Building Zambia’s Future Through Engineering Leadership

From its namesake engineer Frank Ferguson, who dedicated fifty years to Zambia’s infrastructure advancement, this Fellowship awards up to two outstanding candidates (one female, one male) each year. It’s designed to develop early- to mid-career Zambian professionals with leadership ambition and a commitment to Zambia’s Sustainable Development Goals 

Eligibility is rooted in strong academic and professional foundations. Applicants must be Zambian nationals residing in Zambia and hold membership in the Engineering Institution of Zambia. A completed undergraduate degree in engineering or a related discipline with at least a Merit classification is mandatory. Candidates are also required to have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, show leadership potential, and demonstrate a vision for contributing to SDGs and fostering ties with Ireland 

Scholars choose two relevant programs at the University of Galway from a range of engineering disciplines including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Marine & Freshwater Resources Management. English and academic readiness for these programs must be clearly understood and demonstrated by the applicant 

This Fellowship covers full tuition, travel costs, accommodation, a living stipend, insurance, and incidental expenses for the duration of the degree—which runs between ten and sixteen months and begins in August or September 2026

The application unfolds in three distinct stages: a preliminary submission via Stage 1, followed by a detailed application in Stage 2 including a research proposal, and concluding with interviews in Stage 3. Applicants may need to provide an IELTS certificate (valid from 2022 onwards), unless already holding one that meets course requirements and is still valid

Being selected for this Fellowship means joining a global initiative aimed at building institutional capacity in Zambia. You will return with advanced engineering skills, a renewed leadership vision, and lasting relationships with Irish institutions facilitating future collaborations 

To begin, confirm you meet nationality, institutional membership, academic, and work experience criteria. Review the official guidance note for country‑specific details, choose two eligible programmes that align with your background, and prepare application materials with care. When ready, submit the Stage 1 application to the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia. Follow the official process timeline carefully to maximize your candidacy.

This Fellowship is more than financial aid—it’s an engine for individual growth and national advancement. If you’d like this announcement tailored for a specific audience such as a university mailing, a professional newsletter, or social media, I’d be glad to help adapt it further.