British Academy Fellowships 2025-26 in UK | Fully Funded

British Academy Fellowships 2025-26 offer an outstanding chance for early-career researchers to develop their academic profile and gain valuable teaching and research experience in the UK. Designed to strengthen scholars’ prospects of securing permanent academic roles, this prestigious fellowship invites applications from exceptional candidates aiming to pursue independent research at a UK university or research institution. If you’re planning to elevate your research journey, don’t miss this opportunity to apply before the deadline.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the British Academy Fellowships 2025-26 operate under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model, covering 80% of the awarded fellows’ salary and research expenses. With the earliest start date set for 1 September 2026, this fellowship supports high-potential postdoctoral researchers and promotes academic excellence. Whether you’re building your research credentials or aiming for long-term academic placement, this UK-based fellowship can be a significant step forward in your career.

Benefits of British Academy Fellowships 2025-26

• The BA Fellowship operates under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model, ensuring comprehensive financial support for all fellows.
• The British Academy covers 80% of salary expenses, including both directly allocated and indirect costs.
• Moreover, it is a fantastic research fellowship and allows applicants to become a fellow of the British Academy.
• Fellows will have the opportunity to conduct research at a UK-based university or recognized higher education institution.
• The British Academy award will help fellows develop their careers and gain research experience.
• In addition, if a host institution needs to cover visa costs for employing a potential applicant, these costs can be included and covered under the Full Economic Costing.
• The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26 is an excellent postdoctoral fellowship for early-career researchers.

Eligibility Criteria for British Academy Fellowships 2025-26

• Fellows with any nationality are eligible to apply for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships.
• Applicants must be researchers in the humanities and social sciences if they wish to become a British Academy fellow and purse research at a UK institution.
• Moreover, the fellowship must be based at an eligible UK university or recognized research organization.
• British citizens and EEA nationals are eligible for the UK fellowship, irrespective of where they obtained their doctorate.
• All applicants must apply within three years of their successful viva voce examination, specifically between 1 April 2023 and 1 April 2026 for this competition round.
• Similarly, British Academy Fellows must hold postdoctoral status at the time the Research Awards Committee meets.
• Only research proposals within the humanities and social sciences will receive funding.

How to apply for British Academy Fellowships 2025-26

• Click the Apply Now button to access the official application portal.
• Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria and fellowship requirements before applying.
• Applicants must have one self-nominated referee to complete a questionnaire via Flexi-Grant.
• Referee should be external to your academic institution, preferably your external examiner.
• Referees cannot be your doctoral supervisor, internal examiner, or proposed mentor.
• All applications must be submitted through the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant System.
• Submit your application before the official deadline to be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

British Academy Fellowships 2025‑26 include Postdoctoral (3 years, humanities/social sciences), International (2 years for overseas researchers), and Visiting Fellowships (3–6 months). Open dates range from July 2025; all use Flexi‑Grant®. Eligibility includes UK association, viva period, PhD status, and humanities/social sciences focus.