University of Cambridge British Academy International Fellowship 2026-2028

The Faculty of English and Department of Anglo Saxon Norse and Celtic (ASNC) at the University of Cambridge welcomes applicants for consideration for the British Academy International Fellowship scheme.

The British Academy International Fellowship is a two-year initiative aimed at attracting and retaining emerging talent in the UK to create a globally connected and mobile research workforce. This program seeks to draw talented international early career researchers to conduct their research in the UK, support them in pursuing high-quality and innovative projects, and provide opportunities for career development.

• Table of Content
• About University of Cambridge
• University of Cambridge Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Cambridge Fellowship
• Requirements for University of Cambridge Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for University of Cambridge Fellowship
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

University of Cambridge Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of University of Cambridge Fellowship

• Support in in pursuing high-quality and innovative projects, and provide opportunities for career development.

Requirements for University of Cambridge Fellowship Qualification

Applicants should ensure that they meet the following requirements:

• Have a PhD, or applicants in the final stages of their PhD will be accepted provided that the PhD will be completed (including viva) before the start date of the Fellowship. Confirmation of award of the PhD will be required before any Fellowship award is confirmed.
• Applicants should have no more than seven years of active full time postdoctoral experience at the time of application (discounting career breaks, but including teaching experience and/or time spent in industry).
• Be working outside the UK.
• Not hold UK citizenship.
• Be competent in oral and written English.
• Have a clearly defined and mutually-beneficial research proposal agreed with a UK host researcher. Important:  A Faculty member is needed to act as the ‘UK Sponsor’ for the application and must work with the lead applicant to develop the project proposal. The sponsor will provide mentoring, support and guidance throughout the duration of the Fellowship. Please note that your UK sponsor in the chosen department must be consulted prior to the internal deadline and must have agreed to support the development of your project proposal and application. Please ensure your sponsor has read the relevant scheme notes. Sponsors should be permanent faculty employed members of staff (normally assistant professors, associate professors or professors). Please contact [email protected] if you are unsure of the status or eligibility of your potential sponsor.
• Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes. The 2026 scheme notes will be published shortly, however, you may wish to review the 2025 scheme notes. Please read these carefully.

Interview date, Process and Venue for University of Cambridge Fellowship

This is the internal faculty deadline for applications to be assessed and selected for onward submission to the British Academy, which will likely have a deadline of mid-March 2026. You will be informed in good time before the funder deadline as to whether the faculty is able to support your application.

Documents Required for Application

 Applicants should send the following by this date:

• A two-page CV, including the dates on which you had your PhD viva and on which you were awarded the PhD.
• Details of your research proposal: title and draft proposal
• A list of publications (not exceeding one side)
• A letter of support from your UK faculty sponsor.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• The deadline for expressions of interest for applications to English is 5pm BST on Monday 5 January 2026 (please note that this expression of interest does not apply to candidates wishing to apply through ASNC).
• Please send the name of the person who has agreed to act as your faculty sponsor and a short description of your project to [email protected]
• Following this, the internal Faculty deadline for candidates who would like to be considered for English and ASNC is 12:00 noon BST on Monday 26 January 2026

For more information, kindly visit University of Cambridge webpage.