Breaking News: Postgraduate Training Fellowship in Medical Statistics Opens at LSHTM
A new call is now live for aspiring medical statisticians across Sub-Saharan Africa. The 2026–27 ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship in Medical Statistics is officially open, offering a fully funded two-year academic and research pathway in partnership with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and leading African research institutions.
Funded by the UK Medical Research Council, this prestigious fellowship is designed to address the growing demand for highly trained medical statisticians across Africa. As health data expands rapidly across the continent, so does the need for professionals skilled in study design, data management, epidemiology, and statistical analysis.
The International Statistics and Epidemiology Partnership (ISEP) is not just a scholarship scheme. It is a structured career-building programme focused on early to mid-career applied medical statisticians who want formal training, leadership development, and hands-on research experience within an African-centred framework.
For the 2026 intake, two fully funded Fellowship awards are available.
A Two-Year Structured Training Pathway
The ISEP Fellowship is carefully structured to combine academic excellence with real-world research exposure.
Year 1 – MSc in Medical Statistics (UK):
Fellows will pursue a one-year, in-person MSc in Medical Statistics at LSHTM in London starting September 2026. Candidates are encouraged to align their dissertation with research topics relevant to their future African placement.
Year 2 – Research Placement (Africa):
After completing the MSc, Fellows undertake a one-year placement at an ISEP partner research centre in Africa, gaining practical experience in:
- Study design
- Data management
- Statistical analysis
- Reporting of findings
- Applied epidemiological research
Throughout the two (2) years, Fellows receive structured mentoring, supervision, and leadership development support.
Funding Framework: What the Fellowship Covers
This is a fully funded opportunity designed to remove financial barriers and allow Fellows to focus on academic and professional growth. Each Fellowship includes:
- Full MSc tuition fees at LSHTM
- Annual living stipend
- Return air travel between the home country and the UK
The award does not supplement other funding sources. Applicants must not hold separate funding for the same programme.
Who Should Apply: Eligibility Requirements Explained
This fellowship targets motivated, early-career professionals who want to strengthen medical statistics capacity across Africa. To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be a national of and resident in a Sub-Saharan African country
- Hold at least a 2:1 equivalent degree or above
- Have an academic background in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field
- Have a minimum of one year of work experience in medical statistics or epidemiology
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
Successful applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency by 15 June 2026, as per institutional requirements. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the scholarship offer. Applicants must also upload:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Two references
- Undergraduate academic transcripts (and postgraduate transcripts if applicable)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Applicants?
Applying for the ISEP Fellowship involves two coordinated steps. Follow them carefully:
Step 1 – Submit Your ISEP Application
Apply through the official ISEP online portal. Upload all required documents including CV, references, and transcripts.
Step 2 – Submit Your LSHTM Admissions Application
If shortlisted, complete the MSc application at LSHTM and clearly state “ISEP” in the funding section so the Admissions team can identify your application.
Important notes:
- Ensure transcripts are provided for undergraduate studies and any postgraduate education.
- Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
- English language evidence must be submitted by the required date if selected.
Prepare early. This is a competitive call with only two awards available.
Why This Fellowship Matters for Africa’s Health Research Future?
Africa’s health research landscape is evolving rapidly. From infectious disease modelling to large-scale clinical trials and public health surveillance, the demand for advanced statistical expertise continues to grow.
The ISEP Fellowship directly responds to:
- The shortage of highly trained medical statisticians
- Professional isolation experienced by early-career statisticians
- Limited structured career progression pathways
By combining UK-based postgraduate training with African research placements, the programme strengthens both individual careers and institutional capacity across the continent.
Application Deadline for 2026–27 ISEP Fellowship
The last date to apply for the 2026–27 ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship in Medical Statistics is 5pm GMT on 31 March 2026.