The International Fellowships 2026 Programme, administered by the British Academy and the Royal Society, supported two-year research placements in the UK for early-career international researchers. It provided 80% of Full Economic Cost (FEC), plus up to £12,000 for research expenses and £8,000 for relocation. Applicants needed a PhD (or final stages) and under five years of postdoctoral experience.
International Fellowships 2026 Programme Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organizations | British Academy & The Royal Society |
| Program Focus | Independent Research Career Development |
| Category | Early-Career Postdoctoral Research Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | International Researchers Based Outside the UK |
| Program Duration | 24 Months (Two Years) |
| Max Financial Award | 80% of Full Economic Cost (FEC) + Up to £20,000 Support |
| Application Status | Closed (for 2026 round) |
International Fellowships 2026 Programme (British Academy & Royal Society)
The International Fellowships 2026 Programme was a prestigious scheme jointly administered by the British Academy and the Royal Society, designed to attract and cultivate global research talent within the United Kingdom.
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The programme aimed to support exceptional early-career researchers from outside the UK by offering two-year placements at leading UK institutions. This opportunity was intended to establish new international collaborations, expand methodological expertise, and strengthen the academic trajectories of the award holders.
The overarching vision was to enhance the UK’s position as a centre for world-class research by supporting innovative, rigorous, and impactful projects across the humanities, social sciences, and beyond, fostering long-term international linkages.
Benefits and Specific Awards of the International Fellowships
The fellowship provided comprehensive financial and institutional support to allow award holders to focus entirely on their dedicated research agenda within a supportive UK research environment.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award and Cost Coverage (80% FEC)
- Full Economic Cost (FEC) Coverage: The primary award was issued at 80% of the Full Economic Cost (FEC) of the proposed research project, covering a significant portion of the institutional costs associated with hosting the fellow.
- Duration: Full financial support was provided for the entire duration of the placement, totaling 24 months.
Tier 2: Research and Relocation Support (Up to £20,000)
- Research Expenses: Applicants were eligible to request research expenses of up to £12,000 over the two years to cover costs directly associated with the project (e.g., travel, fieldwork, materials).
- Relocation Funding: Fellows could request relocation funding of up to £8,000 to support their move to the United Kingdom, ensuring a smoother transition to the host institution.
Tier 3: Alumni Support and Professional Development
- Follow-on Alumni Funding: Eligible fellows could apply for follow-on alumni funding after the completion of their fellowship to strengthen and sustain ongoing collaborations with UK-based or international research partners.
- Skills Acquisition: The programme provided structured opportunities for skills acquisition, professional development, and knowledge exchange under the mentorship of a UK-based host researcher.
Eligibility Requirements for the International Fellowships 2026
To be considered for the 2026 round, applicants had to demonstrate they were outstanding early-career researchers meeting all the following criteria:
- Doctoral Status: Must hold a PhD, or be in the final stages of completing a PhD, with all requirements—including the viva—finalized before 1 June 2026.
- Postdoctoral Experience Limit: Possess no more than five years of active, full-time postdoctoral research experience at the time of application (excluding formally documented career breaks, but including teaching or industry-based research).
- Geographical Base: Must be based outside the United Kingdom at the time of application.
- Citizenship: Must not hold UK citizenship.
- Research Proposal: Submit a well-defined, mutually beneficial research proposal formally agreed upon with a UK-based host researcher.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English.
How to Apply for the International Fellowships (Guidance for Future Rounds) (Step by Step)
While applications for the 2026 round are closed, prospective applicants for future rounds should prepare a compelling application by focusing on the core components of the scheme: the quality of the research, the alignment with a UK host, and proof of eligibility.
- Identify a UK Host Researcher: Secure formal agreement from a UK-based host researcher who will mentor you and benefit from the collaboration.
- Develop a Research Proposal: Draft a rigorous, innovative, and impactful research proposal that clearly defines the objectives, methodology, and benefits for both the applicant and the host institution.
- Confirm Eligibility: Scrupulously check all eligibility requirements, particularly the PhD defense date (before 1 June of the award year) and the five-year postdoctoral experience limit.
- Complete the Online Submission: Submit the final proposal and all required documentation (including evidence of PhD/viva status, CV, and financial justification) through the official application portal when the next round opens.
Application Deadline: 11 March, 2026
For more Information Consult the Full Scheme Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the primary purpose of the International Fellowships Programme?
The programme supports exceptional early-career international researchers to undertake high-quality, independent research through a two-year placement at a UK institution.
2. Who jointly administers this fellowship scheme?
The International Fellowships Programme is administered jointly by the British Academy (for humanities and social sciences) and the Royal Society (for sciences).
3. What is the maximum postdoctoral research experience allowed for applicants?
Applicants must possess no more than five years of active, full-time postdoctoral research experience at the time of application.
4. What is the financial value awarded for the research placement?
The award is issued at 80% of the Full Economic Cost (FEC) of the research project, plus specific allowances for research and relocation.
5. What is the total duration of the research placement in the UK?
The fellowship provides financial support and institutional backing for a period of 24 months (two years).
6. What is the maximum funding amount available for research expenses?
Applicants were able to request research expenses of up to £12,000 over the two-year period, provided the costs were clearly justified.
7. Was UK citizenship permitted for applicants in the 2026 round?
No, applicants were explicitly required to not hold UK citizenship and must have been based outside the UK at the time of application.
8. What is the critical date for PhD completion for the 2026 cycle?
All PhD requirements, including the viva/defense, had to be finalized before 1 June 2026, for the 2026 round.
9. What is required regarding a UK host researcher in the application?
Applicants must submit a research proposal that has been formally agreed upon with a UK-based host researcher who will provide mentorship.
10. What is the purpose of the follow-on alumni funding?
Alumni funding is available after the fellowship concludes to strengthen ongoing collaborations and facilitate sustained networking with UK and international partners.
