Core Fellowship 2026 at Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies

Applications are now open for the Core Fellowship 2026 at the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS), University of Helsinki. This prestigious fellowship supports scholars in the humanities and social sciences to conduct innovative, curiosity-driven research in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.

The program is open to post-doctoral researchers, mid-career university researchers, and visiting professors, with appointments starting in August–September 2026. The fellowship is fully funded, offering competitive salaries and a research allowance, with no application fee required. The deadline for applications is September 11, 2025, at 23:59 (Helsinki time). You can check out more postdoc positions here

Key Details

• Fields: Humanities and Social Sciences
• No of Positions: 10-15 fellows
• Funding: Fully funded
  • Salaries: €3,800–€4,100/month (post-doctoral), €4,500–€5,500/month (university researchers), €6,500–€8,300/month (visiting professors)
  • Research Allowance: €4,000/year
• Application Deadline: September 11, 2025, 23:59 (Helsinki time)
• Application Fee: None
• Start Date: August–September 2026
• Location: University of Helsinki, City Centre Campus

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship welcomes applications from scholars in the humanities and social sciences who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to interdisciplinary research. Below are the eligibility criteria for each career stage:

Post-doctoral Researchers

• Must have completed a doctoral degree before the application deadline.
• Should show promise of scholarly excellence through their academic merits.

University Researchers (Mid-career)

• Must have an internationally recognized research profile.
• Should demonstrate the ability to lead a research group and influence their field.

Check Visiting Fellowships in Austria: Vienna Center for Advanced Studies (ViCAS) Early-Career Fellowship

Visiting Professors

• Must have qualifications equivalent to a full professor.
• Should have a distinguished track record in research, academic leadership, international collaboration, and securing external research funding.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants should propose bold research projects that rethink theoretical foundations or integrate diverse approaches.
• Applicants must explain how they will contribute to HCAS’s interdisciplinary environment.
• Plans for collaboration with University of Helsinki researchers should be outlined, if applicable.

Best opportunity: St John’s College Research Fellowship in UK

What HCAS Offers

HCAS provides a supportive and inspiring research community with the following benefits:

• Salaried Positions:
  • Post-doctoral Researchers: €3,800–€4,100/month (gross)
  • University Researchers: €4,500–€5,500/month (gross)
  • Visiting Professors: €6,500–€8,300/month (gross)
• Research Allowance: €4,000 annually for travel and research expenses.
• Work Environment: Modern offices at the University of Helsinki’s City Centre Campus with access to libraries and university services.
• Freedom to Focus: Fellows are free from administrative duties, allowing full dedication to their research projects.

Also check: Canon Foundation Research Fellowship In Europe and Japan

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system:

• External Candidates: Use the “Apply now” link on the HCAS website.
• University of Helsinki Affiliates: Use the “Employee login” option (requires a valid helsinki.fi account and employment/grant contract).
• Required Documents: Include academic merits, a research project proposal, and a statement on your contribution to HCAS’s interdisciplinary environment.