The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2027 is open for South African applicants who want to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Ireland. The fellowship is offered under the Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme and is administered through Canon Collins Trust for South African applicants.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Embassy of Ireland / Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme, administered through Canon Collins Trust
Opportunity type: Fully funded international Master’s fellowship
Who it’s for: South African citizens and residents with leadership potential and relevant work experience
Study level: Master’s degree in Ireland, commencing August/September 2027
Closing date: 27 July 2026 at 3:00pm GMT
Last verified: 1 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is an international scholarship rather than a South African university bursary. It is, however, directly relevant to South African applicants and is fully funded for eligible Master’s study in Ireland.
Applicants must choose eligible programmes and should read the programme guidelines carefully before starting. The fellowship is aimed at early-career professionals with leadership potential and a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
About the sponsor
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is part of the wider Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme offered by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. The programme supports leadership development, sustainable development and stronger relationships between Ireland and South Africa. Canon Collins Trust administers the application process for this opportunity.
What it covers
The fellowship covers university application fees, tuition fees, examination and other fees, economy travel to and from Ireland, settling-in allowance, book allowance, study allowance, accommodation, monthly personal living allowance and student visitor visa application costs.
Fields of study
The eligible programme directory includes areas such as climate change and resilience, environment, marine studies, sustainable development, GIS, engineering and sustainable technology, human rights, peace studies, public policy, education, health, biotechnology, information systems, digital media, business, economics, food science, tourism and hospitality, gender studies and related fields.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen and resident
- Must have at least 2 years’ relevant work experience
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record, obtained in 2015 or later
- Must not currently hold or be pursuing a Master’s or higher degree
- Must be applying for a new Master’s in Ireland starting in August/September 2027
- Must show leadership potential and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Must select three eligible programmes and meet their academic and English-language requirements
Documents to prepare
- Academic records and degree certificates
- Proof of South African citizenship/residence
- CV and employment/work-experience information
- Programme choices from the eligible programme directory
- Leadership, motivation and SDG-related application responses
- Any documents required by the Canon Collins online application form
Closing date
27 July 2026 at 3:00pm GMT.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a programme that is not listed as eligible
- Applying without the required work experience
- Using generic motivation answers that do not show leadership potential or SDG commitment
- Missing the GMT deadline because of time-zone differences
- Applying if you already hold or are pursuing a Master’s degree
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against Canon Collins Trust’s current Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme page, including the 2027 intake, South African eligibility, fully funded package, eligible study themes and closing date.
How to apply
- Open the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme page.
- Read the guidelines and eligible programme directory carefully.
- Prepare academic, employment and identity documents.
- Complete the online Stage 1 application through Canon Collins Trust.
- Submit before the deadline.