Study in the UK | Newton International Fellowships 2026

December 5, 2025 9:54 am

Study in the UK | Newton International Fellowships 2026

The Newton International Fellowships 2026 call is now open, welcoming exceptional early-career researchers from every region of the world to pursue advanced research in the United Kingdom. This highly respected program, delivered through a partnership between the Royal Society and the British Academy, enters the new cycle with refreshed funding, revised eligibility rules, and a clear mission to attract rising research leaders who want to shape the future of global science and scholarship. The 2026 round continues to strengthen the United Kingdom’s commitment to world-class research collaboration and international academic exchange.

Programme Overview and Academic Pathways

The fellowship offers a two-year research placement at a top UK university or research institute. Through this placement, early career researchers gain the opportunity to work alongside senior UK academics, develop long-term research networks, and grow into independent scholars. The structure supports applicants who want to build strong international careers while contributing fresh perspectives to UK research environments.

The Royal Society reviews applications in the natural sciences. These fields include:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Engineering
Biomedical sciences

At the same time, the British Academy manages all applications in the humanities and social sciences. This dual structure ensures that each proposal receives discipline-specific evaluation and support.

The 2026 round introduces an improved selection model. First, evaluators review outline proposals through a triage stage. Next, longlisted applicants submit full proposals for detailed assessment. This process helps maintain fairness and high academic standards as interest in the fellowship continues to grow globally.

What Winners Receive Through the Newton Fellowship

The Newton International Fellowship remains one of the most well-funded early-career research opportunities in the United Kingdom. Selected researchers can receive up to two hundred eighty thousand pounds across the two years. The award covers:

Researcher salary
Research and project expenses
Institutional overheads
Relocation and visa costs
Support for dependents who move to the United Kingdom with the Fellow

Beyond this financial support, Fellows join a structured training program that includes leadership development, research communication training, public engagement guidance, and academic networking opportunities. They also attend conferences, workshops, and research events across the United Kingdom. Additional support from the Royal Society, including funding for applicants from China and Switzerland, increases the number of awards available this cycle. After completing the program, Fellows remain part of the Newton alumni network, which supports long term collaboration with UK researchers.

Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Fellowship

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Hold a PhD or complete their doctoral defense before the closing date
Have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral research experience
Live outside the United Kingdom and do not hold UK citizenship
Demonstrate strong English communication skills
Submit a proposal that fits within the Royal Society or British Academy subject areas
Secure a UK-based sponsor who will guide and support the proposed research
Apply for a UK visa through the Global Talent Visa fast track route if required

The Royal Society also offers additional support for disabled applicants, including deadline flexibility and alternative document formats.