University of Galway Ireland Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering 2026

The Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering 2026–27 is now open for applications! Offered under the prestigious Ireland Fellows Programme, this fully funded fellowship provides early to mid-career Zambian engineering professionals a unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in engineering at the globally respected University of Galway in Ireland.

If you're a Zambian engineer with leadership potential and a commitment to sustainable development, this life-changing fellowship offers full financial support for your academic journey in Europe.

What is the Frank Ferguson Fellowship?

Established in memory of Frank Ferguson, a dedicated engineer who made significant contributions to Zambia’s infrastructure over five decades, this fellowship reflects his passion for development and innovation. The fellowship is a collaboration between the Government of Ireland, the Engineering Institution of Zambia, and the University of Galway.

The Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering is fully funded by the Irish Government under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It covers:

1. Full tuition fees for the selected Master’s degree
2. Return international airfare from Zambia to Ireland
3. Accommodation and living costs in Ireland
4. Health insurance and essential study-related expenses

Note: The fellowship covers only the individual recipient. There is no provision for dependents or spouses under this programme.

Eligible Courses at the University of Galway

Applicants must choose two programs from the following engineering-focused postgraduate courses:

1. Master of Civil Engineering (MENG-MEC)
2. ME in Energy Systems Engineering (MENG-MEES)
3. MSc in Mechanical Engineering (MSC-MSME)
4. ME in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (MENG-MEEE)
5. MSc in Marine and Freshwater Resources: Management (MSC-MFR)

The University of Galway’s Engineering School is ranked among the top 2% globally, offering world-class education and a vibrant student environment in one of Ireland’s most welcoming cities.

This scholarship is open to students from Zambia.

To be eligible for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship 2026–27, you must:

1. Be a resident national of Zambia
2. Have at least three years of relevant work experience
3. Be a registered member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia
4. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field with Merit or higher
5. Not already possess or be enrolled in a Master’s-level qualification or higher
6. Be applying for a new Master’s programme starting in August 2026
7. Demonstrate strong leadership qualities, commitment to SDGs, and willingness to build positive ties with Ireland
8. Understand the academic and English language requirements for the selected courses
9. Not have applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme more than once before
10. Be available to begin study in Ireland in the 2026–27 academic year

The application process for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship consists of three competitive stages:

Stage 1: Preliminary Application

Initial screening of eligibility and qualifications.

Stage 2: Detailed Application

Includes a personal statement, professional background, and a research proposal.

Stage 3: Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed. If selected, candidates must sit for the IELTS exam (unless already in possession of a valid IELTS certificate from 2024 or later).

Pro Tip: Early IELTS preparation is strongly advised, even for fluent English speakers.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Read the Applicant Guidance Notes thoroughly
2. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria
3. Download and complete the Stage 1 application form
4. Email the completed form to the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia with the subject line:
5. "Frank Ferguson Fellowship"
6. For posted applications, label the envelope clearly with the same subject line.

Why Apply?

1. Study at one of Europe’s top-ranked universities
2. Gain international experience in a high-demand engineering field
3. Become part of a global network of Ireland Fellows alumni
4. Build your capacity to contribute to Zambia’s development goals
5. Establish strong institutional and personal ties with Ireland

Application Deadline

Applications for the academic year 2026–27 are currently open. Visit the official Ireland Fellows Programme page or contact the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia for full details and deadlines.

Final Thoughts

The Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering is a rare and prestigious opportunity for Zambian professionals to expand their expertise, advance their careers, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development goals. If you’re an engineer with ambition and vision, don’t miss this chance to study in Ireland fully funded in 2026.