Newton International Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Newton International Fellowship 2026, a prestigious program offered by the Royal Society to support outstanding early career researchers in natural sciences. This fellowship enables international scientists to conduct research in the UK, fostering independence, global collaboration, and career development. It is designed for fields including biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics (humanities and social sciences applicants should apply via the British Academy). The application deadline is 11 March 2026, with decisions expected by August 2026. The fellowship is fully funded, providing up to £280,000 over two years to cover salary, research expenses, relocation, and visa costs. It is open to non-UK citizens based outside the UK, with no more than five years of active postdoctoral experience (accounting for career breaks). There is no application fee, making it accessible for eligible global talent. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Organizations: Eligible UK institutions such as Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), Independent Research Organizations (IROs), or Public Sector Research Establishments (PSREs) – British Overseas Territories are not eligible.
• Research Field: Natural sciences within the Royal Society’s remit (e.g., biology, biomedicine, chemistry, engineering, math, physics); interdisciplinary proposals allowed if primarily in these areas.
• Duration: Two years full-time, with part-time options available for health or caring responsibilities (e.g., 50% over four years).
• Application Deadline: 11 March 2026
• No Application Fee!
• Open For all Nationalities.

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Up to £280,000 – Covers essential costs, with potential to exceed for justified relocation and visa expenses.
• Financial security through a competitive salary comparable to equivalent UK academic staff, plus full coverage of research expenses to focus on innovative projects without funding worries.
• Access to world-class UK facilities, expertise, and collaborative environments, enhancing research quality and opening doors to new perspectives and methodologies.
• Career-boosting training in leadership, science communication, public engagement, and policy, equipping fellows with skills for long-term success.
• Flexibility for personal life, including support for maternity, paternity, adoptive, or sick leave, and childcare funding for conferences and visits, ensuring work-life balance.
• Ongoing alumni benefits, such as funding for UK networking post-fellowship, to maintain global connections and sustain career momentum.
• A fast-track Global Talent Visa endorsement for fellows and dependents, simplifying relocation and integration into the UK research community.

Also Check: GSK Scholarships in UK 2026 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria:

• PhD Requirement: Must have been awarded a PhD or successfully defended the doctoral thesis by the closing date (11 March 2026).
• Postdoctoral Experience: No more than five years of active full-time experience post-PhD, pro-rated for part-time roles and adjusted for career breaks (contact the team for complex cases).
• Nationality and Location: Open to any nationality except UK citizens; applicants must be based outside the UK at the time of application.
• Research Field: Natural sciences within the Royal Society’s remit (e.g., biology, biomedicine, chemistry, engineering, math, physics); interdisciplinary proposals allowed if primarily in these areas.
• Language Proficiency: Competent in oral and written English.
• UK Sponsor: Must have a UK-based sponsor at an eligible host organization, who provides mentoring (sponsors limited to one application per round).
• Other: Cannot return to UK-based PhD supervisor or organization without strong justification; resubmissions allowed if still eligible.

Also Check: Post-Doctoral Position at University of Lincoln (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Confirm eligibility using the scheme notes (Section 4)
• Step 2: Identify a UK sponsor and host organization; contact them early (at least one month before deadline) to discuss your proposal.
• Step 3: Prepare your application on Flexi-Grant, including Parts A (for triage), B (full review if longlisted), and C (admin/finances).
• Step 4: Gather required documents: 3-page research proposal (references extra), up to 10 key publications, nominated referee statement (PDF on headed paper), head of department support questions, and financial details (consult host’s finance office).
• Step 5: Submit by 11 March 2026; host organization must approve. No interviews; process includes triage, longlisting, shortlisting, and committee decision.

Also Check: KWI International Fellowships 2026 – Fully Funded