Call for Applications : 2025 USF’s International Fellowships for Urban Scholars from the Global South
The Urban Studies Foundation (USF) is pleased to announce the launch of the International Fellowships for urban scholars from the Global South. These fellowships provide an exceptional opportunity for early-to-mid-career researchers to further their academic careers through dedicated time for research, supported by mentorship from senior scholars in their field. The deadline for applications is 16th July 2025, 23:59 UTC+0.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The USF’s International Fellowship program aims to support scholars from the Global South by providing them the opportunity to complete significant research outputs, such as publishable articles, book chapters, or entire books. Each fellowship covers the costs associated with a sabbatical period spent at a host university of the applicant’s choosing, with funding available for a period ranging from three to nine months. The fellowship is specifically designed to help researchers finalize their work based on completed primary data collection and analysis.
Proposals for research outputs must focus on urban studies topics that are critical to understanding urban realities within the Global South. These topics include, but are not limited to: climate change, development, housing, governance, public health, transport, migration, policy, and social equity. The fellowship will allow scholars to work on research that contributes new insights and innovations to urban studies, particularly in the context of cities in the Global South.
Key Goals and Strategic Impact
The fellowship program is a cornerstone of the USF’s mission to advance global urban studies. Since its inception, the program has supported over seventy Fellows from more than twenty countries, each contributing to the development of urban research in meaningful ways. The fellowship is particularly focused on fostering early-career researchers, strengthening the scholarship of the Global South, and promoting international collaboration in the field of urban studies.
By promoting the global exchange of knowledge and ideas, the USF’s International Fellowship aims to contribute to epistemic justice. This involves ensuring that the knowledge produced in the Global South receives the attention it deserves, while also highlighting the diverse social, economic, and political contexts that shape urban life in different regions. The long-term vision of the fellowship is to nurture the next generation of urban research leaders, fostering a new wave of scholarship that can address the complex challenges facing cities around the world.
Expectations of Mentors and Host Institutions
Beyond supporting the Fellow in the completion of their research, the Mentor and host organisation are expected to contribute to the broader outcomes of the fellowship. The mentor should provide academic guidance, support the Fellow’s integration into relevant research networks, and create an environment conducive to productive scholarship. The host institution should offer a stable and supportive working environment for the duration of the fellowship, as well as facilitate the Fellow’s participation in key research communities.
The fellowship offers scholars the space to work independently while benefiting from mentorship and guidance that will enhance the quality and impact of their research. In addition, the mentor and host institution should demonstrate a commitment to supporting the Fellow’s long-term success and ensuring that meaningful, enduring professional connections are established.
Research Requirements
The USF seeks applications from scholars who have already completed primary data collection and are prepared to write up their findings as academic publications. Applicants are expected to articulate clearly how their research contributes to urban studies and present their work as a novel contribution to the field. Candidates should have an established familiarity with the urban studies discipline, demonstrated through their publications or previous academic engagements.
The research topics are broad and can encompass a wide range of urban issues. However, proposals that fall outside the field of urban studies will not be considered. Therefore, it is essential that applicants present a clear connection between their work and the broader urban studies field, showcasing its relevance and importance.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an early-to-mid-career urban scholar holding a PhD awarded within the past ten years (as of the submission deadline).
- Be a national of a country included on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients.
- Be affiliated with a research organisation based in one of these countries.
- Have completed primary data collection and analysis, and be ready to write-up findings as academic publications.
- Have a research proposal that clearly addresses a critical issue in urban studies.
In 2025, in celebration of the publication of C.P. Pow: Selected Essays, the USF will reserve one fellowship specifically for a scholar from East or Southeast Asia, or one whose work focuses on urbanisation in that region.
Terms of the Fellowship
The fellowship provides financial support to cover:
- Accommodation and subsistence while staying at the host university.
- Return travel to and from the host institution.
- Research costs (such as materials and fieldwork expenses).
- A small budget for the Mentor to engage with the Fellow’s home institution or research site.
In cases where applicants face extraordinary costs due to caring responsibilities or disability, they may apply for additional financial support. However, they must contact the USF before applying to discuss their needs.
Fellowships are expected to begin no earlier than four months after the application deadline and no later than fourteen months after the deadline.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply through the USF’s online application portal. The application includes sections for:
- Personal information (contact details, recent education, career statement, etc.).
- Proposed fellowship details, including dates, mentorship arrangements, and the host institution.
- A detailed budget with cost estimates for any expenses exceeding GBP 500.
- A research proposal, outlining the planned work, outputs, and how the mentor will support the research.
- A curriculum vitae and supporting documents.
Applications must be submitted by 16th July 2025.
Conclusion
The International Fellowship program provides an incredible opportunity for early-career urban scholars from the Global South to engage in high-level research, supported by mentorship and a global network. By fostering collaboration and promoting new understandings of urban challenges, the program works toward advancing knowledge and strengthening the global urban studies community.
For more information, please visit the USF website or contact the Urban Studies Foundation via email at [email protected].
Documents and apply now
Prospective applicants should ensure that they have carefully consulted the Further Particulars for this award (see below), which contains further information on the award terms and application requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (.pdf)
Guidance for Host Organisations and Mentors (.pdf)
