Applications are now open for the prestigious Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, a fully funded scholarship opportunity for South African students to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland’s top-tier Higher Education Institutions. Offered by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, this initiative is administered in partnership with the Canon Collins Trust.
This fellowship is aimed at early-career professionals with leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the Fellowship
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme supports candidates who are passionate about leadership, social justice, and sustainable development. With a strong emphasis on empowering women and promoting their participation in STEM, the fellowship also places priority on students from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions and Universities of Technology—those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education abroad.
Degree Level
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Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)
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Study in Ireland (beginning in August/September 2026)
Deadline
25 July 2025
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Be a South African citizen.
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Have at least two years of relevant work experience.
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Hold an Honours degree from a recognized South African public university with a minimum average of 75%.
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Not already possess a Master’s degree or higher qualification.
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Be planning to commence a new Master’s programme in Ireland in 2026/2027.
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Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Have selected two eligible courses from the Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme Directory.
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Understand the academic and English language requirements for the chosen programmes.
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Have not applied for the Kader Asmal Fellowship more than once before.
Fields of Study
There are two strands of the fellowship:
1. 12 Annual Awards for Master’s Study in the following areas:
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Climate Change, Environment, Marine, and Sustainability
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Engineering and Sustainable Technology
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Development Studies, International Relations, Human Rights, Politics, and Public Policy
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Law (International, Human Rights, Business Law)
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Health Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology
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Education
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Social Sciences: Sociology, Social Policy, Research
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Gender, Women’s and Equality Studies
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ICT, Digital Media, Information Systems
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Business, Management, Economics, Strategic Leadership
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Food Sciences, Food Engineering, and Industry
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Tourism and Hospitality
2. 2 Annual Awards in Human Rights Law at Trinity College Dublin:
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LL.M in International and Comparative Law at Trinity College Dublin
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Selected by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC)
Applicants should consult the Directory of Programmes for full course information.
What the Fellowship Covers
The Kader Asmal Fellowship offers an exceptional support package:
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University and application fees
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Full tuition
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Examination and administrative fees
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Economy class return airfare
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Settling-in, book, and study allowances
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Accommodation
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Student visa costs
Note: The fellowship does not cover costs for spouses or dependents.
Application Process
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Review the Application Guidelines thoroughly.
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Select two eligible Master’s programmes from the Directory of Eligible Courses.
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Submit your application online via the Canon Collins Trust application portal.
- Apply here
Applicants will be informed of Stage 1 results by the Canon Collins Trust. Please do not contact the Embassy of Ireland regarding application status.
Important Links
Contact
For queries, please email:
fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk
Note
This scholarship is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa. Applicants must independently verify that their Irish qualifications will be recognized in South Africa through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or relevant professional bodies. The details provided by the Canon Collins Trust and the Embassy of Ireland supersede all other sources.
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.