British Academy International Fellowships 2027/2028 at UCL, United Kingdom
Applications are expected to open in January 2027 for the British Academy International Fellowships 2027/2028, an exciting opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers from outside the United Kingdom to advance their academic careers. The prestigious fellowship supports international researchers to undertake two years of independent research at a UK host institution.
The programme focuses on original, high-quality research in the humanities and social sciences, providing fellows with an opportunity to develop their research profiles, work with experienced academic mentors and establish international research collaborations.
University College London (UCL) has announced an internal selection process for prospective applicants interested in applying through its Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences. Interested researchers should prepare their applications early because UCL’s internal deadline falls before the expected British Academy deadline.
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Fellowship Overview
The British Academy International Fellowships programme is designed to attract talented researchers from around the world and support their transition towards independent research careers.
Successful candidates will spend two years conducting research at a UK university or eligible research institution. During this period, fellows will undertake a protected programme of original research under the guidance of an experienced UK-based academic sponsor.
The fellowship aims to strengthen international research partnerships, encourage academic excellence and support the development of future research leaders.
Key details:
- Programme: British Academy International Fellowships 2027/2028
- Host institution: Eligible UK universities and research institutions
- Featured host: University College London (UCL)
- Location: United Kingdom
- Duration: Two years
- Research areas: Humanities and Social Sciences
- Target applicants: Outstanding early-career researchers based outside the UK
- Expected opening: January 2027
- Expected funder deadline: March 2027
Location and Work Arrangement
Successful fellows will be based at an eligible host institution in the United Kingdom for the duration of the two-year programme.
At UCL, prospective applicants will need to identify a suitable academic department and UK-based sponsor who can support their proposed research project.
The fellowship involves conducting original research within the host institution’s academic environment. Fellows should therefore expect an institution-based research arrangement involving academic mentorship, research collaboration and engagement with relevant university departments.
Applicants interested in UCL should approach potential academic sponsors whose research interests align with their proposed projects.
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Salary, Benefits and Fellowship Duration
The British Academy International Fellowships provide an opportunity to develop an independent research career through a structured two-year placement in the United Kingdom.
The official UCL announcement does not specify the fellowship’s salary, stipend or detailed financial benefits. Applicants should consult the British Academy’s official funding guidance for information about the funding package and eligible costs.
The main professional benefits include:
- Two years of dedicated research experience in the UK.
- Opportunity to develop an independent research career.
- Academic mentorship from an experienced UK-based sponsor.
- Access to an international research environment.
- Opportunities to establish international academic collaborations.
- Professional development and increased research visibility.
- Opportunity to produce original, high-quality research.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
The programme targets outstanding early-career researchers who are ready to take the next step towards an independent academic career.
Although the complete eligibility requirements should be confirmed through the British Academy’s official guidelines, prospective applicants should demonstrate strong research potential and the ability to develop an original research project.
Relevant qualifications and experience are expected to include:
- A strong academic background in humanities or social sciences.
- Evidence of research experience and academic achievement.
- A clearly developed and original research proposal.
- Potential to establish an independent research career.
- Ability to undertake high-quality research over two years.
- A suitable research connection with a UK host institution.
- Support from an appropriate UK-based academic sponsor.
Applicants must also satisfy the British Academy’s nationality, residency, career-stage and other eligibility requirements.
Researchers should carefully review the official eligibility restrictions before submitting an expression of interest.
Eligibility and Application Instructions
The programme is intended for early-career researchers based outside the United Kingdom. Applicants must ensure that their research falls within the British Academy’s humanities and social sciences remit.
UCL is conducting an internal selection process for candidates interested in applying through its Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences.
Applicants must submit the following four documents combined into ONE file:
- Candidate’s CV: Maximum two pages.
- Research project description: Maximum two pages outlining the proposed research.
- Choice of host institution and sponsor: Maximum one page explaining the reasons for selecting the institution, department and UK academic mentor.
- Sponsor statement: Maximum one page containing the supporting statement from the proposed academic mentor.
Completed applications should be emailed to:
jade.harris@ucl.ac.uk
Applicants should ensure that all four documents are combined into a single file before submission.
Further information about UCL’s internal selection process is available through the UCL Demand Managed Calls webpage.
Application Deadline
There are two important deadlines prospective applicants should know:
- UCL internal deadline: 30 November 2026 at 1:00 pm.
- Expected British Academy deadline: Early to mid-March 2027.
The British Academy call is expected to open in early to mid-January 2027.
Interested researchers wishing to apply through UCL must submit their internal applications before the November 2026 deadline. This is an internal institutional selection deadline, not the final British Academy application deadline.
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Official Application Links
For complete programme information, eligibility requirements and application guidance, visit the following official websites:
- British Academy International Fellowships: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/international-fellowships/
- UCL Fellowship Announcement: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/news/2026/oct/british-academy-international-fellowships-20272028
- UCL Demand Managed Calls: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/research-innovation/funding-and-support/planning-and-application/find-external-funding/demand-managed-calls
Related Opportunities
Researchers interested in international academic funding and career development can also explore other opportunities, including:
- Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the United Kingdom.
- International Research Fellowships in Europe.
- Postdoctoral Research Opportunities Worldwide.
- Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2027.
Visit Career Global Connect for more international scholarships, fellowships, internships and research opportunities.
