International Fellowships 2026

📖 About The British Academy International Fellowships

The International Fellowships Programme is designed to help early career researchers (ECRs) take their first significant step toward research independence by conducting research in the UK while gaining valuable international experience.

This programme aims to:

• Support globally mobile researchers.
• Strengthen the UK research and innovation ecosystem.
• Build long-term international research relationships through structured funding, training, and alumni engagement.

🎁 Benefits of The British Academy International Fellowships

• Duration: Support for two years offered at 80% FEC.
• Funding:
  • Research expenses of up to £12,000.
  • Relocation costs of up to £8,000 (justification required in the application).
• Alumni Funding: Eligible applicants may receive follow-on Alumni funding after the tenure of their Fellowship to support networking activities with UK-based or international researchers.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be an early career researcher.
• Hold a PhD or be in the final stages with completion before 1 June 2026.
• Have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral research experience.
• Be working outside the UK at the time of application.
• Not hold UK citizenship.
• Be competent in oral and written English.
• Have a clearly defined research proposal agreed with a UK host researcher.
• Meet all eligibility and compliance requirements set out in the official scheme notes.

📝 Application Date and Process

Application Steps:

1. Develop a research proposal with a UK host researcher.
2. Confirm eligibility against programme criteria.
3. Invite the UK Sponsor and Head of Department through the application system.
4. Ensure all supporting statements are completed early.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.
6. Application is reviewed and approved by the UK Host Organisation.

📅 Application Deadline

11 March, 2026

🌐 Scholarship Application Portal

• View details of The British Academy International Fellowships.
• Apply via The British Academy Application Portal.

This opportunity is a fantastic chance for early career researchers to gain international experience and establish themselves in the research community. Don't miss the deadline!

• The International Fellowships offer support for two years and the award is offered at 80% FEC. Applicants may apply for research expenses of up to £12,000 and relocation costs of up to £8,000. Applicants will need to justify the level of research expenses and relocation costs requested in their application.
• Applicants may also be eligible to receive follow on Alumni funding following the tenure of their Fellowship to support networking activities with UK-based or international researchers.