Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 are now open for applications, offering a remarkable opportunity for international students and early-career professionals to advance their academic and professional journey. This fully funded fellowship is designed to help emerging researchers gain valuable experience, develop essential skills, and contribute meaningfully to Cambridge’s dynamic academic community. With a generous award of £2,500 per term and support for administrative costs, participants can focus entirely on enhancing their career prospects while working in a world-class environment.

The fellowship selects up to five fellows each term, providing a unique chance to engage in hands-on research, professional development, and networking within an international setting. Eligible applicants must have held a post for fewer than four years, and the fellowship may be undertaken during the Michaelmas or Lent terms. By joining the Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026, you will not only gain professional expertise but also broaden your academic exposure, build a network of like-minded peers, and accelerate your career growth in an inspiring and supportive environment.

Benefits

• The value of the award is set at £2,500 for the term.
• Up to five fellows are normally appointed each year.
• This amount will be transferred to the Fellow’s Faculty or College to enable replacement teaching to be bought in.
• It may also be used to cover the cost of administrative tasks or examinations.
• If the Fellow’s teaching is split between a Faculty and a College, it will be the responsibility of the Faculty to negotiate the amount passed on to the College (up to a maximum of half the total).
• A Fellowship may be held in either Michaelmas Term or Lent Term.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications will be considered from UTOs from the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and CTOs working in arts, humanities, or social sciences at a college.
•  The scheme is also open to UTOs working in the department of Geography (supported by the School of Physical Sciences).
• Applicants must have been in post for fewer than four years at the date of application.

Selection Criteria:

• The Members of the Selection Committee will be drawn from a range of disciplines and subjects across the arts, humanities, and social sciences at Cambridge.
• Applicants will be evaluated on their academic record and the reference submitted.
• The research proposal will also be considered for the selection criteria.
• Particular regard will be given to the potential evident in the research proposal for innovative methods and modes of enquiry (these may include, but are not limited to, an interdisciplinary approach).

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of publications
• A statement of support from the relevant Head of Faculty or College
• Research proposal of 800-1000 words, outlining the project the applicant plans to work on during their Fellowship
• A sample of written work (a single chapter or article, for example, which may or may not have been published already)
• Letter of recommendation by a referee

How to Apply?

• Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria: you must hold an appropriate teaching‑officer post at the University or College and have been in post for fewer than four years.
• Prepare your application materials: include a CV, a list of publications if applicable, a research proposal (800–1000 words), and a sample of written work such as a chapter or article.
• Obtain support from your Faculty or College: secure permission to take research leave for the term if your application is successful.
• Arrange a referee: request a letter of recommendation from a suitable referee and ensure they can submit it by the application deadline.
• Submit your complete application before 12:00 noon (UTC) on 19 January 2026.
• If selected, you will be appointed for one term (Michaelmas or Lent) and will be relieved from teaching, examining, and administrative duties to focus on your research at CRASSH.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 offers a one-term, fully funded residential research opportunity for early career teaching officers. Fellows gain £2,500, teaching relief, and access to a rich interdisciplinary environment at CRASSH while developing skills, networking, and advancing research projects.