The British Academy International Fellowship is a highly sought-after, two-year initiative designed to support outstanding early career researchers in making a crucial first step towards developing an independent research career by gaining experience across international borders. Hosted by prestigious institutions, such as the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH) at the University of Cambridge, the program aims to attract and retain emerging international talent in the UK to foster a globally connected research workforce. The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, covering the award at 80% FEC (Full Economic Cost) and offering grants for both research expenses and relocation. The expression of interest deadline is January 5, 2026.
British Academy International Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge (CRASSH) and other UK institutions |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Program Level | Postdoctoral Fellowship (2 Years) |
| Field of Study | Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities |
| Funding | Full Sponsorship (80% FEC + Research & Relocation Funds) |
| Relocation Funds | Up to £8,000 |
| Research Expenses | Up to £12,000 |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Must be working outside the UK) |
| Key Criteria | PhD, Max 7 years postdoc experience, Not UK Citizen, Mutually-Beneficial Research Proposal |
| Application Deadline | January 5, 2026 (Expression of Interest) |
British Academy International Fellowship Details
The overarching aim of the British Academy International Fellowship is multi-faceted, focusing on both individual career development and strategic national research growth.
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The fellowship supports high-quality and innovative lines of research while providing structured opportunities to acquire and transfer new skills and knowledge through training and career development programs. A key component is fostering long-term international relationships through networking opportunities and the dedicated International Fellowships alumni programme. This scheme ensures that the UK remains a hub for global research talent.
Benefits and Specific Fellowship Award Tiers
The International Fellowship is designed to support the researcher fully throughout the two-year duration, covering salary costs, research needs, and relocation expenses.
Tier 1: Core Research and Salary Support (80% FEC)
This tier ensures the academic and financial stability of the fellow during their two-year placement.
- Value: The award is offered at 80% FEC (Full Economic Cost) for two years.
- Criteria: This covers the bulk of the salary and institutional overheads associated with hosting the fellow.
- Value: Two-year initiative providing sustained support for establishing an independent research career.
- Criteria: The full duration of the fellowship allows for significant research progress and professional development.
Tier 2: Research and Relocation Grants
This category provides direct, flexible funding to support the fellow’s research activities and ease the financial burden of moving internationally.
- Research Expenses of up to £12,000 over the two years. Applicants must fully justify the level of research expenses requested.
- Relocation Costs of up to £8,000 to assist the fellow with moving to the UK. Applicants must fully justify the level of relocation costs requested.
Tier 3: Professional Development and International Networking
These benefits enhance the fellow’s long-term career prospects and global academic profile.
- Access to the research facilities and networks of the University of Cambridge (if hosted there, or any other approved UK institution).
- Opportunities to acquire and transfer new skills and knowledge through structured training and career development.
- Inclusion in the International Fellowships alumni programme to foster long-term international relationships.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 British Academy Fellowship
The fellowship is specifically aimed at non-UK citizens who are already established as early career researchers but are currently working outside the UK.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must hold a PhD, or be in the final stages of the PhD (must be completed, including viva, before the Fellowship start date). Confirmation of the PhD award is mandatory before confirmation of the Fellowship.
- Must have no more than seven years of active full-time postdoctoral experience at the time of application (career breaks are discounted, but teaching experience and time in industry are counted).
- Must have a clearly defined and mutually-beneficial research proposal agreed with a UK host researcher/sponsor.
- Study Status: Must be competent in oral and written English.
- Visa Status: Must not hold UK citizenship.
- Program Admission: Must be working outside the UK at the time of application.
How to Apply for British Academy International Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is multi-staged, requiring an initial expression of interest (EOI) to secure internal endorsement from a UK faculty before the formal application can be submitted.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Before 5pm BST on Monday 5 January 2026, candidates wishing to apply through the Faculty of English (excluding ASNC) must send an email to
ajm325@cam.ac.uk. This email must include the name of the person who has agreed to act as your faculty sponsor and a short description of your project. - Prepare Internal Application Documents: Prepare the required documents for the internal faculty deadline: A two-page CV (including PhD viva and award dates), a list of publications (not exceeding one side), and a completed internal selection form.
- Submit Internal Application: Submit the complete internal application package, including the name and contact details of one referee (preferably based in the UK, who is neither the mentor nor PhD supervisor), by the internal Faculty deadline: 12:00 noon BST on Monday 26 January 2026.
- Complete Formal Application: After successful internal selection, proceed with the formal application submission through the British Academy’s external portal using the link provided below.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main objective of the British Academy International Fellowship?
The main objective is to attract and retain talented international early career researchers in the UK to develop a globally connected, mobile research and innovation workforce.
2. What is the duration of the British Academy International Fellowship?
The fellowship provides support for two years of research training and career development in the UK.
3. What is the maximum amount available for research expenses and relocation costs?
Fellows may apply for up to £12,000 for research expenses and up to £8,000 for relocation costs. These amounts must be justified in the application.
4. What is the maximum amount of postdoctoral experience an applicant can have?
Applicants should have no more than seven years of active full-time postdoctoral experience at the time of application, discounting formal career breaks.
5. Must the PhD be completed at the time of application?
No, applicants in the final stages of their PhD may apply, provided the PhD is completed (including viva) before the Fellowship start date. Confirmation of the award is required before the Fellowship is confirmed.
6. Where must the applicant be working at the time of application?
The applicant must be working outside the UK and must not hold UK citizenship.
7. What is the significance of the 80% FEC award?
FEC stands for Full Economic Cost. The award is offered at 80% FEC, which typically covers the fellow’s salary and the majority of the host institution’s non-salary costs related to the research.
8. What is the key requirement regarding the research project?
The research proposal must be clearly defined and mutually-beneficial, and it must be agreed upon with a UK host researcher/faculty sponsor prior to application.
9. What is the first step in the application process for candidates applying through Cambridge?
The first step is to send an Expression of Interest (EOI) via email to the specified address (ajm325@cam.ac.uk) by January 5, 2026, including the name of the faculty sponsor and a short project description.
10. What documents are required for the internal selection stage at Cambridge?
The internal application must include a two-page CV, a list of publications (one side max), a completed internal selection form, and the name and contact details of one referee.
