The Urban Studies Foundation invites applications for its 2026 International Fellowships, a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support early- to mid-career urban scholars from the Global South. This fellowship provides financial and institutional support for researchers to undertake a visiting sabbatical at a host university of their choice, with the aim of producing high-quality academic publications based on existing research.
The programme is aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance global urban studies, promote equitable knowledge production, and strengthen scholarly contributions from underrepresented regions.
Programme Overview
The International Fellowship enables selected scholars to spend between three and nine months at a host institution, focusing exclusively on writing and publishing their research findings. The programme is not intended for new data collection but rather for the development of completed research into outputs such as:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Book chapters
- Academic books
Fellows will work under the guidance of an appointed mentor, typically a senior academic in their field, who will provide intellectual support and facilitate integration into relevant research networks.
The fellowship encourages global academic exchange and aims to strengthen long-term collaboration between institutions and scholars across regions.
Purpose and Impact
The fellowship contributes to broader academic and social goals by:
- Supporting early-career researchers in the Global South
- Strengthening scholarship focused on urban challenges and development
- Promoting collaboration across international research communities
- Advancing new theoretical and empirical insights into urban studies
- Encouraging equitable and inclusive knowledge production
The programme also aims to build long-term research leadership capacity, enabling fellows to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and real-world urban policy and development.
Eligible Research Areas
Applicants may propose research outputs in any area of urban studies, including but not limited to:
- Climate and environmental sustainability
- Urban development and planning
- Housing and infrastructure
- Migration and mobility
- Governance and public policy
- Political economy
- Public health in urban settings
- Social equity and inclusion
- Transport and urban systems
- Technology and smart cities
All proposals must demonstrate a clear contribution to understanding urban realities, particularly within or across the Global South.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be early- to mid-career researchers with a PhD awarded within the last 10 years
- Be nationals of countries listed on the OECD DAC list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients
- Be affiliated with a research institution based in an eligible country
- Have completed primary data collection and analysis
- Be ready to produce publishable research outputs
Applicants must demonstrate strong familiarity with the urban studies discipline and provide evidence of their ability to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Fellowship Requirements
Candidates are expected to:
- Secure a mentor at their chosen host institution
- Select a host organisation capable of providing a supportive research environment
- Demonstrate how the mentor and host will add value to the fellowship
- Be fully released from existing professional responsibilities during the fellowship period
- Plan and manage travel and logistical arrangements independently
The fellowship emphasises not only academic output but also meaningful engagement with research communities and long-term collaboration.
Funding and Support
The fellowship provides financial support to cover:
- Accommodation and living expenses during the sabbatical
- Return international travel
- Limited research-related costs
- A small additional budget for mentor engagement activities
Additional supplemental funding may be available for applicants with extraordinary needs, such as caregiving responsibilities or disability-related costs, subject to prior consultation.
Application Process
Applicants must complete an online application form by the deadline and submit the following:
- Personal and academic information, including proof of nationality
- Career statement and academic background
- Contact details for two referees
- Fellowship proposal, including:
- Research plan and intended outputs
- Justification for host institution
- Role of the mentor
- Detailed budget with supporting evidence for major costs
- Applicant CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Mentor CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Mentor’s supporting letter (maximum 2 pages)
Applicants will also complete an anonymous Equality and Diversity monitoring survey after submission.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Application Deadline: 6 July 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Decision Timeline: Approximately 12 weeks after the deadline
- Fellowship Start Window: Between 4 and 14 months after the application deadline
All applicants will be notified of the outcome, although individual feedback will not be provided.
Programme Expectations
The Urban Studies Foundation expects fellows, mentors, and host institutions to contribute to:
- A productive and supportive research environment
- Integration into academic networks and communities
- Long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Advancement of inclusive and globally relevant urban research
The fellowship is designed not only to produce academic outputs but also to foster sustainable academic relationships and intellectual growth.
Strategic Significance
The International Fellowships programme has supported over 80 fellows across more than 20 countries, significantly contributing to the development of global urban studies. It plays a critical role in amplifying voices from the Global South and reshaping how urban knowledge is produced and shared.
By investing in scholars and their research, the programme contributes to a more inclusive and representative global academic landscape.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
