The Newton International Fellowships is for non-UK scientists who are at an early stage of their research career and wish to conduct research in the UK.
When is the Application Deadline:
Opening: 15 January 2026
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Tell Me About the Fellowship:
The Newton International Fellowship (NIF) is a prestigious UK-based programme designed to support outstanding early-career researchers from around the world. Jointly delivered by the British Academy and the Royal Society, the fellowship enables talented researchers to conduct cutting-edge research at leading universities and institutes in the UK.
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The programme helps fellows gain international experience, strengthen research skills, build collaborations with UK-based scientists and scholars, and take the first major steps toward establishing an independent research career.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the academy overseeing the application:
- Royal Society (Natural Sciences):
Biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, physics, engineering, and other related natural science disciplines. - British Academy (Humanities & Social Sciences):
All disciplines within the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Type:
Fully Funded International Research Fellowship (2 years)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD, or have successfully defended their doctoral thesis by the deadline.
- Have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral research experience (career breaks not counted).
- Be based outside the UK at the time of application.
- Not hold UK citizenship.
- Meet the academic and research criteria of either the Royal Society or the British Academy.
- Have strong oral and written English skills.
- Apply with a UK-based sponsor, who provides mentorship and supports the proposal.
- Be eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa via the fast-track route.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection involves:
- Eligibility check
- Outline application triage by expert panel reviewers
- Longlisting of full applications
- In-depth review of longlisted proposals
- Shortlisting and panel discussion
- Final recommendations for funding
Panels are divided into four discipline-specific Newton Fellowship groups.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries worldwide are eligible to apply.
Additional fellowships may be awarded through special partnerships for applicants from:
- Switzerland (via International Science Partnerships Fund)
- China (via K.C. Wong Education Foundation)
Where will the Fellowship be Taken?
At a recognized university or research institution in the United Kingdom.
How Many Awards?
The exact number varies yearly, but additional awards are expected in 2026 due to increased Royal Society funding, meaning more fellowships will be granted than in previous rounds.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?
The fellowship provides up to £280,000 over two years, covering:
- Researcher’s basic salary plus on-costs
- Research expenses
- Relocation and visa costs for fellows and their dependents
- Institutional overheads, estate, and indirect costs
- Career development opportunities:
- Leadership training
- Communication & public engagement training
- Policy engagement and networking
- Eligibility for alumni funding after completing the fellowship
- Flexibility for:
- Part-time work
- Parental leave
- Sick leave
- Conference childcare support
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
2 years (full-time)
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the Flexi-Grant® application system.
You must prepare the application together with your UK-based sponsor, including the research proposal, timeline, and budget justification.
