2026–2027 Engineering Fellowship for Zambians With Frank Ferguson Fully Funded Program.
Under the Ireland Fellows Programme 2026–2027, applications are now open for the prestigious Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering, an exclusive opportunity for qualified Zambian professionals. This fully funded fellowship gives Zambian engineers the chance to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland—helping them grow as leaders, sharpen their skills, and contribute meaningfully to their country’s development.
The program is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and funded by the Government of Ireland. Its mission is to equip Zambia’s future leaders with the knowledge, experience, and global exposure needed to drive sustainable progress at home.
Those working in engineering or related fields—and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their communities and professions—are the ideal candidates for this program.
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2026–2027 Engineering Fellowship for Zambians With Frank Ferguson Fully Funded Program
Applications are now being accepted for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering 2026–2027 under the Ireland Fellows Program. This fellowship will sponsor up to two Zambian engineers—one male and one female—to undertake a master’s degree in engineering in Ireland.
The award is jointly supported by the Irish Government, the Engineering Institution of Zambia, and the University of Galway, one of the world’s top 2% universities. The University of Galway’s School of Engineering is renowned for its strong research environment and modern facilities, located in one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities.
The fellowship is named in honor of Frank Ferguson, an accomplished engineer and inventor who spent over fifty years shaping Zambia’s infrastructure through groundbreaking engineering projects.
This fully funded initiative is part of the Irish Government’s global engagement strategy, implemented through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It supports Ireland’s regional and international goals across Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States, in alignment with national policies such as Global Ireland, A Better World, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Ireland, the program is managed by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), while participating countries oversee implementation through their respective Irish embassies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship beginning in the 2026 academic year, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Zambia and currently reside there.
- Have at least three years of professional experience in the field of engineering.
- Be a registered member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia.
- Hold an engineering degree (or a closely related qualification) at Merit level or higher from an accredited institution.
- Meet the academic requirements for admission to the University of Galway master’s program.
- Not currently hold, be enrolled in, or begin another master’s or higher degree during the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Be ready to begin their new engineering master’s degree in Ireland by August 2026.
- Demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to Zambia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and an interest in strengthening ties with Ireland.
- Choose two suitable engineering programs from the University of Galway that align with their background and goals.
- Understand the academic and English language requirements for the programs selected.
- Have not previously submitted more than one application to the Ireland Fellows Program.
- Be prepared to accept and complete the fellowship during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Eligible Master’s Programs at the University of Galway
Applicants can choose from the following postgraduate programs:
- Master’s in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Energy Systems Engineering
- Master of Science in Marine and Freshwater Resources Management
- Master of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Application Process
The selection process involves three main stages:
- Preliminary Application – Initial screening and eligibility check.
- Full Application with Research Proposal – Submission of detailed documents and study plans.
- Interview Stage – Final selection based on academic merit, leadership potential, and motivation.
Final Thoughts
The Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering 2026–2027 offers far more than financial support—it’s a life-changing opportunity for Zambian professionals to gain world-class education, build international connections, and bring valuable innovation back home.
If you’re passionate about engineering, eager to contribute to Zambia’s development, and ready to take your career to the next level, this fully funded Ireland Fellows Program could be your perfect next step.
Don’t miss your chance—apply before the deadline and help shape the future of engineering in Zambia.
