Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme

Are you a South African graduate with a passion for leadership, social justice, and development? Do you dream of studying in Ireland and returning to make a meaningful impact in your community? The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme for 2026/2027 may be the golden opportunity you've been waiting for.

This prestigious scholarship is now accepting applications, offering fully-funded master's degree studies in Ireland to South African citizens. 

Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Kader Asmal Fellowship—its purpose, benefits, eligibility criteria, fields of study, how to apply, and why it might be the most important step in your academic and leadership journey.

What is the Kader Asmal Fellowship?

The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is a fully funded scholarship initiative supported by the Government of Ireland through the Irish Aid programme. 

Administered in partnership with the Canon Collins Educational and Legal Assistance Trust, this fellowship honours the legacy of the late Professor Kader Asmal—a renowned anti-apartheid activist, educationist, and Minister of Education in South Africa.

The Fellowship provides talented South African students with the opportunity to pursue master's-level education in Ireland with the goal of fostering future leaders in areas aligned with Ireland’s development priorities.

Fields of Study

The fellowship programme has two strands:

1) 12 annual awards 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

2) 2 annual awards for a fellowship in Human Rights Law at Trinity College Dublin

Master’s degree in Human Rights Law, specifically the LL.M (International and Comparative Law) at the prestigious Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. To be selected by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC).

What the Fellowship Covers

The Kader Asmal Fellowship is a fully funded award, meaning that it covers almost all the financial obligations of a South African student studying abroad. Here's what the fellowship includes:

• 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
• A monthly personal living allowance
• Stipend for other living expense.

Eligibility Criteria for Kader Asmal Fellowship 2026/2027

Before applying, ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a resident national of South Africa
• Must have completed an Honours’ level qualification within the last 12 years (2014 or later)
• Must have achieved a minimum average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) – i.e. a first class honour, or second class honour, Grade 1 (a second class honour Grade 2 may be accepted if the applicant has substantial directly relevant work experience)
• Must have completed your Honours’ qualification at an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution
• Must NOT have completed a Master’s or higher level qualification
• Must be applying to study towards a Master’s level qualification in Ireland, starting after August/ September 2026
• Must have chosen 2 relevant courses from the Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme Directory of Eligible Courses (from the list above)
• Must have at least 2 years of relevant working experience that is relevant to your course of study (this may include internships and volunteering positions, see page 6 of the guidelines for more information)
• Must showcase leadership abilities and aspirations
• Must showcase commitment to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals within your own country
• Must understand the academic and English language proficiencies required for your courses (see guidelines above for more information)
• Must NOT have applied for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme more than once previously

Application Process

The application process for the Kader Asmal Fellowship is detailed but straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

• Do your online application HERE
• Complete the online application form for the Kader Asmal Fellowship.
• Carefully follow the instructions, and upload all required documents.

The following supporting documents are required: 

• 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)

Closing Date

The closing date for applications to the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year is 25 July 2025. This deadline is final, and no late applications will be accepted under any circumstances. 

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this date to avoid last-minute issues such as internet connectivity problems, missing documents, or technical errors on the application portal.

Since this fellowship is highly competitive and offers a fully funded opportunity to study in Ireland, thousands of South African applicants are expected to apply. 

Therefore, early preparation and submission are crucial. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on this life-changing opportunity.

Final Words

The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme for 2026/2027 is more than just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for South African leaders who want to make a real difference. If you are committed to development, ready to study abroad, and eager to grow as a leader, this opportunity is for you.

Don't miss your chance to become a Kader Asmal Fellow and carry forward the legacy of education, equality, and justice.