Pursuing fellowships can be pivotal for advancing academic and professional careers, enabling scholars and practitioners to engage deeply in research, build networks, and gain valuable experience. Below is an in-depth exploration of six prestigious fellowships available in 2025 and 2026, spanning diverse fields such as humanities, science, journalism, and neuroscience.
1. British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships 2026 (USA)
Basic Information:
The British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships 2026 is designed for UK-based early- to mid-career researchers in humanities and social sciences (SHAPE disciplines). The fellowship offers a 12-month research placement primarily at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC, USA, with alternatives in Singapore and Beirut. Applications close on September 24, 2025. Fellows can receive up to £150,000 (~$185,000 USD) to cover salary, living expenses, travel, and research costs. Early starts are possible in March or April 2026 for those planning relocation.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Generous funding (£150,000) supporting salary, research, and living expenses
- Placement at a leading policy think tank with access to expert networks and decision-makers
- Skill development in policy engagement, interdisciplinarity, and knowledge translation
- Opportunities to influence global policy and increase professional visibility
- Support for international relocation and flexible start dates
Eligibility:
- UK-based researchers in social sciences, humanities, and arts
- Early- or mid-career academic level (postdoctoral or equivalent)
- Strong academic record with potential for policy impact
- Research proposal aligned with thematic areas: sustainability, climate, global order, regional focuses (South/East Asia, Middle East/North Africa), security
- Availability for a 12-month fellowship abroad
Application Deadline:
September 24, 2025, 5:00 PM BST
2. CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2025 (Geneva, Switzerland)
Basic Information:
This fellowship supports science and engineering graduates who took a career break (minimum 2 years) for personal reasons and wish to return to research. The fellowship lasts 24-36 months at CERN, the world’s premier particle physics research center. The application deadline is August 25, 2025.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Monthly stipend between CHF 6,194 and 6,808 (net of tax)
- Full employment contract with health coverage for fellow and family
- Paid leave, pension participation, and family allowances
- Installation and airfare allowances for relocation
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and training, including in-house language courses
Eligibility:
- Career break of at least two years for family, caregiving, or health reasons
- MSc with 2-6 years experience or PhD with up to 3 (or 6 for physics) years postdoctoral experience
- No current CERN staff status
- Nationals of CERN member or associate states or eligible nationalities
- Must pay a USD 39 registration fee
Application Deadline:
August 25, 2025 (23:59 CET)
3. Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025
Basic Information:
If you’re passionate about advanced research and eager to leverage the world-renowned resources of the Smithsonian Institution, the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025 is one of the most prestigious and well-funded research fellowships available globally.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Graduate Student Fellowship: $10,000 for 10 weeks
- Predoctoral Fellowship: $45,000/year + up to $5,000 research allowance for 3 to 12 months
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: $57,000/year ($62,000 for Earth/Planetary Sciences) + up to $5,000 research allowance for 3 to 12 months
- Senior Fellowships: Same funding as postdoc level for 3 to 12 months
- Travel to Interview: Research allowance may be used for conference or travel funds; contact Smithsonian for specific needs
Eligibility:
- Graduate Student Fellowship
- Enrolled in a graduate program at a degree-granting institution
- Completed at least one full-time semester or equivalent
- Predoctoral Fellowship
- Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework and requirements except dissertation
- Dissertation research must be approved by the home institution and the Smithsonian
- Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Ph.D. completed within the last five years (prior to fellowship start date)
- Senior Fellowships
- Scientist, scholar, or expert with a Ph.D. or equivalent, awarded at least five years before June 1, 2018.
- Other requirements:
- Strong academic record and research proposal
- Applicants at all career stages and from any country are encouraged
Application Deadline:
October 15, 2025 (3 PM Pacific Time)
4. NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026
Basic Information:
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship supports PhD students researching accelerated computing and related fields. Funding is up to $60,000. Awardees must complete a summer internship at an NVIDIA research office in locations like the USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and more. The deadline for 2026 applications is September 15, 2025.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Up to $60,000 funding administered through the university
- Mandatory summer internship for hands-on experience with NVIDIA researchers
- Access to advanced GPU hardware, software, and networking with industry leaders
- Prestigious recognition and career advancement opportunities
Eligibility:
- Enrolled full-time PhD candidate in computer science, engineering, or related field
- Completed at least one full year of PhD studies at application time
- Ability to complete in-person summer internship
- No immediate family employed by NVIDIA
Application Deadline:
September 15, 2025 (3 PM Pacific Time)
5. Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) Program 2026 (UK)
Basic Information:
A fully funded eight-week fellowship at the University of Westminster in London, this program targets mid-career journalists from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives). It focuses on political and economic journalism, media freedom, and democratic accountability. The application deadline is October 7, 2025.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Covers all tuition and seminar fees
- Monthly stipend for living expenses, including accommodation and meals
- Return economy airfare to/from the UK
- Leadership training, networking opportunities with UK and South Asian media professionals
- Workshops, media institution visits, and symposium presentation
Eligibility:
- Citizens of the eligible South Asian countries
- At least 7 years of professional journalism experience
- Postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional standing
- Commitment to return home for 2+ years after fellowship
- Proficient English skills
Application Deadline:
October 7, 2025 (12:00 UTC)
6. ECTRIMS Fellowship Program 2026 (Switzerland)
Basic Information:
The ECTRIMS Fellowship offers early-career neuroscientists and physicians funding and research placement in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neurological disorders research. The fellowship lasts 1–2 years and is hosted across European centers, including Switzerland. Deadline is December 1, 2025.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Annual stipend up to €55,000 (~$60,000) covering living expenses in Europe
- Economy class travel reimbursement, including to ECTRIMS annual congresses
- Access to advanced labs, mentorship by top MS researchers
- Opportunities for professional visibility and networking
- Healthcare and social benefits aligned with host institution
Eligibility:
- MD, PhD, ScD or equivalent holder or candidate
- Under 40 years old (some exceptions)
- No more than 5 years postdoctoral experience
- No prior work with the same mentor or institution
- Willingness to conduct research in a European institution different from home country
- Language proficiency as required by host
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2025
This selected group of fellowships caters to a wide range of disciplines and career stages. Whether returning to research, developing journalism skills, or pushing scientific boundaries, each offers unique benefits including robust funding, access to world-leading institutions, and powerful career catalysts. Timely preparation and thorough understanding of eligibility criteria and application requirements are crucial for success.