Fellowships are funding for individual researchers. They allow you to devote time to your own research and provide support for you to develop as a research leader. Fellowships often include career development opportunities like training, mentorship and international placements.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds approximately 2,000 fellowships at any one time. They’re offered either directly by UKRI and its research councils, or by research organisations with UKRI funding.
Fellowship funding pays all or part of your salary, for the length of your fellowship. It might also cover some of your research costs.
Your fellowship might also make you eligible for other support from UKRI and its research councils. For example, research councils sometimes offer training bursaries for fellows.
Find fellowships
Fellowships from UKRI and its councils are listed in the funding finder, where you can also find out how to apply. New opportunities are added throughout the year.
To find fellowships specific to your research area, you can filter listings by research council.
UKRI also offers interdisciplinary opportunities such as the Future Leaders Fellowships.
Who can apply for fellowships
Eligibility for fellowships differs by scheme. Check who can apply for each fellowship opportunity in the funding finder.
You will need to find a ‘host organisation’ to support your application before you can apply. This is the university, research organisation or business where you’ll be based.
Some fellowships are awarded directly to a research organisation, which then recruits a fellow on UKRI’s behalf.
Last updated: 28 July 2023