The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) is inviting applications for its Iso Lomso Fellowship 2028, a programme designed to support outstanding early-career researchers from African countries.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for African scholars to develop original research, engage with international academic communities and strengthen their contribution to knowledge production on the continent.
The programme is intended for researchers who have already completed doctoral and postdoctoral training and are developing independent academic careers.
Selected fellows become part of an interdisciplinary research environment at STIAS in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where they can exchange ideas with scholars from different academic backgrounds.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The Iso Lomso Fellowship provides a structured research development opportunity that includes:
A three-year affiliation with STIAS.
Opportunities for research residencies at the institute.
Access to an international interdisciplinary research community.
Opportunities to present research and receive academic feedback.
Participation in seminars, workshops and public lectures.
Opportunities to develop collaborations with researchers and academic institutions.
The exact financial arrangements and residency support should be checked in the official fellowship overview and relevant programme conditions. Applicants should not assume that every expense is automatically covered.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy all the following eligibility conditions:
Be a national of an African country.
Be 42 years old or younger by 1 January 2027.
Be affiliated with a research or higher education institution in an African country and expect to remain affiliated with it.
Have obtained a doctoral degree from a recognised higher education institution after 1 January 2019.
Have completed a postdoctoral fellowship or an equivalent post-PhD research programme.
Be able to begin their first STIAS residency during 2028.
Demonstrate academic excellence and originality in their proposed research.
Applicants should have a strong research proposal with clear objectives and academic significance.
How to Apply
Visit the official STIAS Iso Lomso application page.
Read the fellowship overview and eligibility conditions.
Confirm that you meet the nationality, age, doctoral and postdoctoral requirements.
Contact two academic referees before beginning the application.
Prepare your doctoral certificate and institutional support letter.
Prepare a research proposal of two to four pages, or up to 2,000 words.
Prepare your comprehensive CV, publication list and a sample publication.
Complete the online application form.
Ensure both referees submit their reference letters before the deadline.
Submit your application by 15 February 2027 at 12:00 UTC.
Important Information
Fellowship programme: Iso Lomso.
Institution: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study.
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Fellowship year: 2028.
Application deadline: 15 February 2027 at 12:00 UTC.
Age requirement: 42 or younger by 1 January 2027.
Academic requirement: PhD obtained after 1 January 2019.
Additional requirement: Completed postdoctoral fellowship or equivalent post-PhD research programme.
References: Two referees are required.
This opportunity is intended for established early-career researchers. It is not an undergraduate, Master's or general youth leadership fellowship.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on the official STIAS Iso Lomso application requirements and fellowship information.