The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) at the University of Johannesburg has opened applications for its 2027 Writing Fellowships. Fellows spend two months, from 1 March to 30 April 2027, in residence in Johannesburg finishing a significant writing project, such as a book, a thesis-based manuscript, a novel or a collection.
Applications are open to people across all fields, and the deadline is 30 November 2026.
At a Glance
| Host | Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS), University of Johannesburg |
| Fellowship | JIAS Writing Fellowships 2027 |
| Dates | 1 March – 30 April 2027 (two months, residential) |
| Location | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Fields | All, including humanities, social sciences, law, public policy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
Benefits
- Accommodation at JIAS
- Breakfast and lunch every day
- Access to University of Johannesburg facilities
- A monthly stipend, which is taxable
- A dedicated space for writing, reflection and academic engagement
Note: the 2027 call doesn’t mention flights. Earlier JIAS writing fellowships included a return economy ticket to Johannesburg, but the 2027 announcement doesn’t. If you’d need to travel from outside Johannesburg, ask JIAS before you commit.
Eligibility
- You must have a writing project or work in progress you intend to complete during the fellowship.
- You can apply from any field. Past JIAS fellows have included academics, novelists, scientists, poets, playwrights, independent researchers and journalists.
- You must be available for the full two months, from 1 March to 30 April 2027. JIAS asks fellows to keep other work commitments to a minimum during this time.
- A letter of support from a prospective publisher counts in your favour.
What You Need to Submit
The official application form asks for your name, contact details, country or city of residence, highest qualification and field. All supporting documents go in one merged file, uploaded through the link on the form:
- Highest qualification, certified within the last three months
- ID or passport, certified within the last three months
- A comprehensive CV
- A short bio and a headshot photo
- A two-page proposal describing your writing project
- A portfolio of evidence showing your work in progress
- A letter of support from a publisher, if you have one
- Two reference letters
How to Apply
- Prepare all the documents above and merge them into one file. Getting certified copies can take time, so start early.
- Open the official JIAS 2027 application form (link below) and fill in your details.
- Upload your merged document using the upload link on the form.
- Submit by 30 November 2026.
Apply for the JIAS Writing Fellowships 2027 (official form)
Enquiries: [email protected]. More about JIAS: uj.ac.za/jias
Tips
- Make the proposal concrete. Say what you’ll finish by 30 April 2027, for example “complete chapters 4 to 7”, not just “work on my book”.
- Show real progress. Your portfolio should prove the project is already under way.
- Approach a publisher. Even a short letter of interest strengthens your application.
- Clear your calendar. JIAS wants fellows who can focus fully on writing for the two months.
