Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme South Africa 2027/ 2028

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP COVER?

The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, is inviting students to apply 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 Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is for South African students to pursue Master’s level studies, in Ireland’s top-rated Higher Education Institutions.

12 annual scholarships will be awarded for Postgraduate Study in the following areas:

  • Business, Economics, Project Management, Strategic Management, Leadership and related
  • Climate Change & Resilience, Environment, Marine, Sustainable Development, GIS
  • Development Studies, Human Rights, Peace Studies, International Relations, Politics, Public Policy
  • Education
  • Engineering and Sustainable Technology
  • Food Science, Food Engineering and Food Industry
  • Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology and related
  • Information Systems, Communications Technology, Digital Media
  • International Law, Human Rights Law, Business Law
  • Sociology, Social Policy, Social Research and related
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Women’s Studies, Gender Studies and Equality Studies

See which courses are covered here: Directory of Programmes/ eligible courses (.pdf).

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP COVER?

The fellowships will provide cover for the following expenses: student visitor visa application fee,
university application fees, tuition fees, examination fees, economy travel to and from your country of residence to Ireland, allowance for settling in, accommodation, book allowance, study allowance and a monthly personal living allowance/ stipend for other living expense.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African citizen and reside in South Africa
  • You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in 2015 or later and have a strong academic record
  • You must have completed an Honours’ degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum average of 75%
  • You must NOT have completed or pursuing a Master’s degree or higher
  • You must be applying for a new Master’s degree in Ireland, starting August / September 2027
  • You must showcase leadership abilities and aspirations
  • You must showcase commitment to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals within your own country
  • You must have at least 2 years of relevant working experience (this can include internships and
  • volunteering positions)
  • You must be committed to contribute to building positive relationships with Ireland
  • You must have chosen 3 eligible programmes and meet academic and English requirements
  • You must understand the academic and English language proficiencies required for your courses (see guidelines above for more information)
  • You must NOT have applied for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme more than once previously

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP?

Applications must be submitted online at: Kader Asmal Fellowship Application 2027/ 2028

You will be required to register an account before you can login and apply.

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Kader Asmal Fellowship.

Applicants must read the Kader Asmal Fellowship Guidelines (.pdf) before applying.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • Passport identity page/ ID document if you do not have passport yet
  • Undergraduate degree award certificate
  • Final degree academic transcripts (and an explanation of the grading system, where provided with your transcript or otherwise available)

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESSS FOR THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP?

Candidates will be contacted by Canon Collins Trust once final decisions have been made and informed whether you have been successful or unsuccessful at Stage 1. Please do not otherwise contact the Irish Embassy during this period.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP?

27 July 2026 (at 15:00 GMT/ BST – 17:00 South African time).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Canon Collins Trust directly:

  • Email: fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk
  • Tel: 010 500 2303

Please do NOT contact the Canon Collins Trust or the Irish Embassy if this scholarship has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES KADER ASMAL DO?

The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme was established by the Government of Ireland in honour of the late Professor Kader Asmal, a distinguished South African lawyer, human rights activist and politician. Professor Asmal 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 a member of the ANC negotiating team that helped secure South Africa’s transition to democracy.

The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, which forms part of the Ireland Fellows Programme, aims to develop future South African leaders by providing fully funded Master’s degree opportunities at leading higher education institutions in Ireland. The programme seeks to strengthen skills and leadership capacity, support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and foster lasting partnerships between Ireland and South Africa through academic, professional and cultural exchange.

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This bursary listing was last updated in July 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.