Frank Ferguson 2026–2027 Engineering Scholarship for Zambians Program Completely Funded.
Applications have opened for the highly regarded Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering under the Ireland Fellows Programme for the 2026–2027 academic cycle. This fully funded opportunity is designed for qualified engineers from Zambia who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland while strengthening their leadership capacity and contributing to long-term national development.
The fellowship is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs and forms part of a broader effort to support capacity building and sustainable growth in partner countries. It targets professionals in engineering and related disciplines who have demonstrated dedication to their careers, communities, and Zambia’s development goals.
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Frank Ferguson 2026–2027 Engineering Scholarship for Zambians Program Completely Funded
The fellowship is named in honor of Frank Ferguson, a distinguished engineer and inventor whose work significantly shaped Zambia’s infrastructure over more than fifty years. Through this initiative, up to two Zambian engineers—one female and one male—will be supported to undertake a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Galway in Ireland.
The University of Galway is ranked among the top two percent of universities globally and is widely recognized for excellence in engineering research, innovation, and advanced learning facilities. Its School of Engineering offers a strong academic environment within one of Ireland’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities.
The fellowship aligns with Ireland’s international development and global engagement frameworks, including Global Ireland, A Better World, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Administration of the program in Ireland is handled by the Irish Council for International Students, with coordination in Zambia carried out through the Irish Embassy.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must be Zambian citizens currently residing in Zambia. Candidates are required to have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in engineering and must be registered members of the Engineering Institution of Zambia.
Applicants should hold an engineering degree or a closely related qualification at a minimum of Merit level from a recognized and accredited institution. They must also satisfy the academic admission standards of the University of Galway for their chosen master’s program.
Candidates must not be enrolled in, or planning to begin, another master’s degree or higher-level qualification during the 2025–2026 academic year. Successful applicants must be ready to commence their studies in Ireland by August 2026.
Additional requirements include demonstrated leadership potential, a clear commitment to advancing Zambia’s development priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, and an interest in fostering stronger professional and institutional ties between Zambia and Ireland. Applicants are expected to select two appropriate engineering programs at the University of Galway and meet both academic and English language requirements for those programs.
Applicants must not have submitted more than one previous application to the Ireland Fellows Programme and must be willing to accept and complete the fellowship during the 2026–2027 academic period.
Approved Master’s Programs
Eligible candidates may apply to one of the approved postgraduate engineering programs offered at the University of Galway. These include:
- Civil Engineering
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Marine and Freshwater Resources Management
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Selection Procedure
The fellowship selection process is conducted in three stages. The first stage involves a preliminary application and eligibility screening.
Shortlisted candidates then proceed to a full application stage, which includes submission of detailed documentation and a research or study proposal.
The final stage consists of interviews, during which candidates are assessed based on academic strength, leadership ability, motivation, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Frank Ferguson Fellowship goes beyond funding academic study. It provides Zambian engineers with access to high-quality education, exposure to international best practices, and opportunities to build lasting global professional networks.
Fellows gain advanced technical knowledge, leadership skills, and broader perspectives that can be applied to addressing development challenges in Zambia.
For engineers who are committed to professional growth, public impact, and contributing meaningfully to national progress, this fellowship represents a significant career milestone.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and take a decisive step toward advancing engineering leadership and innovation in Zambia.
