The British Academy International Fellowships 2023
United Kingdom
This programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. Each award is expected to involve a specific and protected research focus with the award-holder undertaking high quality, original research.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The International Fellowships Programme is designed to attract the most promising early career postdoctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences from around the world. The Fellowships enable researchers to work for three years at a UK research institution with the aim of fostering long-term international collaborations.
The overarching aim of the International Fellowships Programme is to attract and retain emerging talent in the UK and build a globally connected, mobile research and innovation workforce. The objectives are to:
- Attract talented international early career researchers to establish and conduct their research in the UK
- Support international early career researchers to pursue high-quality and innovative lines of research
- Provide international early career researchers opportunities to acquire and transfer new skills and knowledge through training and career development
- Foster long-term relationships through networking opportunities and the International Fellowships alumni programme
To apply through the British Academy, applicants should be intending to work in any aspect of the humanities or the social sciences. For research in natural sciences, applicants should apply through the Royal Society.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree with no more than seven years active full-time postdoctoral experience or be in the final stage of their PhD provided that it will be completed (including viva) before the start date of the fellowship award (or have equivalent research experience). Additionally, applicants must be working outside the UK and not hold UK citizenship at the time of application.
For further information and a full list of eligibility criteria, please consult the programme scheme notes.
Duration and value of award
International Fellowships are expected to run for three years each from a starting date to be agreed with the British Academy. The starting date must not be before 1 October 2023.
Awards are offered at 80% FEC. Applicants may apply for research expenses of up to £12,000 and relocation costs of up to £8,000. Applicants will need to justify the level of research expenses and relocation costs requested in their application.
From this round onwards, the British Academy International Fellowship award-holders will no longer be classified as visiting researchers on a stipend, but salaried employees. Award-holders will receive a reasonable salary set by their host institution. Fellowships awarded in the 2023 round will be awarded for three years instead of two. These changes will help to enhance the awards that the Academy can offer, ensuring that we can continue to support and attract excellent international early career researchers to engage with the UK.
Changes to the British Academy International Fellowship are based on programme evaluations to attract outstanding early career researchers who wish to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The Academy has secured additional funding from the government to trial extending the fellowship for a third year; a decision on whether to retain this change in subsequent years will be made in the next 12 months.
Application process
Applications must be submitted online using the British Academy's Grant Management System, Flexi-Grant®.
Application and referee statements deadline and current UK host institution approval deadline: Tuesday 28 March 2023 (17:00 BST).
Earliest start date for research:
1 October 2023.
Contact details
If you have any questions, please contact the International Team at overseas@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.