About the Kader Asmal Fellowship
The Irish Aid Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme sends talented South Africans to study for a master's degree in Ireland. It is a flagship project of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa. It forms part of the wider Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme, which the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs funds.
The fellowship honours the late Professor Kader Asmal. He served as a minister in South Africa's first democratic governments and helped to found the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement. His name now stands for education, human rights and public service.
What the fellowship covers
This is a full scholarship for one year of postgraduate study at a higher education institution in Ireland. Recent calls described cover for course fees, flights, accommodation and living costs. They also mentioned a monthly stipend, a settling-in allowance and visa costs. In other words, fellows can focus on their studies without carrying a large financial burden.
The programme targets early-career professionals with leadership potential. It supports leadership for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Embassy also gives priority to women's leadership and to women taking part in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Approved study areas have included agriculture and environmental science, food science, health and pharmacy, development and peace studies, social policy and community development, and law, human rights and gender studies. Recent rounds reported roughly a dozen awards a year. Even so, the number of places and the list of fields can change, so check the current call.
How Canon Collins Trust fits in
Canon Collins Trust handles applications on behalf of the Government of Ireland. Candidates apply through the Trust's online portal. They choose several eligible programmes at Irish institutions, and they must also meet each university's own entry rules, including English language requirements.
What to know before applying
Published criteria in past years asked for South African citizenship, a bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant work experience. Applicants should also show a clear commitment to leadership and development in their communities. People already studying for a master's degree have not been eligible.
Deadlines usually fall around mid-year. A recent call closed in July, although the date moves from year to year. Because this is a competitive international fellowship, start early. Gather certified academic records, a strong motivation, and referees who know your work well.
Always read the latest guidelines on the Canon Collins Trust and Embassy of Ireland pages. Rules, fields and dates are set for each intake.
Plan your choices with care. Each Irish course has its own entry rules and its own deadlines for documents, so read them before you submit. Language test results, degree certificates and reference letters can take weeks to arrive, which is why early preparation helps.
Details
- Website