Hey future leaders! Ever dreamt of taking your studies to the next level, fully funded, and experiencing a new culture? Get ready because the incredible **Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Bursary** is back for 2026, offering South African postgraduate students the chance to study in beautiful Ireland!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a golden ticket to a fully funded one-year Master’s degree at a top Irish university. Designed to empower early to mid-career professionals with leadership potential, this programme helps build local capacity in areas crucial for achieving national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all while fostering strong ties between South Africa and Ireland. If you’re ready to become a future leader and make a real impact, keep reading!
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you fit the bill? Here’s a quick rundown of the eligibility requirements for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Bursary:
- You must be a resident national of **South Africa**.
- Have a minimum of **two years of substantial work experience** that’s directly relevant to the Master’s programme you want to study.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, awarded in **2014 or later**. You need a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), which is usually a first-class or second-class honour, Grade 1. (A second-class honour Grade 2 might be accepted if you have really strong, relevant work experience!)
- You shouldn’t already hold a Master’s degree or higher, and you shouldn’t be currently studying one or planning to start one in the 2025/26 academic year.
- You must be applying to start a new Master’s programme in Ireland no sooner than August 2026 (for the 2026/2027 academic year).
- Be able to show strong **leadership abilities**, a genuine commitment to achieving **SDGs in South Africa**, and a desire to build positive relationships with Ireland.
- You need to have already identified and selected **three eligible Master’s programmes** that align perfectly with your academic and professional background from their Directory of Eligible Programmes.
- Make sure you understand the academic and English language proficiencies required for your chosen programmes.
- You shouldn’t have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before.
- You must be in a position to take up the Fellowship in the academic year 2026/2027.
What Does It Cover?
This is where it gets exciting! The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Bursary is **fully funded**, meaning they’ve got you covered from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
- **Full payment of academic fees.**
- **Visa application fees.**
- **Medical and travel insurance.**
- **Economy flights** to and from Ireland.
- The **Irish residence permit fee.**
- **Allowances** for settling in upon arrival and for completion/departure at the end of your studies.
- A comfortable **monthly living stipend of €700** (subject to review).
- **Student accommodation** arranged and paid for during Trimesters 1 and 2 (normally September to May), and then a generous **monthly accommodation stipend of €800-€1000** for Trimester 3, depending on your location.
- Plus, you’ll get access to tons of **extracurricular activities, training, and volunteering opportunities** to make your experience in Ireland even more amazing!
How to Apply?
Feeling inspired? Here’s how to kickstart your application for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Bursary:
- The application deadline is **25 July 2025**. Make sure you don’t miss it!
- First, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
- Carefully review the Directory of Eligible Programmes to find three Master’s courses that match your goals.
- For all the detailed information and to start your application, head straight to the official webpage: Visit the Official Webpage of the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme.
If studying for a fully funded Master’s in Ireland sounds like your dream come true, don’t hesitate! This is an incredible opportunity to advance your education, grow as a leader, and explore a new country. Apply now for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme Bursary and keep exploring more life-changing opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!