The Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 are now accepting applications, offering a distinguished platform for early-career academics to elevate their research profiles. Designed to support innovative scholars, this initiative provides a professional environment conducive to growth, learning, and exposure within an international setting. Consequently, eligible University Teaching Officers (UTOs) and College Teaching Officers (CTOs) are encouraged to seize this paid fellowship opportunity to accelerate their career trajectories.

This fellowship is specifically structured to assist scholars who have been in their post for fewer than four years, providing them with the necessary resources to develop professional skills. With an award value of £2,500 per term, the program not only offers financial support but also facilitates a reduction in teaching or administrative loads, allowing fellows to focus on their research. Therefore, qualified applicants should review the criteria and submit their proposals before the deadline of January 19, 2026.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026
Host Institution	University of Cambridge
Award Value	£2,500 per term
Fellows Appointed	Up to five per term
Eligible Terms	Michaelmas Term or Lent Term
Deadline	January 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. UTC)

Program Overview

The Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 aims to appoint up to five fellows each term, creating a vibrant cohort of researchers. The program is designed to help fellows develop their careers by providing assistance in covering examination costs, administrative tasks, and building a network of like-minded peers. Whether you need a professional workplace or assistance in developing specific skills, this funded fellowship offers a comprehensive support system.

Fellows will have the chance to work in an environment that fosters interdisciplinary inquiry and innovative modes of research. The fellowship can be held in either the Michaelmas term or the Lent term, offering flexibility to successful candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026, applicants must meet specific professional and tenure-based requirements.

• Target Roles: Applications are considered from University Teaching Officers (UTOs) and College Teaching Officers (CTOs).
• Disciplines: Candidates must be working in the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, or the Department of Geography (supported by the School of Physical Sciences). CTOs must be working in arts, humanities, or social sciences at a college.
• Tenure: Applicants must have been in their post for fewer than four years at the date of the application.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is rigorous and conducted by a committee drawn from a range of disciplines across the arts, humanities, and social sciences at Cambridge.

• Academic Record: Evaluated based on the applicant’s history and achievements.
• Reference: The quality and support evident in the submitted reference letter.
• Research Proposal: Particular regard is given to the potential for innovative methods and modes of enquiry, including interdisciplinary approaches.

Benefits and Financial Support

The Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 is a paid fellowship that provides tangible financial and professional benefits.

• Award Value: The fellowship provides an award worth £2,500 for the term.
• Use of Funds: This amount is transferred to the Fellow’s Faculty or College to enable the purchase of replacement teaching. It may also cover the cost of administrative tasks or examinations.
• Split Teaching: If a Fellow’s teaching is split between a Faculty and a College, the Faculty is responsible for negotiating the amount passed on to the College (up to half the total).

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare the following documents to support their application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Must include a list of publications.
• Statement of Support: A statement from the relevant Head of Faculty or College.
• Research Proposal: A document of 800-1000 words outlining the project to be undertaken during the Fellowship.
• Written Sample: A sample of written work, such as a single chapter or article (published or unpublished).
• Letter of Recommendation: A letter provided by a referee.

Application Process

The application process for the Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026 is conducted online.

1. Access Portal: Click the ‘apply now’ button to access the official website portal.
2. Complete Form: Fill in the online application form with accurate details.
3. Attach Documents: Upload all relevant documents, including the CV, research proposal, and written sample.
4. Submit: Initiate and submit the application at least two weeks before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Application Deadline	January 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. UTC)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Cambridge Early Career Fellowships 2026?

UTOs and CTOs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, or geography who have been in their post for fewer than four years can apply.

2. What is the value of the fellowship award?

The award is valued at £2,500 per term, which is used to cover replacement teaching or administrative costs.

3. When is the deadline for applications?

The deadline to apply is January 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. UTC.

4. How many fellows are appointed?

Up to five fellows are normally appointed for each term.

5. Can the fellowship be held in any term?

The fellowship may be held in either the Michaelmas Term or the Lent Term.