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Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme South Africa 2026/2027
Postgraduate Study Opportunities | Fully Funded International Scholarships

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About the Fellowship – Kader Asmal Programme

The Kader Asmal Fellowship, backed by Irish Aid, was established in memory of Professor Kader Asmal, a South African legal scholar who lectured in labour and international human rights law at Trinity College Dublin for nearly three decades. A prominent anti-apartheid activist and a key figure in South Africa’s democratic negotiations, Professor Asmal also co-founded the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement.

The fellowship aims to empower emerging South African leaders to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland while fostering stronger ties between Ireland and Africa through education.

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What the Fellowship Covers and Fields of Study

The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa invites applications for the 2026/2027 academic year under the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme. This is a fully funded opportunity managed by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

The programme supports South African students undertaking a Master’s degree at top-tier Irish universities and institutions.

The Fellowship Includes Two Main Categories:

1. General Postgraduate Study (12 annual awards):
Fields covered include:

• Business, Economics, Leadership, Strategic and Project Management
• Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Marine Science, GIS, and Resilience
• International Relations, Politics, Peace Studies, Human Rights, Public Policy
• Education and Education Consulting
• Engineering and Sustainable Technologies
• Health Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology
• Food Science, Food Engineering, Agri-processing
• ICT, Information Systems, Digital Communication, Media
• Law: Human Rights Law, Business Law, International Law
• Sociology, Social Development, Social Policy
• Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality
• Gender Studies, Equality Studies, Women’s Empowerment

2. Human Rights Law Fellowship (2 awards):
This specialised stream supports Master’s study in Human Rights Law (LL.M in International and Comparative Law) at Trinity College Dublin. The candidates are nominated by CASAC – the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution.

For a complete list of eligible courses, download the Ireland-Africa Directory of Programmes (PDF).

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Related Opportunities on Bursary24

• View more Postgraduate Bursaries and Scholarships
• Browse International Scholarships currently open
• Explore bursaries closing soon

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What the Fellowship Pays For

Recipients of the Kader Asmal Fellowship will receive full financial support, including:

• Student visa application fee
• University application and registration fees
• Full tuition costs
• Exam and administration fees
• Return economy airfare from South Africa to Ireland
• Initial living setup allowance
• Accommodation allowance
• Book and study material stipend
• Monthly living allowance for general expenses

Bursary24 keeps South African students informed of the latest funding options – including this fully funded international opportunity.

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Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply

Before applying, make sure you meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen currently living in South Africa
• Hold an Honours-level qualification obtained in 2014 or later
• Achieved a minimum average of 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours). Lower second class may be considered with strong work experience
• Your Honours degree must be from a recognised South African higher education institution
• You must not already hold a Master’s or higher qualification
• Be applying for a Master’s degree in Ireland, starting after August/September 2026
• You must choose two eligible courses from the official directory
• Have at least two years of relevant professional experience (volunteering and internships count)
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to South Africa’s development goals
• Meet the academic and English proficiency standards required by your selected courses
• Not have previously applied for the Kader Asmal Fellowship more than once

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How to Apply

Applications must be completed online at the official application portal:
Kader Asmal Fellowship Application 2026/2027

You’ll need to create an account before starting your application.

When asked how you heard about the fellowship, enter: Bursary24

Make sure to first read the full Kader Asmal Fellowship Guidelines (PDF).

Required documents (must be submitted online):

• Copy of your passport ID page (or SA ID if passport is not available)
• Undergraduate qualification certificate
• Full academic transcripts (with grading system explained)

Failure to submit all required documents may lead to disqualification.

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Selection Process

Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted by Canon Collins Trust regarding the outcome of Stage 1. Please do not reach out to the Irish Embassy during the review period.

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Closing Date

25 July 2025 at 15:00 GMT / 17:00 SAST
Late applications will not be accepted. Submit your application well in advance to avoid missing the deadline.

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Contact Details

For any enquiries, get in touch with the administrators at Canon Collins Trust:

• Email: fellowships@canoncollins.org.uk
• Phone: 010 500 2303

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