Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowships 2026

The Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowships 2026 aim to advance global urban studies by supporting early-career researchers, fostering collaboration, and developing excellent urban research. This prestigious fellowship promotes the global exchange of ideas and knowledge, championing epistemic justice and cultivating research leadership for the future.

🏢 About Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowships

The fellowship program is designed to:

• Advance the Urban Studies Foundation's (USF) mission of supporting global urban studies.
• Strengthen scholarship in the Global South.
• Foster collaboration and promote the mobility of individuals and ideas.
• Cultivate research leadership and capacities for the future.

Since its inception, the program has supported over 80 Fellows from more than 20 countries, contributing significantly to the field of urban studies.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows will receive:

• Financial support to cover:
  • Accommodation and subsistence needs during the fellowship.
  • Return travel expenses.
  • Assistance with research costs.
• A small budget for the mentor to engage with the fellow’s home institution, networks, or research sites.
• Supplemental grants for extraordinary costs related to caring responsibilities or disabilities (applicants must contact USF in advance to discuss these requirements).

Note: Fellowships must begin no earlier than four months and no later than fourteen months after the application deadline.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

1. Be early-to-mid-career urban scholars holding a PhD awarded within the preceding 10 calendar years (by the submission deadline).
2. Be nationals of countries listed on the current OECD DAC list of ODA recipients. Applicants must also be formally affiliated with or working within a research organization based in one of these countries.
   Note: Individuals based in high-income territories are not eligible, even if associated with an ODA-listed country.
3. Have completed primary data collection and analysis and be ready to write up their findings as academic publications.
   Note: Proposals involving new primary data collection or analysis will not be considered.
4. Arrange for mentorship by a senior urban scholar at their chosen host organization.
5. Research and prepare a budget to support the fellowship and manage the practical aspects of any associated travel.
   Note: Host organizations can be located anywhere globally, with fellowships in Global South regions encouraged.

📝 Application Process

The application must include the following:

Applicant Information

• Contact details.
• Recent education and academic roles.
• A short career statement.
• Proof of nationality.
• Names and contact details of two academic referees.

Proposed Fellowship Information

• Fellowship dates.
• Mentorship and host organization arrangements.

Budget

• Detailed cost items with evidence for any items exceeding GBP 500.

Research Proposal

• Outline of planned research and intended outputs.
• Reasons for choosing the host organization.
• Statement on how the mentor will support the proposed research.

Supporting Documents

• Applicant CV (maximum 3 pages) listing academic achievements and publications.
• Mentor CV (maximum 3 pages) including previous mentoring experience.
• Mentor’s supporting letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing:
  • Willingness to act as a mentor.
  • Suitability of the host organization for the fellowship.

📅 Application Deadline

06 July, 2026

🌟 Additional Information

For more details about the fellowship, visit the Urban Studies Foundation website.

To apply, complete the application form available here.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for urban scholars to advance their research, collaborate globally, and contribute to the field of urban studies. Don't miss the chance to be part of this impactful program!

• Financial support for accommodation, subsistence needs, return travel, and some research costs.
• Available supplemental grant for extraordinary caring responsibilities or disability costs (with prior discussion with USF).
• Fellowships should begin no earlier than four months after the application deadline and no later than fourteen months after the application deadline.