Kader Asmal Fellowships for 2026/2027
The application for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is now open for eligible South Africans.
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, through the Ireland Fellows Programme, is offering fully funded scholarship opportunities to South African students to pursue Master’s level studies at recognised higher education institutions in Ireland.
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is targeted at early-career professionals in South Africa who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to contributing positively to their communities and professions upon completion of their studies.
The programme broadly supports leadership for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the advancement of women’s leadership capacity and increased participation of women in STEM-related disciplines.
In addition, the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme prioritises graduates from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) and Universities of Technology (UoTs), helping expand access to international postgraduate education opportunities for deserving South African students.
The fellowship is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), administered by the Canon Collins Trust, and supported operationally in Ireland by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS).
KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY 2026/2027
- Be a resident national of South Africa;
- Have a minimum of two years relevant full-time work experience related to your proposed area of study;
- Hold an Honours Bachelor’s degree awarded on or after 1 January 2014 from a recognised institution;
- Have achieved a minimum GPA equivalent of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent academic performance;
- Not already hold a Master’s degree or higher qualification;
- Be able to commence studies in Ireland for the 2026/2027 academic year;
- Demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to social development, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Have identified suitable eligible Master’s programmes in Ireland relevant to your professional and academic goals;
- Demonstrate understanding of the academic and English language proficiency requirements for the selected programme(s);
- Be willing to return to South Africa after completion of studies to contribute to national and community development.
Priority consideration is given to:
- Women applicants and women in leadership;
- Applicants from STEM disciplines;
- Graduates from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) and Universities of Technology (UoTs).
Read More: SPU Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships
KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION STAGES & TIMELINES 2026/2027
| Stage | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Preliminary Online Application | 30 June 2026 – 25 July 2026 |
| Stage 2 | Detailed Application (By Invitation Only) | 22 September 2026 – 17 October 2026 |
| Stage 3 | English Language Tests & Interviews | Shortlisted Candidates Only |
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE KADER ASMAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026/2027
Applications for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme must be submitted exclusively through the official Canon Collins Trust online application portal.
Official Application Portal:
https://canoncollins.org/scholarships/kader-asmal-fellowship-programme/
Official Ireland Fellows Programme Page:
https://irishaidfellowships.ie/strands/kader-asmal-fellowship.html
Applicants are advised not to use third-party agents or unofficial websites for applications or information relating to the fellowship programme.
You may be required to prepare and upload supporting documents including:
- Copy of passport or official identification document;
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates;
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV);
- Proof of relevant work experience;
- English language proficiency documentation where applicable;
- Personal statements and programme selection details.
Official Stage 1 Guidance Note:
Download the Official Guidance Note PDF
Applicants should carefully research their selected institutions and programmes before applying to ensure they meet all programme-specific academic and language requirements.
The fellowship supports a wide range of Master’s programmes in Ireland, including a dedicated LL.M. in International and Comparative Law at Trinity College Dublin.
OFFICIAL CONTACT DETAILS
- Email: fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk
- Telephone (South Africa): 010 500 2303
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION
The Stage 1 preliminary application window for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 closes on 25 July 2026 at 3:00 PM GMT.
Read Also:
- How to Apply for the SAMRC RCDI-nested Postdoc Fellowship >>>
- How to Apply for the CETA Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply for the Unisa Honours Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply for the GrandWest Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply for the UWC Financial Aid
- How to Apply for the FoodBev SETA Research and Innovation Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply for the DAC Bursaries for Heritage-related Studies >>>
- How to Apply for the Multichoice Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply to the University of Nairobi Research and Innovation Fellowship >>>
- How to Apply for the NRF Postgraduate Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply for the Vaal University NDT Level Certification Fellowships >>>
- How to Apply for the GCRA Fellowships >>>
Don’t miss out on current updates, kindly like us on Facebook & follow us on Follow @EAfinder OR leave a comment below for further inquiries.
Related Articles
- List of Universities in South Africa
- List of TVET Colleges in South Africa
- List of Bursaries in South Africa 2026