The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences the opportunity to pursue independent research and strengthen their academic profile. This three-year award supports the completion of a significant piece of publishable research while integrating award-holders into the community of established scholars.
The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences, dedicated to advancing research and fostering scholarly excellence. Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, this fellowship provides 80% of salary costs under Full Economic Costing, helping postdoctoral scholars enhance their CV and secure permanent academic posts.
British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits
- Salary costs: 80% under Full Economic Costing
- Directly allocated and indirect costs: 80%
- Research expenses: 100% up to £10,000 over three years
- Employment: Your host employs you under its terms and conditions
British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Researcher in the humanities or social sciences
- Based at an eligible UK university or research organisation
- British citizens, EEA nationals, or any nationality with a UK doctorate are eligible
- Applicants of any nationality may be accepted if they demonstrate ‘strong prior association’ with the UK academic community
- Early-career: Viva Voce examination completed between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027
- Must be of postdoctoral status at the time the Research Awards Committee meets
- Cannot have held a permanent academic post at any time, including before the doctorate
- Supported by one self-nominated referee, who must not be the proposed mentor, doctoral supervisor, or based at the host institution
How to Apply for BA Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Applications must be submitted online via the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant® system
- Deadline for submissions and UK institutional approval is Wednesday 30 September 2026, 17:00 BST
- Ensure your application is institutionally approved before the deadline
- Provide one referee questionnaire through Flexi-Grant® (referee must meet eligibility criteria)
- Review the scheme guidance notes and FAQs before applying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, the application process, and deadlines.
Who is eligible for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Applicants must be based at a UK university or research organisation, have completed their Viva Voce between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027, and not hold a permanent academic post. British citizens, EEA nationals, and anyone with a UK doctorate are eligible. Others may apply if they demonstrate strong prior association with the UK academic community.
What does the funding cover?
The award covers 80% of salary costs, directly allocated and indirect costs under Full Economic Costing (FEC) for three years. It supports an independent research project and the completion of a significant piece of publishable research.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online via the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant® system. The deadline is 30 September 2026 at 17:00 BST. You need institutional approval and one referee questionnaire. No paper applications are accepted.
Can I apply if I have a permanent academic post?
No. Applicants who have held a permanent academic post at any time, including before obtaining a doctorate, are not eligible. Exemptions may be considered; email the Academy before submission.
Who can serve as a referee?
You nominate one referee, ideally your external examiner or someone external to your work. The referee cannot be your proposed mentor, doctoral supervisor, an internal examiner, or be based at your host institution.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is tenable for three years, starting in Autumn 2027. It is non-renewable.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
No, it is partially funded. The British Academy covers 80% of salary and associated costs under FEC; the host institution covers the remaining 20%.
Can international scholars apply?
Yes. British citizens, EEA nationals, and anyone with a UK doctorate are eligible. Other nationals may apply if they have a strong prior association with the UK academic community.
What is the start date?
The earliest start date is 1 September 2027. Award-holders must begin their fellowship by this date.
Where can I find more detailed guidance?
Detailed scheme guidance notes and further FAQs are available on the British Academy website at www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/schemes/postdoctoral-fellowships/.
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