Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Individual Fellowship 2026

If you're a researcher or creative thinker on the verge of a breakthrough, invited to join STIAS—Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study—a vibrant creative space nurtured by Africa yet connected to the world. The Individual Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications—your invitation to immerse yourself in an intellectually stimulating environment where original thought, interdisciplinary exchange, and scholarly innovation flourish. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Stellenbosch, South Africa

• Level: Postdoctoral / established scholar / creative practitioner

• Target Group: No restrictions on country of origin, discipline, or academic affiliation; includes scholars, artists-in-residence, public commentators; limited applications from postdoctoral scholars also accepted

• Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines, with preference for interdisciplinary, innovative projects relevant to South Africa and Africa

• Value & Coverage:

  • Fully equipped office

  • Access to Stellenbosch University Library

  • Economy-class travel

  • Accommodation in Stellenbosch

  • Daily lunches (Monday–Friday) at the research centre

  • Living allowance

• Duration: One academic semester (mid-January to mid-June or mid-July to mid-December); shorter residencies (minimum 6 weeks) or extended stays (up to two semesters) may be considered

• Application Deadline:

  • For second semester 2026 (mid-July to mid-December): 30 April 2025 

  • For first semester 2027 (mid-January to mid-June): 31 October 2025 (selection results by March 2026)

• Start Date:

  • Second semester 2026: mid-July 2026

  • First semester 2027: mid-January 2027

• Eligible To: Scholars of any nationality, artists, early-career researchers who have completed at least one postdoctoral fellowship, and public commentators (postdocs considered only in limited cases)

📚 Fellowship Overview

STIAS provides a creative, independent space for the mind, welcoming self-initiated research projects across all disciplines. There are no limits on academic background, country of origin, or institutional affiliation. Applicants are encouraged to propose interdisciplinary and innovative projects that resonate with an African context or broader global scholarship. Fellows must reside on campus for the duration of their award, with no outside academic obligations.

During the residency, fellows participate in Tuesday and Thursday seminars, sharing ideas with peers and visiting academics. Daily lunches at the Wallenberg Research Centre are central to informal intellectual exchange .

While the standard fellowship covers a full semester, STIAS may accommodate shorter residencies (minimum six weeks) or term extensions, at the Director’s discretion .

Selection is rigorous and individual-based. The Fellowship and Research Programme Committee conducts initial reviews, with final decisions made in biannual committee meetings, advised by the Academic Advisory Board. Importantly, STIAS invites diverse profiles, including artists and early-career scholars, assessed on merit and potential contributions to its interdisciplinary discourse .

🎁 Benefits

• Intellectual immersion in a rich, collaborative community

• Access to well-equipped workspaces, library, and support services

• Accommodation and daily meals included

• Living allowance and travel support provided

• Exposure through seminars, public lectures, and cross-disciplinary interaction

• Flexibility in residency duration and structure to suit project needs

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to: Any nationality, discipline, or institutional affiliation

• Special categories: Artists-in-residence and public commentators assessed on their merit; limited acceptance of early-career postdoctoral researchers (at least one postdoc completed)

• Preference: First-time applicants within a five-year window

• Project fit: Proposals must demonstrate academic or creative excellence, innovation, interdisciplinarity, relevance (especially to South Africa/Africa), and feasibility

📝 Application Procedure

How to Apply: Submit via email (preferred) to gudrun@sun.ac.za in PDF format, or via mail to:

Ms Gudrun Schirge

STIAS Senior Programme Administrator

Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa

📂 Documents to Include:

1. Covering letter

2. Comprehensive CV (with publications)

3. One or two recent articles exemplifying your work/proposed project

4. Project title and detailed description (2–4 pages) of planned work and expected outcomes

5. Brief 200-word project summary for a general academic audience (may be published on STIAS website)

6. Indication of desired length and dates of residency, including alternatives

7. Motivation: how you learned about STIAS and why you chose it

💡 Extra Useful Insights

• STIAS is transitioning to a digital application platform starting with the 2027 round, but the deadlines and structures remain unchanged .

• The residency environment is highly praised for its intellectual vibrancy and supportive atmosphere: scholars often highlight the value of seminars and serendipitous conversations over lunch .

• STIAS values interdisciplinary exchange and welcomes creative and unconventional approaches to research—making it an inspiring setting for novel scholarship.

🔗 Official Link

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