The British Academy/Wolfson Fellowships support UK-based early-career researchers who combine strong humanities or social-science research with public engagement. The current competition offers time and project support for work beginning in 2027 or early 2028.
Checked 9 November 2026. Applications are open according to the official announcement. Review the provider’s current instructions before submitting.
Table of Contents
British Academy/Wolfson Fellowships: Overview
| Maximum award | £140,000 over three years |
|---|---|
| Expected awards | Up to six |
| Closing date | 14 December 2026, 17:00 GMT |
| Start window | 1 September 2027–1 January 2028 |
| Location | Eligible UK institution |
| Duration | Three years |
Eligibility
Applicants must live in the UK and hold a permanent or fixed-term post at an eligible UK higher-education institution or independent research organisation covering the award. Normally, the doctorate viva must have taken place on or after 14 December 2019. Career-break exceptions may be considered; applicants without a doctorate may qualify through equivalent experience. A mentor is required.
If your eligibility depends on an exception, seek clarification before submission. Do not assume that a broad description such as “early career” automatically covers your circumstances. Check employment dates, the institutional requirements and any relevant career breaks against the current guidance.
What the funding supports
The award supports release from some regular duties, alongside public engagement, travel and mentorship. The maximum value covers the whole three-year award, not a yearly salary.
Think about the relationship between time and outputs. If routine duties currently limit your research, explain what protected time would make possible. Build a budget around a realistic work plan and confirm allowable items using the scheme guidance rather than treating the headline amount as unrestricted funding.
Discuss the practical arrangements with your institution early. Internal review, costing and approval can take time even when you have already prepared the research case.
Research and public engagement
The scheme assesses both research quality and the applicant’s ability to communicate with a broad audience.
Your proposal should make that connection visible. Identify the research question, explain its significance and describe who could benefit from engaging with the work. Choose public-engagement methods suited to those people rather than adding a generic event or publication solely to fill a section.
A useful planning exercise is to set out the research stages and engagement activities together. This helps you see whether an activity depends on findings that will not yet be available, and whether the timetable leaves room to learn from audience feedback.
How to Apply: British Academy/Wolfson Fellowships
- Read the current scheme and application guidance linked on the official page.
- Check eligibility and resolve any uncertainty with the Academy.
- Identify a suitable mentor and discuss institutional arrangements.
- Develop the research plan, engagement approach and budget.
- Complete the application through Flexi-Grant and follow all institutional approval instructions.
The published deadline is 14 December 2026 at 17:00 GMT. Ask your institution about any earlier internal deadline. Leave time for amendments rather than scheduling submission for the final minutes.
Before submitting, check that dates and commitments are consistent across the narrative, budget and supporting information. Make clear what will be delivered during the award and what longer-term benefits remain aspirations.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an international relocation scholarship?
The published eligibility requires UK residence and an eligible institutional post. Check those conditions before preparing an application.
Is £140,000 paid every year?
No. It is the maximum award value across the three-year fellowship.
Can someone without a PhD apply?
Equivalent experience may be accepted. Review the Academy’s definition and obtain clarification if needed.
Does my university’s deadline matter?
Yes. An institution may need time to review and approve an application before the funder’s deadline. Confirm the local process early.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The strongest fit is an eligible researcher with a clear explanation of what protected time will achieve and how people beyond a narrow specialist audience can engage with the work. Confirm the institutional and career-stage conditions before spending time on a full proposal.
Read the official announcement
Explore more fellowships on Opportunities Feed and compare the eligibility and deadlines before applying.
Opportunities Feed is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with the provider. We do not receive or assess applications. The official announcement and application portal take precedence if information changes.
