Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026 offers exceptional researchers the opportunity to advance their academic careers at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. This fully funded fellowship at Cambridge University is designed to support talented PhD students and post-doctoral scholars, providing access to mentorship from leading experts, a vibrant research environment, and an international network of fellows.

Successful applicants of the Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026 will enjoy exclusive benefits, including a monthly housing allowance, free daily meals at the college, and access to dedicated office space. Whether living within or outside the college, fellows gain the resources and support needed to enhance their research and academic impact. This fellowship is a unique chance to elevate your post-doctoral research journey while being part of Cambridge’s globally renowned academic community.

Fellowship Summary

• Country: United Kingdom
• Host: University of Cambridge
• Study Level: Postdoctoral
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 18 September 2025

Benefits of the Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026

• The four-year award offers a research stipend starting at £33,482 per annum with an annual uplift, and award-holders are elected to a Research Fellowship for this period.
• Additional grants are offered to fellows over the tenure of four years. These grants support the costs of academic materials, travel expenses, computer equipment, books, and costs relating to organising a conference or workshop in St John’s.
• The award holders are permitted to receive additional pay for up to six hours for teaching a week at a College or University during term time.
• The research fellows are given a chance to live in college in a single residential accommodation.
• Similarly, the research fellows living outside the college or with their families can receive a housing allowance worth up to £35,760 over their four-year tenure.
• The house allowance will be paid monthly and is capped at 50% of the rent paid.
• The selected fellows of the Cambridge Research Fellowship Competition will be offered one meal per day at the College.
• The fellows residing out of college will still be able to receive office space in college.

Eligibility Criteria of the Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026

• The graduates residing in the UK or outside of UK are eligible to apply for this international competition.
• Students proceeding with their research in all STEM subjects and arts/humanities including Anthropology, Architecture, Modern and Medieval Languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese), Classics, Education, History, History and Philosophy of Science, History of Art, Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion, Land Economy, and Philosophy.
• Candidates should have either submitted their PhD after October 1, 2024, or must be on track to submit their PhD by October 1, 2026.
• The Cambridge Research Fellowship Competition is for early-career academics. Successful candidates must be either postdoctoral researchers who have recently submitted their PhD, or graduate students in the latter stages of research leading to a PhD.
• Candidates holding a fellowship or post-doctoral stipend awarded by the Research Council may apply.
• The fellowship holders at Cambridge College are not eligible for this fellowship competition.

Required Documents

• Previous research achievements.
• At least three reference letters.
• A complete CV
• Samples of Academic work.
• Grade/score of the latest degree.
• Research proposal/intentions.

How to apply for Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026

• Submit your application online via the official website.
• Provide three academic references – applications are incomplete without them.
• Ensure all references are submitted within the deadline.
• Check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026 at St John’s College, Cambridge, offers up to four four-year post-doctoral awards starting Oct 2026, with a £33,482 stipend, grants, teaching allowance, and residency within 20 miles. No interview; applications due 18 Sep 2025.