There is no restriction on country of origin, discipline or academic affiliation, so Ugandan scholars are eligible. The Individual Fellowship is aimed at established researchers, normally senior academics or scholars with a PhD and approximately ten years or more of sustained research experience. Applicants must propose original research that builds on their prior scholarship and is appropriate for an institute for advanced study. Previous STIAS Fellows may submit a new application from two years after their earlier residency, although preference within a five-year cycle is given to first-time applicants.

The STIAS Individual Fellowship gives established scholars protected residential time in Stellenbosch to undertake original, self-directed research at an advanced level. Projects are selected for academic excellence, innovation, interdisciplinarity, feasibility and relevance to South Africa and Africa.

Benefits
STIAS provides one economy-class return airfare to Cape Town, airport transfers, accommodation in Stellenbosch for the Fellow and an accompanying partner where applicable, a pro-rated monthly stipend for day-to-day living costs, an individual office and access to STIAS facilities, weekday lunches, Stellenbosch University library access and participation in Fellows\' seminars, public lectures and interdisciplinary activities. The published standard benefits apply during the residential fellowship. Fellows are responsible for their own healthcare insurance.

Requirements
The application requires personal and institutional details, a project title, a project summary of no more than 200 words, proposed residency dates, a PDF cover letter with a motivational statement, a two-to-four-page project proposal of up to 2,000 words explaining the project\'s objectives and significance, a comprehensive CV with publication list, and one recent article or work sample typical of or related to the proposed research. A second publication sample is optional. Applicants must attest that the information supplied is accurate and complete.

How to apply
Complete the official STIAS Individual Fellowship online application for the 2028 first semester. Enter personal, affiliation, project and proposed-residency information, upload the cover letter, research proposal, CV and publication sample, complete the eligibility declarations and submit the application by 2026-10-31 at 23:59 UTC.