STIAS Individual Fellowship 2028 (First Semester)

Overview

The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Individual Fellowship supports senior researchers and academics from any country and discipline for a residential period at STIAS in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Fellows pursue a self-directed research project at one of Africa’s leading institutes for advanced study. Applications for first-semester 2028 (February-June 2028) are open from 1 July 2026, with a deadline of 31 October 2026. Feedback is provided by 31 March 2027.

STIAS selects fellows based on academic excellence and the originality of the proposed project, with particular weight given to African and global relevance, interdisciplinary scope, and the potential for breakthrough insights.

Benefits

• Fully funded residential fellowship at the STIAS campus in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
• Accommodation, a workspace, and subsistence support provided.
• Research assistance and access to Stellenbosch University libraries and facilities.
• Participation in STIAS seminars, colloquia, and fellow interactions.
• No teaching obligation - the fellowship is devoted entirely to research.
• Support for a limited number of invited collaborators.

Eligibility

• No restriction on country of origin, discipline, or academic affiliation.
• Fellows are selected on academic excellence and the originality of their proposed project.
• The project should break new ground, hold promise for new insights, and ideally draw on more than one discipline.
• Relevance to South Africa and Africa is considered but is not a hard requirement.
• Both postdoctoral researchers and established senior academics are eligible.
• Applications may be submitted by individuals or by research teams (with one main applicant).

How to Apply

1. Download the application guidelines from stias.ac.za/fellowships/apply/.
2. Prepare: research project proposal, full CV, publication list, and a short statement explaining the potential impact of the project.
3. Team applications should include a coordination plan and brief CVs for all participants.
4. Submit through the STIAS online application form between 1 July and 31 October 2026 for first-semester 2028 residency.
5. Results are communicated by 31 March 2027. Successful fellows confirm acceptance and travel arrangements from April 2027 onward.