The Fellowship Training Programme seeks to address capacity deficits in the programme countries that hinder the attainment of long -term development goals.    Funding is generally offered to nationals from developing countries for long-term Diploma and Degree courses at post-graduate level in Irish third level institutions.  Fellowship recipients are committed, on completion of their training, to returning home to resume work and putting their acquired skills into practice for the benefit of the wider community.

In addition to non- project linked fellowships awarded under the Fellowship Training Programme, many programme country sectoral supports contain provision for fellowships to meet capacity building needs and requirements at local, regional and national levels.    Most such fellowships awarded in 2001 to personnel working in the partner administrations and organisations of Irish Aid's programme countries were for long-term education courses at third-level institutions in Ireland and the UK.

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS):  http://www.icosirl.ie/

ICOS plays an important role in the administration of the Irish Aid Fellowship Programme and provides a broad range of support services covering the welfare and other needs of fellowship holders.    Irish Aid makes an annual administration grant to ICOS in respect of these services.    
Grants to Courses.

The Kimmage Manor Development Studies Centre: http://www.kimmagedsc.ie/

The Kimmage Manor Development Studies Centre (DSC) runs courses designed specifically for students from developing countries. Irish Aid provides funding support for the Centre.