The Irish Government, in partnership with the Engineering Institution of Zambia and the University of Galway, is offering the prestigious Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering for the 2025/2026 academic year. This fully funded fellowship provides an incredible opportunity for young Zambian engineers to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland.
About the Frank Ferguson Fellowship
The Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering was established in memory of Frank Ferguson, an Irish engineer and innovator who dedicated 50 years of his life to promoting development in Zambia through high-quality infrastructure projects.
The fellowship aims to honor his legacy by supporting the next generation of Zambian engineering leaders.
Key details of the fellowship include:
- Fully covers tuition fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs for the duration of the master’s program
- Tenable at the University of Galway, a top-ranked institution for engineering globally
- Open to Zambian nationals who are early to mid-career engineering professionals
- Aligns with Ireland’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening ties with Africa
The fellowship is a fantastic chance for talented Zambian engineers to gain world-class education and training in Ireland. Upon returning home, fellows will be equipped to make meaningful contributions to Zambia’s development through applying their enhanced knowledge and skills.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a resident national of Zambia
- Have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in engineering
- Hold membership with the Engineering Institution of Zambia
- Possess an engineering degree with merit or higher from an accredited Zambian university
- Meet the academic requirements for acceptance into an engineering master’s program at the University of Galway
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Zambia’s development and the UN SDGs
- Have not previously undertaken a master’s degree or higher
- Be available to commence studies in Ireland in August 2024
Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully review the full eligibility criteria before applying. Meeting these requirements is essential for being considered for this competitive fellowship opportunity.
How to Apply
The application process for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Application: Candidates submit an initial application expressing their interest and suitability for the fellowship. Shortlisted applicants move on to the next stage.
- Detailed Application: Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a more comprehensive application, including a research proposal outlining their intended area of study. An updated CV and transcripts are also required.
- Interviews: Finalists are interviewed by a selection panel to further assess their suitability and potential as Frank Ferguson Fellows.
All applicants progressing to the second stage will need to take the IELTS exam to demonstrate English proficiency, unless they already possess a valid IELTS certificate from 2022 or later with the required scores.
Candidates are advised to begin preparing their applications well in advance, as the process is highly competitive. Gathering all required documents and crafting thoughtful responses takes time and effort.
Click here to apply for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship once the application period opens for the 2025/2026 cohort. Stay tuned to the Irish Aid website for updates on exact deadlines.
Studying at the University of Galway
Frank Ferguson Fellows will undertake their master’s degree at the prestigious University of Galway in Ireland. The university’s engineering school is ranked in the top 1% worldwide, offering students an exceptional academic experience.
At Galway, fellows will have the opportunity to specialize in one of several engineering disciplines, such as:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Energy Systems Engineering
Access to cutting-edge facilities, renowned faculty, and a vibrant research community awaits Ferguson fellows at Galway. The university provides a supportive and engaging learning environment to help students excel.
Galway is also known as one of the most welcoming and charming cities in Ireland. From its rich culture and history to stunning natural scenery, it offers fellows an unforgettable experience beyond the walls of the university.
Preparing a Strong Application
Competition for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship is steep, so candidates must put their best foot forward in the application process.
Some tips for crafting a compelling application include:
- Highlight relevant experience: Emphasize engineering work, projects, and accomplishments that align with the fellowship’s goals and selection criteria. Quantify impact where possible.
- Demonstrate leadership potential: Provide examples of how you have taken initiative, motivated others, and effected positive change in your professional or personal life. Show your capacity to be a changemaker.
- Articulate your vision: Paint a clear picture of how the fellowship fits into your career aspirations and how you plan to use the knowledge gained to contribute to Zambia’s development. Let your passion shine through.
- Personalize your application: Avoid generic statements; tailor your essays and interview responses to showcase your unique story, skills, and suitability for the fellowship. Authenticity is key.
- Prepare for the IELTS: If needed, invest time in familiarizing yourself with the IELTS format and practicing your English skills. A strong score will boost your chances.
Remember, the selection committee is looking for candidates who exhibit excellence, leadership, and a genuine commitment to leveraging their education to drive positive change in Zambia. Conveying these qualities throughout your application is crucial.
Building Zambia’s Engineering Capacity
The Frank Ferguson Fellowship plays an important role in strengthening Zambia’s engineering sector and spurring economic development. By providing world-class training to top talent, the fellowship helps build a critical mass of skilled engineers equipped to tackle Zambia’s most pressing challenges.
From designing resilient infrastructure to developing sustainable energy solutions, Ferguson fellows have the potential to transform key industries and improve quality of life for Zambians. Their expertise will be instrumental in achieving Zambia’s Vision 2030 goals and the UN SDGs.
Beyond technical skills, the fellowship also fosters valuable connections between Zambia and Ireland. Fellows become ambassadors, forging partnerships and collaborations that can lead to knowledge exchange, investment, and joint projects benefiting both nations.
As Zambia looks to accelerate its growth and development, initiatives like the Frank Ferguson Fellowship are crucial for developing the human capital needed to drive progress. Each fellow represents a ripple of positive change, with the potential to create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
A Unique Opportunity
The Frank Ferguson Fellowship in Engineering is a life-changing opportunity for ambitious Zambian engineers to take their education and career to new heights. With full funding, world-class training, and the chance to join a prestigious network of leaders, it opens doors that may otherwise remain closed.
If you are a passionate, driven Zambian engineer committed to making a difference, this fellowship could be your launching pad. Seize the opportunity to invest in your future and become part of Zambia’s rising generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Apply now for the 2025/2026 Frank Ferguson Fellowship and take the first step towards realizing your potential as an engineering leader. Your journey to creating meaningful change in Zambia and beyond starts here.
For more information about the Frank Ferguson Fellowship and other funding opportunities, visit the Irish Aid website.
Stay connected with the Engineering Institution of Zambia and the University of Galway for the latest updates and application deadlines.
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