Embassy of Ireland in South Africa invites South African students to apply for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 / 2028.
Fellowship Application Closing Date: 27 July 2026 at 17:00 South African time
Fellowship Location: Ireland
About Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 / 2028
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is inviting applications for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme for the 2027 / 2028 academic year.
The fully funded scholarship programme is managed by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The fellowship is aimed at South African students who want to pursue Master’s level studies at top higher education institutions in Ireland.
A total of 12 annual scholarships will be awarded for postgraduate studies.
Fields of Study Covered
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme will fund Master’s studies in the following fields:
- Business
- Economics
- Project Management
- Strategic Management
- Leadership
- Climate Change and Resilience
- Environment
- Marine Studies
- Sustainable Development
- Geographic Information Systems
- Development Studies
- Human Rights
- Peace Studies
- International Relations
- Politics
- Public Policy
- Education
- Engineering and Sustainable Technology
- Food Science
- Food Engineering
- Food Industry
- Health
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Biotechnology
- Information Systems
- Communications Technology
- Digital Media
- International Law
- Human Rights Law
- Business Law
- Sociology
- Social Policy
- Social Research
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Women’s Studies
- Gender Studies
- Equality Studies
What the Fellowship Covers
The Kader Asmal Fellowship is fully funded and may cover the following expenses:
- Student visitor visa application fee
- University application fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination fees
- Economy travel to and from Ireland
- Settling-in allowance
- Accommodation
- Book allowance
- Study allowance
- Monthly personal living allowance or stipend for living expenses
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be South African citizens
- Must reside in South Africa
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must have completed an Honours degree from an accredited institution
- Must have achieved a minimum average of 75% in Honours
- Must not have completed or be pursuing a Master’s degree or higher
- Must be applying for a new Master’s degree in Ireland starting in August or September 2027
- Must show leadership abilities and aspirations
- Must show commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa
- Must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience, including internships or volunteering
- Must be committed to building positive relationships with Ireland
- Must choose 3 eligible programmes
- Must meet the academic and English language requirements for the selected courses
- Must not have applied for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme more than once previously
Documents Required
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
- Passport identity page
OR
- ID document, if the applicant does not yet have a passport
- Undergraduate degree award certificate
- Final degree academic transcripts
- Explanation of the grading system, where provided with the transcript or available
Missing documents may result in disqualification.
Selection Process
Candidates will be contacted by Canon Collins Trust once final decisions have been made.
Applicants will be informed whether they have been successful or unsuccessful at Stage 1.
Applicants should not contact the Irish Embassy during the selection process unless instructed to do so.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online.
Click here to apply for Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 / 2028
Applicants will be required to register an account before logging in and completing the application.
Applicants should read the Kader Asmal Fellowship guidelines before applying.
When asked how you heard about the Kader Asmal Fellowship, applicants may enter:
Enquiries
For queries related to the fellowship programme, applicants may contact Canon Collins Trust.
Email: fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk
Telephone: 010 500 2303
About Professor Kader Asmal
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme was established by the Government of Ireland in honour of the late Professor Kader Asmal.
Professor Asmal was a South African lawyer, human rights activist and politician. He lectured in law at Trinity College Dublin for 27 years, specialising in labour, human rights and international law.
He also co-founded the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement and was part of the ANC negotiating team that contributed to South Africa’s transition to democracy.
Important Notes
Applications close on 27 July 2026 at 15:00 GMT / BST, which is 17:00 South African time.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date and ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly.
The programme forms part of the Ireland Fellows Programme and aims to develop future South African leaders through fully funded Master’s degree opportunities in Ireland.