Kader Asmal Fellowship Program 2026 – Fully Funded

Applications for the Kader Asmal Fellowship 2026 are now available. This fellowship is a top fully funded chance for South African professionals to earn a master’s degree in Ireland. Backed by Irish Aid under the Ireland Fellows Program this 10 to 16 month scholarship pays for tuition, travel, housing, living costs and insurance. It also helps grow leadership skills supports gender equality and pushes sustainable development in Africa. Fellows will study at Ireland’s best universities and enjoy a mix of learning and cultural activities aimed at building leaders who back the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Points

• Eligible Applicants: South African nationals (mid-career professionals preferred)
• Program Duration: 10 to 16 months
• Funding Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, insurance
• Purpose: Promote leadership, gender equality, and sustainability in Africa
• Part of: Ireland Fellows Program, funded by Irish Aid
• Study Level: Master’s degree at leading Irish universities

Kader Asmal Fellowship 2026 Summary

Also Check – 2026 Fully Funded Fellowship in Europe – NOMIS at University of Basel (Switzerland)

Fellowship Benefits

• A monthly living allowance of €700
• Full tuition fees covered by the program
• Round-trip flights from South Africa to Ireland
• Medical and accident insurance for your whole stay
• Money to help with housing costs
• Extra support for unexpected expenses
• A settling-in allowance when you first arrive
• A completion bonus after finishing your studies

Eligiblity Criteria

To be eligible for the Kader Asmal program applicants must:

• Have strong English proficiency for university-level study.
• Pick three master’s courses from the approved list.
• Not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Live in South Africa when applying.
• Be prepared to start your master’s in Ireland for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Not already be doing or have finished a master’s degree.
• Have at least two years of related work experience.

Kader Asmal Fellowship Eligible Courses

• Computer Science
• Public Policy
• Business
• Agriculture
• Climate Change
• Gender Studies
• Engineering
• Education
• Health
• Human Rights

How to Apply? Kader Asmal Fellowship Program 2026

• Step 1: Check If You Qualify
  Make sure you meet all the requirements for South African applicants including education, work experience and English skills.
• Step 2: Pick Your Courses
  Choose three master’s programs from the Ireland Fellows Program list that match your career goals and support the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Step 3: Get Your Documents Ready
  Prepare these papers ahead of time to avoid delays:
  • Online application form
  • Academic transcripts
  • Valid passport or ID
  • Updated CV
  • Personal statement explaining why you want this fellowship
  • Proof of good English Proficiency
  • Recommendation letter
  • Research plan if needed
• Step 4: Send Your Application
  Upload all documents and submit through the official Ireland Fellows Program website before the closing date.
• Step 5: Check Everything Carefully
  Go through your entire application to make sure all information is correct all documents are included and everything follows the rules.