that women’s voices are heard in shaping Mozambique’s future.

Nadine’s video dives into the pitfalls many applicants fall into, and her advice on how to avoid them.

Aly, based at University College Cork, is completing a Master’s in Business Law. He hopes to strengthen legal frameworks in Mozambique that will support fairer, more sustainable economic growth.

Aly’s video explains three things he believes made his application stand out, offering useful advice to any prospective Fellows in the future.

For all three, Ireland offered more than the excellence of its universities. It was also an opportunity to pursue specialised courses that directly align with their personal ambitions, and experience a new culture while building connections that will last beyond graduation.

All three are already looking ahead. Each Fellow is eager to return home to Mozambique to apply their studies, with ideas for policy, advocacy, or practical solutions that will make a real difference on the ground.