Deadline: February 15, 2026
The STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded research fellowship designed to support early‑career African scholars with outstanding academic potential. Hosted by the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in South Africa, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity to pursue an ambitious long‑term research project within an intellectually stimulating and interdisciplinary environment.
The STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship 2026 runs over a three‑year period and is aimed at strengthening knowledge production in Africa while supporting the next generation of African research leaders.
About the STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship
“Iso Lomso”, meaning “the eye of tomorrow” in isiXhosa, reflects the fellowship’s vision of investing in future‑oriented African scholarship. The programme supports promising early‑career researchers who wish to develop and advance a coherent, innovative research agenda over time.
Successful fellows are attached to STIAS for a structured three‑year period, with research residencies scheduled between 2027 and 2029. During this time, fellows benefit from STIAS’ supportive, interdisciplinary research environment and are encouraged to engage with scholars across disciplines.
All academic disciplines are eligible for consideration.
Fellowship Location
- Host Institution: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS)
- Country: South Africa
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a national of an African country
- Be born after 1 January 1984
- Hold an active affiliation with a research or higher‑education institution in Africa, and maintain this affiliation throughout the fellowship period
- Possess a doctoral degree obtained after 1 January 2018
- Have completed a post‑doctoral fellowship or an equivalent post‑PhD research programme
- Be able to commence the first research residency at STIAS in 2027
Applicants from all fields of study are welcome.
Selection Criteria
Applications for the STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship are assessed based on the following key criteria:
- Academic excellence and demonstrated scholarly achievement
- Originality and innovation of the proposed research project
- Interdisciplinary potential and openness to cross‑disciplinary engagement
- Relevance of the research to scholarship and knowledge production in Africa
- Feasibility and coherence of the proposed research plan
In addition, the selection process may take into account:
- Gender balance
- Diversity of nationalities and academic disciplines
- Previous research experience and participation
- International exposure and collaboration
Fellowship Benefits
While in residence at STIAS, fellows typically receive a comprehensive support package, which includes:
- Economy return airfare to and from STIAS
- Comfortable accommodation located close to the institute
- Fully equipped office space, including a PC, printer and telephone
- A monthly living stipend
- Full access to Stellenbosch University’s library resources and internet facilities
- Participation in seminars, public lectures and social events hosted by STIAS
- Child‑care support, where applicable
These benefits are designed to allow fellows to focus fully on their research during their residency periods.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted in May 2026 for additional information
- Final Selection: Successful applicants will be notified by June 2026
- Programme Start: First residency begins in 2027
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications through the official STIAS application platform.
📘 Read More About the Programme
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
