International early career researchers now have the opportunity to apply for the British Academy International Fellowship 2026–2028, with the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of English and the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNC) inviting expressions of interest. This highly competitive two-year fellowship aims to bring outstanding global researchers to the UK, allowing them to conduct innovative research while becoming part of a world-leading academic environment. The opportunity is especially valuable for researchers seeking long-term growth, academic independence, and professional mentorship within the UK’s research landscape.
The fellowship is designed to strengthen the UK’s international research connections and to support emerging scholars in building impactful academic careers. Fellows are hosted full-time at a UK institution—in this case, Cambridge—where they will work closely with a designated faculty sponsor. The position offers an exceptional research setting, integration into departmental activities, and strong institutional support for developing high-quality projects in the humanities and related fields.
Although exact funding details for the 2026 round will be confirmed when the new scheme notes are published, earlier rounds of the fellowship typically provided a full-time salary through the host university, research funding for project-related activities, and financial support for relocation and visa expenses. This structure ensures that fellows can fully focus on their research without carrying the financial burden of international mobility.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold a PhD or be in the final stages of completing one, with the thesis and viva fully completed before the fellowship start date. They should have no more than seven years of active full-time postdoctoral research experience, counting teaching and industry roles but excluding official career breaks. Candidates must be working outside the UK at the time of application and must not hold UK citizenship. Strong oral and written English skills are essential due to the demands of academic collaboration, publication, and departmental engagement.
A key requirement is securing a permanent faculty member at Cambridge who agrees to act as the UK Sponsor. The sponsor will co-develop the project proposal, provide academic mentorship, and support the fellow throughout the two-year period. Applicants must identify and contact this sponsor well before the internal deadlines to confirm their willingness to support the application.
Expression of Interest (Faculty of English Only)
Candidates applying through the Faculty of English must submit an expression of interest by 5:00 pm BST on Monday, 5 January 2026. This initial step requires sending the name of the confirmed faculty sponsor and a short project description to the faculty’s contact email.
Internal Faculty Deadline for English and ASNC
The main internal deadline for both English and ASNC applicants is 12:00 noon BST on Monday, 26 January 2026. By this date, applicants must submit:
– A two-page CV including dates of PhD viva and award
– A project title and draft research proposal
– A one-page publication list
– A formal letter of support from the UK Sponsor
These documents are assessed by the departments to decide which applications will move forward for official submission to the British Academy.
Next Steps After Internal Review
Applicants shortlisted by the Faculty of English or ASNC will be informed ahead of the British Academy’s expected mid-March 2026 deadline. Selected candidates will then prepare their full application following the official scheme notes for 2026, ensuring that their research proposal, budget, and supporting documents meet the Academy’s guidelines.