The ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship in Medical Statistics supports exceptional candidates from sub‑Saharan Africa to earn a one‑year MSc in Medical Statistics at the prestigious London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in London, followed by a one‑year professional placement at a partner research centre in Africa. This hybrid training model builds advanced statistical expertise and boosts practical research experience, helping Fellows contribute to improved health data analysis and research capacity across the continent.

About the ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship

The International Statistics and Epidemiology Partnership (ISEP) established this Fellowship to tackle the shortage of highly skilled medical statisticians in Africa. ISEP trains health data specialists through a two‑year scheme: Year 1 focuses on academic study of Medical Statistics at LSHTM in London, and Year 2 places Fellows at one of ISEP’s African partner research centres, enabling hands‑on work in study design, data management, analysis, and reporting. Throughout the programme, Fellows receive mentoring and leadership support from experienced statisticians.

Why Choose The ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship?

You should consider this fellowship if you want both top‑tier academic training and real‑world experience in applied medical statistics. LSHTM ranks among the world’s leading public health institutions, giving you exposure to cutting‑edge statistical theory and data science techniques. The second‑year placement embeds you within a research unit in Africa, strengthening your professional network, developing leadership skills, and enhancing your impact in health research and policy. This unique combination dramatically improves your career prospects both regionally and globally.

ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship Summary

  • Host Country: United Kingdom & Sub‑Saharan Africa
  • Host Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
  • Scholarship Name: ISEP Postgraduate Training Fellowship in Medical Statistics
  • Study Level: Master’s (Postgraduate) + Professional Placement
  • Programme: MSc in Medical Statistics (London) + Placement Year in Africa
  • Coverage: Full MSc tuition fees, annual living stipend, and return air travel
  • Application Deadline: 17:00 GMT, 31 March 2026
  • Programme Start: September 2026
  • Placement Sites: Partner centres in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and The Gambia
  • Eligible Applicants: Nationals and residents of sub‑Saharan African countries with relevant academic and work experience (detailed below)

Fellowship Benefits

  • Fully fund MSc tuition fees at LSHTM for the first year of study.
  • Provide an annual living stipend to support your cost of living while in London.
  • Cover return air travel between Africa and the UK for your fellowship term.
  • Offer a one‑year professional placement at a leading research partner in Africa to gain practical experience in study design, data analysis, and reporting.
  • Connect you with a network of expert statisticians and researchers across Africa and the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this fellowship, you must meet all of the following:

  • Be a citizen and resident of a sub‑Saharan African country.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree (2:1 equivalent or higher) in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field.
  • Have at least one year of relevant work experience in medical statistics or epidemiology.
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency that meets LSHTM’s requirements by 15 June 2026 (shortlisted applicants must provide evidence).
  • Plan to commit to the two‑year fellowship structure (academic and placement phases).

Note: This fellowship cannot be combined with other funding sources.

Required Documents

Prepare the following items for your online application:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic and professional experience.
  • Academic transcripts from undergraduate (and any postgraduate) studies.
  • References (2) from academic or professional referees.
  • Any other documentation requested via the ISEP online portal as part of the application process.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Register and complete your ISEP online fellowship application through the official portal. Upload your CV, academic transcripts, and references.
  2. Ensure you complete and submit your application by 17:00 GMT on 31 March 2026 — late applications will not be considered.
  3. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview (via Zoom) and may be required to complete an English language assessment.
  4. If offered the fellowship, you must state “ISEP” in the funding section of your MSc Medical Statistics admissions application to LSHTM so that the admissions team can identify and process your award.
  5. Begin your MSc in Medical Statistics at LSHTM in September 2026, followed by your placement year at an ISEP partner after completing the MSc coursework.