The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen and resident with at least two years of relevant work experience, a strong Bachelor’s degree, and a commitment to leadership and the Sustainable Development Goals, this fully-funded scholarship could help you pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland. This flagship programme of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is part of the broader Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme offered by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity offered to South African students to study at Master’s level in Ireland’s world-renowned Higher Education Institutions.
This flagship programme of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is part of the broader Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme offered by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is targeted at early career professionals in South Africa with leadership potential.
The scholarship broadly supports leadership for the Sustainable Development Goals, with key priorities including supporting the development of women’s leadership capacity and women’s participation in STEM. The programme aims to support students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue Master’s level education in Ireland, and graduates of Universities of Historical Disadvantage and Universities of Technology are particularly encouraged to apply.
Organisation: Embassy of Ireland in South Africa / Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs • Focus: Master’s studies in Ireland • Type: Fully-funded scholarship • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 covers a wide range of fields, including:
- Climate Change & Resilience, Environment, Marine, Sustainable Development, GIS
- Engineering and Sustainable Technology
- Development Studies, Human Rights, Peace Studies, International Relations, Politics, Public Policy
- International Law, Human Rights Law, Business Law
- Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology and related
- Education
- Sociology, Social Policy, Social Research and related
- Women’s Studies, Gender Studies and Equality Studies
- Information Systems, Communications Technology, Digital Media
- Business, Economics, Project Management, Strategic Management, Leadership and related
- Food Science, Food Engineering and Food Industry
- Tourism and Hospitality
What Expenses Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Kader Asmal Fellowships 2027 will cover:
- University application fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination and other fees
- Economy travel to and from your country of residence to Ireland
- Settling-in allowance, book allowance, and study allowance
- Accommodation
- A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover other living expenses for you only
- The costs of an entry clearance (student visitor visa) application
Eligibility Requirements for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027
To be eligible for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen and resident
- Have a minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record, obtained in 2015 or later
- Not currently hold or be pursuing a Master’s (or higher) degree
- Be applying for a new Master’s in Ireland (starting August/September 2027)
- Demonstrate leadership and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Have a commitment to contribute to building positive relationships with Ireland
- Select 3 eligible programmes and meet academic and English requirements
Important Information
- Please refer to the Directory of Programmes for more information about eligible courses
- Please read the application guidelines carefully before applying
- You 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
How to Apply for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen and resident, having 2 years’ work experience, holding a Bachelor’s degree from 2015 or later, and demonstrating leadership and commitment to the SDGs.
Step 2: Review the Directory of Programmes
Review the eligible programmes in Ireland to select three programmes that align with your academic and career goals.
Step 3: Read the Application Guidelines
Read the application guidelines carefully before starting your application.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official Kader Asmal Fellowship application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://www.gapgrants.com/bslgap/DseatFFX.jsp;jsessionid=225616B5EBFFFE6639044256AB32B2C0?BSLSessionStr=28189218
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027: 27 July 2026 at 3pm GMT. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027, please contact Canon Collins Trust:
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Embassy of Ireland / Department of Foreign Affairs
- Fellowship Name: Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
- Academic Year: 2027 (starting Aug/Sept 2027)
- Who can apply: South African citizens and residents, early career professionals
- Work experience requirement: Minimum 2 years
- Degree requirement: Bachelor’s degree (2015 or later), not currently holding a Master’s
- Fields of study: Wide range including Climate, Engineering, Development Studies, Law, Health, Education, Sociology, Gender Studies, IT, Business, Food Science, Tourism
- What is covered: Full costs including tuition, travel, accommodation, living stipend, visa fees
- Key requirements: Leadership potential, commitment to SDGs, commitment to building positive relationships with Ireland
- Application method: Online via GapGrants portal
- Closing date: 27 July 2026 at 3pm GMT
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027
1. Can I apply if I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree?
No. The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 requires that you are not currently holding or pursuing a Master’s (or higher) degree. You must be applying for a new Master’s in Ireland.
2. What is the work experience requirement?
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 requires a minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience. This is a key eligibility criterion for early career professionals.
3. Can I apply if my Bachelor’s degree was obtained before 2015?
No. The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 requires that your Bachelor’s degree was obtained in 2015 or later. Older qualifications may not be considered.
4. How many programmes must I select?
You must select 3 eligible programmes when applying for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027.
5. Is there a preference for certain applicants?
Yes. The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 particularly encourages applications from graduates of Universities of Historical Disadvantage and Universities of Technology. Supporting women’s leadership capacity and women’s participation in STEM are also key priorities.
6. Who administers the fellowship?
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 is administered by Canon Collins Trust. All queries should be directed to fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk. Please do not contact the Irish Embassy directly.
7. What is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requirement?
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 seeks applicants who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Your application should reflect your dedication to contributing to the SDGs.
8. Where can I find more international scholarships for South African students?
Visit EduFunds international scholarships page for more opportunities to study abroad.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries and scholarships for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Embassy of Ireland in South Africa
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027
Developing leaders • Building Ireland-Africa connections • Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals