Oxford Sociology is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the British Academy International Fellowships 2027.
Application Deadline:
- Oxford Departmental EOI Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 12:00 noon UK Time (GMT/UTC+0)
- National British Academy Competition Window: Opens early/mid-January 2027 and closes early/mid-March 2027 (PhD completion required by 1 June 2027).
Tell Me About The Program:
The British Academy International Fellowships 2027, hosted locally through the University of Oxford Department of Education, provides outstanding international early-career researchers with the opportunity to undertake a two-year, high-quality, original research project in the UK. Jointly run by the British Academy and the Royal Society, the scheme aims to attract emerging global talent, support innovative research lines, and foster long-term international scientific collaboration.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Education research spanning the Oxford Department of Education’s primary research themes:
- Language, Cognition and Development: Language learning, literacy, cognitive development, learning environments.
- Policy, Economy and Society: Education policy, inequality, international education, socio-economic contexts.
- Pedagogy, Learning and Knowledge: Teaching practices, digital education, curriculum design, learning activities.
Type:
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship & Academic Mobility Award
Who can Apply:
- Citizenship & Location: Non-UK citizens currently working/based outside the UK. (Applicants with recent UK employment must have spent at least 1 year outside the UK).
- Academic Level: Must hold a PhD (awarded within the last 5 years from an institution outside the UK) or be in the final stages of a PhD provided the viva/degree completion is finalized before 1 June 2027.
- Experience Limit: Maximum of 5 years of active full-time postdoctoral experience at the time of application (excluding career breaks, but including teaching and industry roles).
- Host Agreement: Must establish a mutually beneficial research proposal endorsed by a senior host researcher within the Oxford Department of Education.
- Language Proficiency: Competent in oral and written English.
How are Applicants Selected:
- Departmental Screening (Oxford): Evaluation of the Expression of Interest (EOI) package based on research quality, candidate potential, host alignment, and mentor availability.
- Institutional Demand Management: Oxford selects up to its institutional cap (maximum of 8 applications per UK institution for the 2027 round).
- National Competition: Peer-reviewed selection by the British Academy based on research excellence, methodological rigor, and career development potential.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to non-UK researchers working in any country outside the UK).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Department of Education, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Highly selective national cohort (Institutional submission cap set at a maximum of 8 applications per UK institution).
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Funding Model: Awarded at 80% Full Economic Costing (FEC), providing full salaried employment with salary scales set by the host institution.
- Research Allowance: Up to £12,000 for justified research expenses.
- Relocation Allowance: Up to £8,000 for relocation and travel costs.
- Post-Fellowship Benefits: Eligibility for follow-on Alumni funding to support ongoing international networking.
How Long Will it Last:
24 Months (2 Years) full-time research tenure.
How to Apply:
- Identify a senior research mentor in the Oxford Department of Education matching your research project.
- Prepare the departmental Expression of Interest (EOI) application package (all using font size 11):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Maximum 2 A4 pages
- Case for Support — Maximum 2 A4 pages
- Mentor Support Letter — Maximum 1 A4 page
- Complete Oxford’s EOI form and email the application package to
[email protected]by 28 October 2026 at 12 noon GMT. - Shortlisted candidates work with Oxford during November–December 2026 to prepare the final submission for the national British Academy portal opening in January 2027.
