Are you an early- to mid-career statistician from Sub-Saharan Africa looking to advance your expertise in medical statistics? The LSHTM ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to study in the United Kingdom and gain hands-on research experience through a structured two-year program.
LSHTM ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship 2026
The International Statistics and Epidemiology Partnership (ISEP), funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), was established in January 2024 to address the long-standing shortage of highly trained medical statisticians in Africa.
With the rapid expansion of health-related data and research across the continent, there is an urgent need to strengthen statistical capacity. The ISEP Fellowship Scheme is designed specifically to build sustainable career pathways for applied medical statisticians in Africa. It focuses on equitable partnerships, African-centered training, and long-term leadership development.
The fellowship combines:
- A one-year, in-person MSc in Medical Statistics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in London
- A one-year placement at a leading African research institution
The program is structured to ensure that Fellows gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, supported by continuous mentoring and supervision throughout the fellowship.
LSHTM ISEP Fellowship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Study Destination | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) |
| Scholarship Type | MSc in Medical Statistics + Placement Year |
| Funded By | UK Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Eligible Applicants | Nationals of Sub-Saharan African Countries |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) |
| Number of Awards | 2 Fellowships |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, In-Person |
| Fellowship Start Date | September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 March 2026 (5 pm GMT) |
What Is the ISEP Fellowship All About?
The ISEP Fellowship Scheme in Medical Statistics aims to strengthen Africa’s research ecosystem by equipping statisticians with advanced training and practical experience.
Year One – MSc at LSHTM (London)
Fellows undertake the MSc in Medical Statistics at LSHTM. This year, they are encouraged to choose a dissertation topic aligned with the research they intend to pursue during their placement year.
Year Two – Placement in Africa
Fellows complete a one-year placement at one of the ISEP partner research centers:
- MRC/Uganda Virus Research Institute & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit (Uganda)
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (Tanzania)
- Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART) (Zambia)
- THRU-Zim Biomedical Research Training Institute (Zimbabwe)
- African Population and Health Research Center (Kenya)
- MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
During the placement year, Fellows gain practical experience in:
- Study design
- Data management
- Statistical analysis
- Reporting and publication of findings
Mentorship and professional guidance are provided throughout the program.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the LSHTM ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a resident and national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a 2:1-equivalent degree or higher in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related subject.
- Have at least one year of work experience in medical statistics or epidemiology.
- Meet LSHTM’s English language requirements.
Important:
Support will not be provided as a supplement to other funding. Applicants who already have funding from other sources are not eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
Each fellowship includes:
- Full MSc tuition fees at LSHTM
- Annual living stipend
- Return economy-class airfare between the home country and the UK
- Structured mentoring and supervision
- Leadership and management development opportunities
- A funded placement year at a leading African research institution
This comprehensive funding package ensures that Fellows can focus fully on academic excellence and professional growth.
Impact of the ISEP Fellowship
The scheme was originally led by the MRC-funded International Statistics and Epidemiology Group (ISEG). Since its inception in 2003:
- 51 Fellows have completed the program.
- Nearly all are currently working as medical statisticians.
- Many have completed or are pursuing PhDs.
- Fellows have contributed to the WHO, UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Alumni now supervise PhD students, teach MSc courses, and mentor junior statisticians.
Notably, two past Fellows now participate in shortlisting and interviewing new applicants.
Required Documents
Applicants must complete their application via the online portal and upload:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic Transcript(s) (Undergraduate and any postgraduate studies)
Note: Academic transcripts must include undergraduate studies as well as any additional qualifications.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom. If successful, candidates may be required to undertake an English language assessment.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the LSHTM ISEP Fellowship 2026:
Review the MSc Programme
Visit the official LSHTM website to understand the MSc in Medical Statistics requirements.
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you meet academic, nationality, work experience, and English language criteria.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather your CV and academic transcripts in PDF format.
Complete the Online Application
Submit your application through the official LSHTM online portal before the deadline.
Attend Interview (If Shortlisted)
Selected applicants will be invited for a Zoom interview.
Final Selection
Successful candidates will be notified and enrolled for the September 2026 intake.
Important Dates
- Applications Deadline: 31 March 2026 (5 pm GMT)
- Programme Start Date: September 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Why Apply for the LSHTM ISEP Fellowship?
- Study at one of the world’s leading public health institutions.
- Gain advanced training in medical statistics.
- Receive structured mentorship from leading researchers.
- Build a sustainable career pathway in Africa.
- Join a strong alumni network of leading statisticians.
By joining the LSHTM ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship 2026, you are not just earning a degree; you are strengthening Africa’s statistical research capacity and positioning yourself as a leader in global health data science.
For official details and application access, visit the LSHTM website before the 31 March 2026 deadline.
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