2026 Iso Lomso Fellowships

Job Description

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The Iso Lomso Fellowship (isiXhosa for “the eye of tomorrow”) is designed to support African scholars in developing long-term, impactful research programs. The program provides a three-year attachment to the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), offering fellows the time, resources, and mentorship to advance their scholarly work and establish themselves as leading researchers in their fields.

Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Who Should Apply

The fellowship targets African scholars who:

• Have obtained a doctoral degree within the past seven years (after 1 January 2018).
• Hold an academic position at a university or research institution in Africa.
• Have completed a post-doctoral fellowship or equivalent post-PhD research program.
• Are able to commence a first period of residence at STIAS in 2027.
• Are born after 1 January 1984.

All academic disciplines are eligible. Scholars from non-Anglophone African countries may conduct research in their preferred language, but application documents must be submitted in English.

Fellowship Overview

• Duration: Three-year attachment with residential periods ranging from six weeks to five months each.
• Residencies: A longer initial residency in 2027, followed by two subsequent residencies through 2029.
• Fellows will have the freedom to develop and conduct a research program of their choice.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of any African country.
• Hold an affiliation with a research or higher education institution in Africa.
• Be committed to continuing their research and academic work in Africa for the foreseeable future.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

1. Level: Academic excellence and the originality of the proposed research.
2. Innovation: Potential to generate new knowledge or insights.
3. Interdisciplinarity: Use of methodologies that draw from multiple disciplines.
4. Relevance: Contribution to scholarship and knowledge production in Africa.
5. Feasibility: Realistic and convincing research design and plan.

Fellowship Benefits

While in residence, fellows receive:

• Economy-class return flight to Stellenbosch.
• Comfortable accommodation within walking distance of STIAS.
• Individual office with PC, telephone, and printer.
• Monthly stipend for daily living costs.
• Access to Stellenbosch University library and high-speed internet.
• Participation in STIAS fellows’ programs, including lunch, weekly seminars, public lectures, and social events.
• Child care subsidy for fellows accompanied by young children.

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
• Shortlist Notification: 30 April 2026
• Final Selection: 31 May 2026
• Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional information during May 2026. Final decisions and notifications will be made by June 2026.

Iso Lomso Fellowships provide an exceptional opportunity for African scholars to advance research excellence, build networks, and contribute to the knowledge landscape on the continent.

2026 Iso Lomso Fellowships