Cambridge British Academy International Fellowship 2026–2028: Your Gateway to a Global Research Career 

Cambridge British Academy International Fellowship 2026: Overview

The British Academy International Fellowship (2026–2028) is a prestigious two-year research programme designed to attract exceptional early-career researchers from around the world to the UK. Hosted by the Faculty of English and the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNC) at the University of Cambridge, the fellowship supports innovative research, global collaboration, and career development for scholars working outside the UK.

Cambridge British Academy International Fellowship 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD (or be in the final stages, with viva completed before fellowship start).

• Have no more than 7 years of full-time postdoctoral experience (career breaks excluded; teaching/industry included).

• Be working outside the UK.

• Not holding UK citizenship.

• Demonstrate strong written and spoken English.

• Secure agreement from a UK faculty sponsor (permanent staff: assistant/associate professor or professor).

• Develop a mutually beneficial research proposal with their UK sponsor.

• Meet all requirements listed in the official scheme notes (2026 notes to be published soon).

Cambridge British Academy International Fellowship 2026: Benefits

While the post does not detail the financial package, the British Academy Fellowship typically includes:

• Full research support

• Maintenance funding

• Travel and training allowance

• Integration into a world-class research community at Cambridge

• Mentorship from a dedicated UK faculty sponsor

Fellowship/Program Components

• Two-year research residency in the UK.

• Conduct an independent, high-impact research project.

• Close mentorship from a Cambridge faculty member.

• Access to Cambridge’s academic resources, networks, and career development platforms.

• Opportunity to build a globally mobile research profile.

Application Requirements

Applicants (via English/ASNC) must submit:

• A two-page CV (including PhD viva and award dates)

• Research proposal (title + draft proposal)

• Publication list (max one page)

• Letter of support from UK faculty sponsor

For English Department applicants, an initial expression of interest (EOI) is required.

Selection Criteria

• Research excellence

• Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed project

• Fit with the host department

• Strength of mentorship arrangement

• Candidate’s academic trajectory and potential for global leadership

Application Process

Step 1: Identify and Secure a UK Sponsor

• Contact a Cambridge faculty member in English or ASNC.

• Confirm their willingness to mentor and support your proposal.

Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (English Department Only)

• Deadline: 5 pm BST, 5 January 2026

• Send sponsor’s name + short project description to: ajm325@cam.ac.uk

Step 3: Submit Full Internal Application

• Internal Faculty Deadline (English & ASNC):
  12:00 noon BST, 26 January 2026

Step 4: Department Review

• Faculty reviews submissions and selects strong applicants.

Step 5: Final Submission to the British Academy

• Expected by mid-March 2026

• Applicants will be informed ahead of the funder deadline.

Important Dates