Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Application for 2026/2027

Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African graduate eager to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland while gaining leadership skills to drive positive change back home? The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2026/2027, funded by the Irish Government, is now open for applications. This prestigious fellowship honours the legacy of the late Professor Kader Asmal and provides exceptional South African students with the opportunity to further their studies at leading Irish universities.

The programme is aimed at academically strong candidates committed to social justice, public service, human rights, good governance, and sustainable development. Fellowship benefits include full tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, living allowances, and academic support—ensuring that successful candidates can fully focus on their studies and personal development.

By applying for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2026/2027, you will not only gain an international education but also become part of a global network of changemakers dedicated to strengthening South Africa’s democracy, equality, and development.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to learn more about eligibility criteria, priority fields of study, application steps, and deadlines for the Kader Asmal Fellowship 2026/2027.

About Kader Asmal Fellowship

The Irish Aid Kader Asmal Fellowship was established in memory of the late Professor Kader Asmal, who taught law at Trinity College Dublin for 27 years, specializing in labour law, human rights, and international law.

Professor Asmal co-founded the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement and was part of the ANC’s negotiation team during South Africa’s transition to democracy.

This fellowship continues his legacy by giving South Africans with leadership potential the opportunity to study at top Irish universities, while also strengthening ties between Ireland and Africa.

About The Fellowship 2026/2027

Fields Of Study

The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa invites applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. This fully funded fellowship, managed by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supports Master’s level studies in Ireland.

Fellowship Streams:

1. General Fellowships (12 awards annually):
   Fields of study include:
   • Business, Economics, Management, Leadership
   • Climate Change, Environment, Marine, Sustainable Development, GIS
   • Development Studies, Human Rights, Peace & International Relations, Politics, Public Policy
   • Education
   • Engineering & Sustainable Technology
   • Food Science & Technology
   • Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology
   • ICT, Digital Media, Information Systems
   • Law (International, Human Rights, Business)
   • Sociology, Social Policy, Social Research
   • Tourism & Hospitality
   • Women’s, Gender & Equality Studies
2. Special Fellowship (2 awards annually):
   • Human Rights Law Fellowship at Trinity College Dublin
   • Master of Laws (LL.M) in International and Comparative Law
   • Selection managed by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC)

See the full list of eligible courses here: Directory of Programmes (.pdf)

Fellowship Benefits – What’s Covered

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

• Visa application fees
• University application fees, tuition & exam fees
• Return economy flights to Ireland
• Settling-in allowance
• Accommodation
• Book & study allowances
• Monthly living stipend

Eligibility Criteria for Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Application 2026/2027

To apply, you must:

• Be a South African citizen & resident
• Hold an Honours-level degree (completed in 2014 or later) from a recognized university
• Have a minimum average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) – First Class or Second Class Honours Grade 1 (Grade 2 may be accepted with strong relevant experience)
• Not already hold a Master’s or higher qualification
• Apply for a Master’s programme starting Aug/Sept 2026
• Select 2 eligible courses from the official directory
• Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience (including internships/volunteering)
• Show leadership potential
• Be committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South Africa
• Meet the required academic and English language standards for your chosen courses
• Not have applied for the fellowship more than once before

How To Apply for Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2026/2027

1. Applications must be submitted online at: Kader Asmal Fellowship Application 2026/ 2027You will be required to register an account before you can login and apply.

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

2. Prepare the following compulsory documents:

• • Passport identity page (or SA ID if you don’t have a passport yet)
  • Degree certificate
  • Full academic transcripts (with grading explanation if available)

Selection Process

• Applications are managed by the Canon Collins Trust.
• Applicants will be notified whether they have passed Stage 1.
• Please do not contact the Irish Embassy regarding application outcomes.

Closing Date for Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Application 2026/2027

25 July (15:00 GMT / 17:00 SA time)

Late applications will not be considered.

Contact Details Kader Asmal Fellowship

For queries, contact the Canon Collins Trust:

Email: fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk

Tel: 010 500 2303