The Kader Asmal Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship that sends early-career South African professionals to Ireland to complete a Master’s degree at one of the country’s respected higher education institutions. It is the flagship programme of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa and forms part of the wider Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme run by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs.
The award is aimed at people with genuine leadership potential who are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. Two priorities stand out: building women’s leadership capacity and boosting women’s participation in STEM. The programme also deliberately reaches out to applicants who might not otherwise get to study in Ireland, and graduates of Universities of Historical Disadvantage and Universities of Technology are especially encouraged to apply.
For a South African professional ready to step up, this is a rare package: your studies are paid for, your living costs are covered, and you return home with an internationally recognised qualification and a strong network. The deadline for the 2027/2028 intake is 27 July 2026.
Scholarship benefits
- University application fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination and other fees
- Economy return airfare between your country of residence and 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 cost of the entry clearance (student visitor visa) application
Eligibility checklist
✔ Be a resident national of South Africa.
✔ Have at least two years of substantial work experience that is directly relevant to your proposed programme of study.
✔ Hold a bachelor’s-level qualification from an accredited, government-recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (first class honours, or second class honours Grade 1; a second class honours Grade 2 may be accepted with substantial directly relevant work experience).
✔ Have earned that qualification in 2015 or later (within the last 12 years).
✔ Not already hold a master’s-level (or higher) qualification, and not currently be doing one nor be due to start one in 2026/2027.
✔ Be applying to begin a new master’s programme in Ireland no earlier than August 2027.
✔ Be able to demonstrate leadership abilities and aspirations, commitment to achieving the SDGs in your own country, and commitment to building positive relationships with Ireland.
✔ Have identified and selected three relevant programmes from the Directory of Eligible Programmes.
✔ Understand the academic and English-language requirements of all chosen programmes.
✔ Have not applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before.
✔ Be in a position to take up the fellowship in the 2027/2028 academic year.
Application tips for African students
- Start with the Directory of Eligible Programmes. You must name three eligible programmes that genuinely fit your background, so shortlist early and check each one’s specific entry and English requirements before you commit.
- Sort out your English proficiency in good time. Each programme sets its own English standard (often IELTS or TOEFL). Book your test early so results are ready when you apply, and confirm the exact score each of your three choices demands.
- Make your work experience count. The two-year requirement must be directly relevant to your intended field — spell out that link clearly rather than just listing job titles.
- Get transcripts and certificates ready. Have your degree certificate and academic transcript certified, and confirm your GPA meets the 3.0/4.0 threshold. If you fall into the second class honours Grade 2 band, build a strong case around your relevant experience.
- Write a focused, leadership-driven statement. This fellowship is explicitly about leadership and the SDGs. Give concrete examples of your leadership so far and how your Master’s will help you advance the SDGs back home.
- Line up strong referees early. Approach people who can speak specifically to your leadership and professional impact, and give them plenty of notice before the 27 July 2026 deadline.
- Prepare for a three-stage process. Selection moves from preliminary application to detailed application to interview, treat each stage seriously and keep your evidence organised throughout.
How to apply
The application runs in three stages: a preliminary application, a detailed application, and interviews. Submit before the 27 July 2026 deadline and make sure you have chosen your three eligible programmes beforehand. Full details and the application portal are available on the official page: Ireland Fellows Programme – Kader Asmal Fellowship.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Kader Asmal Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to resident nationals of South Africa who are early-career professionals with leadership potential, at least two years of directly relevant work experience, and a qualifying bachelor’s degree awarded in 2015 or later.
What does the fellowship cover?
It is fully funded. It covers university application fees, tuition, examination and other fees, economy return airfare, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, settling-in, book and study allowances, and the student visa application cost.
What level of study does it support?
It supports new Master’s-level programmes in Ireland, beginning no earlier than August 2027. Applicants must not already hold, or be undertaking, a qualification at master’s level or higher.
Is there an English-language requirement?
Yes. Each chosen programme sets its own academic and English-language proficiency requirements, so you need to check and meet the specific standards for all three programmes you select.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on 27 July 2026 for the 2027/2028 academic year.
Can I apply if I’ve applied before?
You may apply as long as you have not applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme on more than one previous occasion.