The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa presents an exciting opportunity for South African students through the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme. This fully-funded scholarship allows students to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland, renowned for its high-quality education. The fellowship targets early career professionals with leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme?
Named in honor of the late Kader Asmal, a prominent South African politician and human rights activist, this fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders. Here are the key benefits and features of the programme:
- Full Financial Support: Covers university application fees, tuition, examination fees, travel expenses, accommodation, monthly stipend, and more.
- Leadership Development: Emphasizes leadership skills and supports women’s leadership in STEM.
- Inclusivity: Encourages applications from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions and Universities of Technology.
- Wide Range of Fields: Offers scholarships in diverse fields such as climate change, engineering, law, health, education, and more.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have at least two years of relevant work experience.
- Hold an Honours degree from a recognized public university with an average of at least 75%.
- Not possess a Master’s degree or higher qualification.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities and a commitment to SDGs.
- Select two relevant courses from the Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme Directory of Eligible Courses.
- Understand the academic and English language requirements for the chosen courses.
- Not have applied for the fellowship more than once before.
Fields of Study
The fellowship programme offers two strands:
- Annual Awards for Postgraduate Study: Available in areas like climate change, sustainable technology, development studies, human rights law, health, education, social sciences, and more.
- Human Rights Law at Trinity College Dublin: Two fellowships specifically for an LL.M in International and Comparative Law.
What the Fellowship Covers
Recipients of the Kader Asmal Fellowship will benefit from:
- University Application and Tuition Fees: Covers all application and tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s program.
- Examination Fees: All examination fees are fully covered.
- Economy Travel to and from Ireland: Includes flights at the start and end of the program.
- Settling-in Allowance, Book Allowance, and Study Allowance: Provides initial settling-in funds, book purchases, and additional study resources.
- Accommodation: Covers university housing or other suitable living arrangements.
- Monthly Stipend for Living Expenses: Provides a monthly allowance for food, transportation, and personal needs.
- Student Visa Application Costs: Covers all expenses related to obtaining a student visa.
- Health Insurance: Ensures access to medical care during the stay in Ireland.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to seminars, workshops, and conferences for professional development.
- Cultural Exchange: Encourages participation in cultural programs to experience and share Irish and South African heritage.
Note: Financial support is for the recipient only and does not cover spouses or dependents.
Application Process
The application process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Application
- Opening Date: 1 July 2024
- Closing Date: 28 July 2024
- Application Form: Short form to assess eligibility. Application Link
Stage 2: Detailed Application
- Opening Date: September 2024
- If successful in Stage 1, you will be invited to complete a detailed application and submit required documents.
Stage 3: English Language Tests and Interviews
- Conducted after the detailed application review.
For scholarship inquiries, email: scholarships@canoncollins.org. For general inquiries, email: info@canoncollins.org.
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme offers an unparalleled opportunity for South African students to advance their education and leadership skills in Ireland. By participating in this programme, you can contribute significantly to your community and country, fostering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Recommended for you Western Cape Bursary 2025
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is more than just a scholarship; it’s a gateway to global opportunities and a brighter future. For South African students aspiring to make a significant impact in their fields and communities, this fellowship provides the perfect platform to achieve their dreams. By investing in education and leadership development, the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is building a better tomorrow, one leader at a time.
This comprehensive guide ensures that potential applicants have all the necessary information to apply for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme and understand its significant benefits.
