Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Iso Lomso Fellowships, a prestigious opportunity designed to support early-career African researchers. The term “Iso Lomso,” which translates from isiXhosa as “the eye of tomorrow,” symbolizes foresight and the creation of future foundations. This fellowship program targets African academics who have earned their doctoral degree within the last seven years and are currently employed at universities or research institutions across Africa.
Ideal candidates will have already established a research agenda and completed a postdoctoral fellowship or an equivalent research experience following their PhD. Scholars from all academic disciplines are invited to apply.
Program Overview
The Iso Lomso Fellowships offer a three-year affiliation with the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), providing fellows with the time and resources to pursue a substantial, self-directed research project. The main goal is to nurture emerging scholars by offering them the environment and support necessary to become leaders in their fields.
Fellows participate in residencies at STIAS, with duration and scheduling agreed upon collaboratively among the fellow, their home institution, and STIAS. Each residency can last anywhere from six weeks to five months. Typically, the first residency—usually the longest—will take place in 2027, followed by two subsequent residencies spread through to 2029.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants interested in the 2026 Iso Lomso Fellowships must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of any African nation.
- Have been born on or after January 1, 1984.
- Maintain an affiliation with a research or higher education institution in Africa and intend to continue this relationship throughout the fellowship period.
- Hold a doctoral degree from a recognized university worldwide, earned after January 1, 2018.
- Have completed a postdoctoral fellowship or a comparable post-PhD research program.
- Be available to begin the initial residency period at STIAS in 2027.
Applicants from non-English-speaking African countries are permitted to conduct their research in their preferred language; however, all application materials must be submitted in English.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following key aspects:
- Academic Excellence: The candidate’s scholarly achievements and the quality and originality of the proposed research project.
- Innovation: The potential of the project to generate new insights and contribute novel knowledge.
- Interdisciplinarity: The extent to which the project incorporates methodologies from multiple disciplines and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue.
- Relevance: The significance of the project to advancing scholarship and knowledge production within Africa.
- Feasibility: The practicality and clarity of the research design and implementation plan.
Fellowship Benefits
While in residence, fellows receive comprehensive support from STIAS, including:
- Return economy airfare to and from Stellenbosch.
- Comfortable accommodation located within walking distance of STIAS.
- A private office furnished with a computer, telephone, and printer.
- A monthly stipend to cover daily living expenses.
- Access to Stellenbosch University’s extensive library resources, including electronic databases, as well as high-speed internet connectivity.
- Participation in the vibrant STIAS fellows’ community, which offers daily lunches, weekly seminars, public lectures, and social events.
- A childcare subsidy available to fellows accompanied by young children during their residency periods.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 15 February 2026 |
| Shortlist Announcement | 30 April 2026 |
| Final Selection | 31 May 2026 |
Shortlisted candidates might be contacted in May 2026 to provide additional details or clarifications regarding their proposed research projects. The final decision will be communicated by the end of May 2026, with successful applicants notified in June 2026. Please note that these dates are subject to change and updates will be posted accordingly.
Further Information and Application
For those interested in applying or seeking more details about the Iso Lomso Fellowships, kindly Visit the Official Webpage of the Iso Lomso Fellowships to access the application forms and guidelines.
