The British Academy International Fellowship 2026 supports outstanding early-career researchers who wish to build long-term academic links with the United Kingdom. The programme allows researchers based outside the UK to undertake a sustained research period at a UK host institution. Through this fellowship, scholars gain access to UK research networks and mentoring.
About the British Academy International Fellowship 2026
The International Fellowship programme reflects the British Academy’s commitment to global research exchange and excellence. It targets researchers who already demonstrate strong academic promise and who can benefit from immersion in the UK research environment. Fellows carry out an original research project while working closely with a UK-based mentor.
The fellowship runs for two years and supports full-time research. During this period, fellows are expected to contribute to the academic life of their host institution through seminars, workshops, and collaboration with other scholars. The British Academy designed the fellowship to help early-career researchers consolidate their research profiles and prepare for future leadership roles within academia.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: Up to two hundred and forty thousand pounds
- Maximum award: Two hundred and forty thousand pounds
- Project duration supported: Two years
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Who Can Apply for the British Academy International Fellowship 2026
Eligible organisation types
- Higher education institutions in the United Kingdom
- Public research institutes with a social sciences focus
- Institutions able to provide appropriate mentoring and research support
Registration or legal documents
- Doctoral degree certificate awarded before the application deadline
- Proof of current employment
- Institutional support statement from the UK host organisation
Project focus requirements
- Original research in the humanities or social sciences
- Clearly defined research questions and methodology
- Strong justification for why the research must take place in the UK
Geographic eligibility
- Applicants must be based outside the United Kingdom at the time of application
- Open to researchers from all countries
- Fellows must relocate to the UK for the duration of the award
Sector or thematic focus
- Arts and humanities disciplines
- Social sciences, including law, economics, and politics
- Interdisciplinary projects anchored in British Academy subject areas
Application Process
- Identify a suitable UK host institution and secure a mentor
- Develop a detailed research proposal aligned with the fellowship objectives
- Prepare a realistic budget covering salary and research expenses
- Submit the completed application through the British Academy application system
- Ensure all supporting statements and references are included before submission
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Detailed research proposal
- Budget justification
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of support from the UK host institution
- Reference letters as requested
Key Dates
- Application Open: 15 January 2026
- Deadline for applications: 11 March 2026 at 17:00 GMT
- Final Awards Committee meeting: 1 June 2026
- Earliest fellowship start date: 1 October 2026
Selection Notes
- The programme is highly competitive with a strong international applicant pool
- Reviewers prioritise research excellence, originality, and international collaboration
- Applicants without academic research need not apply
Official Source Of the British Academy International Fellowship 2026
Application Page: https://britishacademy.flexigrant.com/
