The Urban Studies Foundation an International research foundation supporting urban studies scholarship has officially opened applications for its fully funded 2026 International Fellowships program for researchers from the Global South.
The fellowship programme provides financial and institutional support for early- and mid-career researchers to undertake a visiting academic sabbatical at a host university or research institution of their choice.
The initiative is designed to help scholars transform completed research into high-quality academic publications while strengthening international collaboration, inclusive knowledge production, and urban research leadership across underrepresented regions.
About the Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowships
The International Fellowships programme supports researchers who are focused on urban studies and related fields.
Selected fellows will spend between three and nine months at a host institution where they will focus exclusively on writing, publishing, and refining existing research.
The programme is not intended for new fieldwork or fresh data collection. Instead, it supports the development of already completed research into publishable outputs such as:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Academic books
- Book chapters
- Policy-oriented research outputs
Fellows will also work closely with an appointed mentor — usually a senior academic in their discipline — who will provide intellectual guidance and support integration into research communities and academic networks.
Fellowship Objectives and Impact
The fellowship contributes to several major academic and development goals, including:
- Supporting early-career researchers in the Global South
- Strengthening urban scholarship and policy research
- Promoting equitable and inclusive knowledge production
- Encouraging global academic collaboration
- Advancing new perspectives on urban development challenges
- Building long-term research leadership capacity
The programme seeks to amplify voices from underrepresented regions and strengthen contributions to global urban studies.
Eligible Research Areas
Applicants may submit proposals in any area related to urban studies, including:
- Climate and environmental sustainability
- Urban planning and development
- Housing and infrastructure
- Migration and mobility
- Governance and public policy
- Political economy
- Public health in urban environments
- Social equity and inclusion
- Transport systems and mobility
- Technology and smart cities
Research proposals must demonstrate a strong contribution to understanding urban realities, particularly within or across the Global South.
Fellowship Duration
Successful applicants may undertake their fellowship for a period of:
- Minimum: 3 months
- Maximum: 9 months
The fellowship start date must fall between 4 and 14 months after the application deadline.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be early- to mid-career researchers
- Hold 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 located in an eligible country
- Have already completed primary data collection and analysis
- Be ready to produce publishable academic outputs
Applicants must also demonstrate strong familiarity with urban studies research and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Fellowship Requirements
Candidates are expected to:
- Secure a mentor at their chosen host institution
- Identify a supportive host organisation with a strong research environment
- Explain how the host institution and mentor will strengthen their work
- Be fully released from professional responsibilities during the fellowship period
- Independently manage travel and logistics arrangements
The programme places strong emphasis on collaboration, academic networking, and long-term partnerships.
Funding and Financial Support
The fellowship provides financial support for:
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Return international travel
- Limited research-related costs
- Mentor engagement activities
Additional supplemental funding may also be available for:
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Disability-related support needs
- Other exceptional circumstances
Such requests require prior consultation with the Foundation.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application and submit the following documents:
Required Documents
- Personal and academic information
- Proof of nationality
- Career statement
- Fellowship proposal
- Detailed research plan and intended outputs
- Justification for the selected host institution
- Explanation of mentor’s role
- Detailed budget with supporting cost estimates
- Applicant CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Mentor CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Mentor supporting letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Contact details for two referees
Applicants will also complete an anonymous Equality and Diversity monitoring survey after submission.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 6 July 2026
⏰ Time: 23:59 UTC
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Timeline
- Decisions are expected approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline
- Fellowship placements should begin between 4 and 14 months after submission
- All applicants will be notified of the final decision
However, individual feedback will not be provided.
Programme Expectations
The Urban Studies Foundation expects fellows, mentors, and host institutions to contribute to:
- A productive research environment
- Long-term academic collaboration
- Knowledge exchange and mentorship
- Inclusive and globally relevant urban research
- Strong engagement within academic communities
The fellowship is designed not only to produce academic publications but also to strengthen sustainable international research relationships.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The International Fellowships programme has already supported more than 80 fellows across over 20 countries.
It continues to play an important role in:
- Amplifying Global South perspectives
- Expanding urban research representation
- Supporting equitable academic participation
- Encouraging policy-relevant urban scholarship
By investing in researchers from underrepresented regions, the programme contributes to a more inclusive and globally representative academic landscape.
Final Thoughts
The Urban Studies Foundation 2026 International Fellowships programme presents an exceptional opportunity for researchers from the Global South to strengthen their academic work, expand international networks, and contribute meaningful scholarship to global urban studies.
With full financial support, mentorship opportunities, and access to global research communities, the fellowship helps scholars transform completed research into impactful academic publications and long-term collaborations.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals and required documents well ahead of the July 6, 2026 application deadline.
