British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The fellowship enables postdoctoral scholars to undertake independent research, publish high-quality academic work, and strengthen their academic careers at eligible institutions across the United Kingdom.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology and administered by The British Academy, the fellowship provides salary support, research funding, and institutional backing over a three-year period.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host Institution: The British Academy
• Study Level: Postdoctoral
• Eligible Countries: All Nationalities (subject to eligibility requirements)
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Scholarship Duration: 3 Years
• Benefits: Salary support, research funding, institutional support
• Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

About the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship

The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship supports exceptional early-career researchers in developing their independent research careers within the humanities and social sciences.

The fellowship is designed to help researchers:

• Complete a significant piece of publishable research.
• Develop an independent academic profile.
• Build collaborations with established scholars.
• Strengthen their prospects of securing permanent academic positions.

Fellows will be hosted by eligible UK universities or research organizations while conducting their proposed research projects.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• 80% of salary costs under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model.
• 80% of directly allocated and indirect institutional costs.
• Up to £10,000 for research expenses over the three-year fellowship.
• Employment through the host institution under its standard terms and conditions.
• Opportunities to expand academic networks and enhance research impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Conduct research in the humanities or social sciences.
• Be based at, or hosted by, an eligible UK university or research organization.
• Be:
  • A British citizen,
  • A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), or
  • A person of any nationality who obtained their doctorate in the UK.

Applicants of any nationality may also be eligible if they can demonstrate a strong prior association with the UK academic community.

In addition, applicants must:

• Have completed their Viva Voce examination between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027.
• Hold postdoctoral status when the Research Awards Committee meets.
• Not have held a permanent academic position at any stage, including before completing their doctorate.
• Be supported by one self-nominated referee who:
  • Is not the proposed mentor.
  • Is not the doctoral supervisor.
  • Is not affiliated with the proposed host institution.

Applicants should review the official guidance notes for any additional documentation requirements.

Fellowship Conditions

Successful applicants are expected to:

• Undertake independent research throughout the fellowship.
• Be employed by an eligible UK host institution.
• Produce high-quality scholarly publications.
• Participate actively in the academic community of their host institution.
• Comply with all reporting and funding requirements set by The British Academy.

How to Apply

To apply for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship:

1. Review the official scheme guidance notes and frequently asked questions.
2. Prepare your research proposal and all required supporting documents.
3. Submit your application through the British Academy Flexi-Grant® online system.
4. Arrange for your host institution to approve your application before the deadline.
5. Ensure your nominated referee submits the required referee questionnaire through Flexi-Grant®.
6. Submit your completed application before 30 September 2026.