Funding for Foreign Scholars

The British Academy funds postdoctoral research in the humanities and social sciences. PhD and Masters students are not eligible to apply. For most of its schemes application must be made by scholars who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

The Academy does, however, maintain a number of Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding and less formal fraternal links with Academies and other bodies abroad, along with a Visiting Fellowship scheme whereby overseas scholars can apply for funding in conjunction with a UK host. Information on the Academy website about its country-specific schemes is for UK scholars. Foreign scholars hoping to take advantage of those Agreements must contact the international office of the relevant partner organisation to enquire about eligibility and method of application. In addition, the new Newton International Fellowships scheme aims to fund research collaborations and improve links between UK and overseas researchers.

The British Council office in your country is usually the best port of call for general information on funding opportunities for international students and scholars, as well as the international office of the UK institution which you hope to visit. The links below may also be helpful.

Other Funding Organisations

Arts and Humanities Research Council
Association of Charitable Foundations
British Council Home page
British Council SISTER (Support for International Science, Technology and Engineering Research)
Council for International Education
Directory of Social Change
Economic and Social Research Council
HERO
Higher Education Funding Council
Research Councils UK
Scholarship Search UK
UK Subject Associations