UK St John’s College, Cambridge Research Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
St John’s College, Cambridge has officially launched applications for its Research Fellowship Competition 2026, offering up to four prestigious fellowships for outstanding early-career researchers. These awards are among the most competitive in the academic world, providing young scholars with the time, funding, and environment to pursue independent, groundbreaking research at the University of Cambridge.
Degree Level
- Applicants must be PhD candidates (in the final stages of their doctoral studies) OR
- Holders of a recently awarded PhD (submitted after 1 October 2024)
Available Subjects
For 2026, St John’s College welcomes applications in all STEM fields, as well as the following arts and humanities disciplines:
Anthropology
Architecture
Modern & Medieval Languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese)
Classics
Education
History
History and Philosophy of Science
History of Art
Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion
Land Economy
Philosophy
Benefits
The Research Fellowships at St John’s College, Cambridge are designed for early-career academics who have recently completed, or are close to completing, their PhD. Fellows join a vibrant and interdisciplinary intellectual community that has produced world-renowned academics, including Nobel Prize winners, leading scientists, and pioneering humanities scholars.
Award-holders are elected to a four-year Research Fellowship, receiving:
A starting annual stipend of £33,482 (with yearly increases)
Up to £10,000 in research grants for travel, conferences, and academic resources
A housing allowance of up to £35,760 over four years (if living outside College)
Free dining privileges with one daily meal in College
The opportunity to live in College accommodation or access an office in Cambridge
In addition, Research Fellows may undertake up to six hours of teaching per week, providing valuable academic experience alongside independent research.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities – graduates of any university worldwide may apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to graduates from any university worldwide. To be eligible, candidates must:
Have submitted their PhD after 1 October 2024, OR
Be on track to submit their PhD by 1 October 2026
Applicants already holding a Cambridge College Fellowship are not eligible. Candidates who accept another Cambridge Fellowship will automatically withdraw from this competition.
Application Procedure
The application window runs from 30 July to 18 September 2025. Candidates must submit their application online by 2pm BST, 18 September 2025.
Applicants must arrange for three academic references, which must be submitted by 2pm BST, 23 September 2025.
The selection process is based solely on the written application, research achievements, and submitted work. No interviews are conducted.
The competition is highly competitive, with approximately 900 applications each year.
Why Apply for the St John’s College Research Fellowship?
This Fellowship is not just financial support—it is a career-defining opportunity. Research Fellows are encouraged to:
Devote themselves fully to research in a stimulating environment
Gain visibility in their fields through lectures, publications, and outreach
Build interdisciplinary networks at Cambridge and beyond
Prepare for long-term academic success with the College’s backing
Important Dates
Applications Open: 30 July 2025
Application Deadline: 18 September 2025 (2pm BST)
Reference Deadline: 23 September 2025 (2pm BST)
