Expressions of interest are now being invited for the British Academy International Fellowships 2026, a highly prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship designed for outstanding early-career international researchers seeking to build an independent research career in the United Kingdom. This opportunity is aimed at scholars planning to engage in high-quality, original research during the 2026–2027 academic cycle, with funded research activity running for two years.
What Is the British Academy International Fellowship?
The British Academy International Fellowship is a competitive, fully supported research fellowship jointly delivered by the British Academy and the Royal Society. It enables exceptional early-career researchers from outside the UK to work closely with a UK host institution, gain international research exposure, and develop a strong foundation for long-term academic independence. Each fellowship is structured around a clearly defined research project, with protected time dedicated exclusively to research.
This call begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, through which UK departments internally select a single candidate to support for the national competition.
What the Fellowship Offers?
Successful fellows receive two years of funded research support, allowing them to conduct independent, original research in collaboration with a UK host researcher. The fellowship emphasizes academic mobility, international collaboration, and career development, making it particularly attractive for researchers seeking their first major postdoctoral appointment in the UK. Fellows benefit from institutional integration, mentoring, and the prestige associated with one of the UK’s most respected research funding schemes.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Requirements (New)
You are likely eligible to apply if you:
- Are an early-career researcher who completed a PhD within the last five years
- Obtained your PhD outside the United Kingdom
- Have no more than five years of full-time postdoctoral experience
- Are currently working outside the UK
- Do not hold UK citizenship
- Can demonstrate strong spoken and written English skills
- Have a well-defined research proposal agreed with a UK host researcher
- Have secured support from a senior academic within the host department.
Application Process Explained
Interested candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest to the supporting UK department. Due to the competitive nature of the scheme, departments will typically endorse only one applicant. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a full application to the British Academy.
The last date to submit an Expression of Interest to the host department is 15 January 2026 (midday). Candidates selected at the EOI stage will be notified by early February 2026. The final deadline to submit the full application to the British Academy is 11 March 2026.