University Research Fellowship 2026 for Overseas Student Applicants
If you’re a rising star in science with big dreams and bold ideas, the University Research Fellowship (URF) 2026 could be your ticket to a world-class independent research career in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Funded by the prestigious Royal Society, this fellowship is designed to give outstanding early-career scientists the freedom, resources, and long-term stability to make groundbreaking discoveries.
Applications are officially open — and the stakes (and rewards) have never been higher!
About the Fellowship
The URF Programme empowers brilliant young scientists to:
- Build independent research careers at top universities or research institutions.
- Pursue cutting-edge scientific investigations with total creative freedom.
- Access up to eight (08) years of secure funding (years 6–8 are subject to a mid-term review).
- Receive high-quality professional development, networking opportunities, and leadership training.
And here’s the exciting part — the Royal Society has committed £30 million over the next two years to attract global research talent, with £10 million dedicated to bringing early-career scientists from around the world into the UK.
What’s in the Package?
Successful applicants can receive up to £1.87 million over eight years to cover:
- Salary contributions
- Research equipment and expenses (including travel)
- Research assistant salary
- Indirect and estate costs
- A fully funded 4-year PhD studentship
- Relocation and visa costs for the researcher and their family
Plus — generous support for maternity, paternity, shared parental, and sick leave, as well as childcare costs for conference or research travel.
Who Can Apply?
This is your moment if you:
- Have 3–8 years of research experience since your PhD (career breaks excluded)
- Don’t currently hold a permanent post or equivalent independent fellowship
- Work within the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit (biological sciences, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, and more)
- Are from any nationality — visa sponsorship available through the fast-track Global Talent Visa.
How the Selection Works?
Your application will be reviewed by expert panels covering five broad research areas — from astronomy and physics to biomedical sciences. The process involves:
- Eligibility checks and initial panel review
- Peer review for longlisted candidates
- Final interview at the Royal Society headquarters in London
If your research crosses disciplines, don’t worry — they’ll assign the right mix of experts to assess your proposal fairly.
Key Dates You Need to Know
The University Research Fellowship 2026 will begin accepting applications on 15 July 2025, with the submission deadline set for 10 September 2025. Successful candidates will be announced by the Royal Society on 30 June 2026.
Why This Matters?
This isn’t just a fellowship — it’s an investment in the scientific leaders of tomorrow. Alumni of the URF programme have gone on to lead pioneering projects, head international collaborations, and shape the future of their fields.
If your research could change the way we understand the world — and you’re ready to lead — this is your chance to secure the funding, freedom, and prestige you need.