Applications are now open for the 2026 Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowships, a fully funded programme designed to support early- to mid-career researchers from the Global South in advancing high-impact academic work in urban studies.
The fellowship, offered by the Urban Studies Foundation (USF), provides selected scholars with the opportunity to undertake a fully funded research sabbatical at a host university anywhere in the world, enabling them to transform existing research into publishable outputs such as journal articles, book chapters, or full-length books.
The programme is specifically tailored for researchers who have already completed their primary data collection and analysis and are ready to focus on writing and dissemination.
Rather than funding new fieldwork, the fellowship prioritizes the production of high-quality academic publications that contribute to global knowledge on urban issues.
Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive funding package that covers accommodation, living expenses, return international travel, and selected research-related costs during the fellowship period, which typically lasts between three and nine months.
In addition to financial support, fellows will work closely with a designated academic mentor at their chosen host institution.
This mentorship component is a core feature of the programme, aimed at strengthening research quality, expanding academic networks, and fostering long-term international collaboration.
The fellowship is open to a wide range of topics within urban studies, including areas such as housing, climate change, governance, migration, transport systems, public health, and social inequality.
The key requirement is that the research must offer meaningful insights into urban realities, particularly within the Global South.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a PhD obtained within the last ten years, be nationals of countries listed under the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list, and be affiliated with a recognized research institution in the Global South.
Candidates must also demonstrate that their research is at a stage where it can be developed into publishable work during the fellowship period.
Those planning to conduct new data collection or fieldwork are not eligible, as the programme focuses strictly on writing and knowledge dissemination.
The Urban Studies Foundation, a global research charity established to advance urban scholarship, has supported fellows from over 20 countries, contributing significantly to the development of research capacity and international collaboration across the Global South.
The fellowship also aims to promote what it describes as “epistemic justice” by amplifying perspectives and research contributions from underrepresented regions, ensuring that global urban discourse reflects diverse experiences and realities.
Beyond individual benefits, the programme is expected to contribute to broader academic and policy discussions by generating research that addresses critical urban challenges, including rapid urbanization, infrastructure deficits, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Applicants are required to secure a host institution and mentor prior to applying, and must present a well-structured proposal outlining their research outputs, timeline, and expected impact.
The deadline for applications is July 6, 2026, and submissions must be completed through the official Urban Studies Foundation application portal.
With increasing global focus on sustainable urban development, the fellowship presents a valuable opportunity for scholars from the Global South to gain international exposure, strengthen their academic profiles, and contribute to shaping the future of cities worldwide.