Kader Asmal Fellowship 2026/2027: Fully Funded Master’s Study in Ireland for South African Professionals

Illustrative Image: Kader Asmal Fellowship 2026/2027: Fully Funded Master’s Study in Ireland for South African Professionals
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Application Deadline: July 25, 2025
Hosted by: Ireland Fellows Programme | Country Focus: South Africa

Are you a driven and ambitious professional from South Africa with a passion for leadership and sustainable development? Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, a prestigious and fully funded opportunity to pursue postgraduate study in Ireland.

🔍 What is the Kader Asmal Fellowship?

The Kader Asmal Fellowship is a flagship initiative under the Ireland Fellows Programme, aimed at nurturing future leaders, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening diplomatic and academic ties between Ireland and South Africa. This fellowship honors the legacy of Kader Asmal, a renowned South African anti-apartheid activist and former government minister, who also studied and taught in Ireland.

The fellowship enables early to mid-career professionals with strong leadership potential to pursue a one-year full-time master’s degree at one of Ireland’s top-tier higher education institutions (HEIs), with all expenses covered.

🎯 Programme Objectives

• Leadership Development: Equip talented individuals with the skills, networks, and knowledge to become change-makers in their communities.

• Capacity Building: Support the development of national competencies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Bilateral Relations: Foster long-lasting academic, cultural, and professional partnerships between Ireland and South Africa.

📘 Fields of Study

Applicants may choose from a wide range of disciplines listed in the Directory of Eligible Programmes, including but not limited to:

• Agriculture and Food Security

• Public Health and Health Policy

• Education and Teacher Training

• Human Rights and Law

• Business, Finance, and Economics

• Engineering and ICT

• Environmental Science and Sustainability

All selected programmes are designed to empower fellows to contribute meaningfully to the development goals of their home country.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026/2027 Kader Asmal Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen and resident.

• Have at least two years of professional experience directly relevant to the proposed field of study.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), awarded in 2014 or later.

• Not already hold, or be currently studying for, a master’s or higher-level qualification.

• Be available to begin a new master’s programme in Ireland by August/September 2026.

• Demonstrate:

  • Leadership potential

  • A clear commitment to SDGs and national development

  • A desire to build constructive, long-term connections with Ireland

• Select three eligible programmes from the official directory.

• Be proficient in the academic and English language requirements of the selected programmes.

• Must not have applied for the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once previously.

💰 Fellowship Benefits

The Kader Asmal Fellowship provides comprehensive financial and logistical support, including:

• Full payment of academic tuition and registration fees

• Visa application fees and Irish Residence Permit costs

• Medical and travel insurance

• Return economy-class flights to and from Ireland

• Monthly living stipend of €700 (subject to periodic review)

• Accommodation support:

  • Fully arranged and paid accommodation for Trimesters 1 & 2 (Sept–May)

  • Accommodation stipend of €800–€1000 during Trimester 3 (based on location)

• Settling-in allowance on arrival

• Completion and departure allowance at the end of the programme

• Access to extracurricular, volunteering, and professional training opportunities

This holistic support structure ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their academic and personal development while building valuable international experience.

🌍 Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland offers a unique combination of world-class education, welcoming communities, and a strong tradition of academic excellence and innovation. As an English-speaking EU member country, it also provides excellent global career pathways and opportunities for international collaboration.

📥 How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official programme webpage for application guidelines and access to the Directory of Eligible Programmes.

👉 Visit the Official Kader Asmal Fellowship Webpage (Kader Asmal Fellowship)

🔔 Important Date

• Application Deadline: July 25, 2025

Whether you are passionate about public health, justice, education, agriculture, or technology, the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is a life-changing opportunity to sharpen your expertise, contribute to your country’s development, and become part of a dynamic global network of Irish-trained leaders.