The Urban Studies Foundation (USF) has announced applications for its prestigious International Fellowships 2026, offering an exceptional opportunity for early to mid career urban scholars from the Global South to advance their research careers through a fully funded international research residency.
The fellowship is designed to support researchers who have already completed significant fieldwork and data analysis and now require dedicated time, academic mentorship, and institutional support to transform their findings into high quality academic publications. Through this programme, selected fellows can spend between three and nine months at a host university anywhere in the world while focusing on writing journal articles, book chapters, or even complete books.
For researchers working in urban studies, migration, housing, governance, sustainability, inequality, planning, infrastructure, and related disciplines, this fellowship represents one of the most attractive international funding opportunities currently available.
What is the USF International Fellowship?
The USF International Fellowship is a flagship programme of the Urban Studies Foundation that supports urban scholars from developing countries by funding a visiting research sabbatical at a host institution of the applicant’s choice.
Unlike many fellowships that focus on new research projects, the USF International Fellowship specifically supports scholars who have already completed primary research and data collection. The programme aims to help researchers convert their existing findings into publishable outputs that can contribute to global debates on urbanisation and city development.
The fellowship also promotes international academic collaboration by connecting researchers from the Global South with experienced mentors and leading research institutions around the world.
USF International Fellowships 2026 at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | USF International Fellowships 2026 |
| Organiser | Urban Studies Foundation |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 to 9 months |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Early to Mid Career Urban Scholars |
| Academic Requirement | PhD awarded within the last 10 years |
| Eligible Countries | OECD DAC Listed ODA Recipient Countries |
| Host Institution | University or Research Institution Worldwide |
| Application Deadline | 6 July 2026 |
| Main Objective | Writing and Publication of Existing Research |
| Fellowship Start | Within 4 to 14 months after application deadline |
Why This Fellowship Matters
Researchers in developing countries often face significant barriers when trying to publish their work in leading international journals. Heavy teaching responsibilities, limited research funding, and lack of access to global academic networks can make it difficult to dedicate sufficient time to writing.
The USF International Fellowship addresses these challenges by providing a funded sabbatical period that allows scholars to focus exclusively on publication activities under the guidance of a mentor.
The programme contributes to strengthening urban studies scholarship from the Global South and ensuring that perspectives from developing countries are represented in international academic discussions.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship offers substantial support that enables scholars to concentrate fully on producing high quality research outputs.
Key benefits include:
Fully Funded International Research Residency
Selected fellows receive funding to undertake a visiting sabbatical period at a host university or research institution of their choice. The fellowship can last between three and nine months depending on the applicant’s proposed plan.
Dedicated Time for Academic Writing
The primary objective is to give scholars uninterrupted time to transform completed research into publishable outputs such as:
• Peer reviewed journal articles
• Academic book chapters
• Monographs
• Research books
• Other significant scholarly publications
International Mentorship
Each fellow works closely with an experienced mentor in their field who provides academic guidance throughout the fellowship period. This mentoring relationship can strengthen publication quality and support future collaborations.
Global Academic Networking
The fellowship provides opportunities to engage with researchers, academics, and institutions worldwide, helping fellows build long term professional networks.
Enhanced Research Impact
By supporting publication activities, the programme helps scholars increase the visibility and influence of their research on urban development issues globally.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is specifically targeted at urban scholars from the Global South.
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold a PhD that was awarded within the ten calendar years preceding the application deadline. This makes the programme suitable for early to mid career researchers.
Nationality Requirement
Applicants must be nationals of countries included on the OECD Development Assistance Committee list of Official Development Assistance recipients.
Institutional Affiliation
Candidates must be formally affiliated with or employed by a research institution located in an eligible country.
Researchers based in high income territories are not eligible even if those territories are associated with ODA recipient countries.
Research Requirement
Applicants should have already completed primary data collection and substantial analysis.
The fellowship is intended for writing and publication rather than conducting new fieldwork.
Urban Studies Focus
Research should contribute to urban studies or related fields examining cities, urbanisation, urban governance, housing, planning, migration, sustainability, infrastructure, inequality, and related themes.
What Kind of Research Projects Are Suitable?
The programme supports a broad range of urban studies topics.
Examples include:
Urban Governance
Research on city administration, local government, decentralisation, and citizen participation.
Housing and Informality
Studies examining informal settlements, affordable housing, land rights, and urban poverty.
Migration and Mobility
Research exploring migration patterns, displacement, refugee settlements, and urban integration.
Climate Change and Sustainability
Projects focusing on urban resilience, environmental governance, climate adaptation, and sustainable cities.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Research on transportation, sanitation, energy systems, and public service delivery.
Social Justice and Inequality
Studies investigating exclusion, marginalisation, gender, race, class, and urban citizenship.
Host Institution Requirements
Applicants are responsible for identifying and securing a host institution before submitting their application.
The host institution can be located anywhere in the world and should provide a suitable academic environment for the proposed writing project.
The institution should:
• Support the proposed research outputs
• Provide access to academic resources
• Facilitate engagement with relevant scholars
• Host the fellow during the fellowship period
Choosing a strong host institution can significantly strengthen an application.
The Role of the Mentor
A unique aspect of the fellowship is the requirement to identify a mentor.
The mentor should be an established scholar whose expertise aligns with the applicant’s research area. The mentor is expected to:
• Guide publication strategy
• Provide scholarly feedback
• Support manuscript development
• Facilitate academic networking
• Help maximise research impact
Selecting the right mentor can greatly enhance the success of the fellowship.
Application Process
The application process requires careful preparation and planning.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review all eligibility criteria related to nationality, PhD status, institutional affiliation, and research stage.
Step 2: Identify a Host Institution
Secure support from a university or research organisation willing to host the fellowship.
Step 3: Find a Mentor
Contact a suitable academic mentor whose expertise aligns with your research project.
Step 4: Develop a Publication Plan
Prepare a detailed proposal explaining:
• Research background
• Completed work
• Planned publications
• Fellowship objectives
• Expected outputs
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the official application process before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
6 July 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations well in advance because identifying mentors and securing host institution support can take considerable time.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on several factors including:
Research Quality
The originality, significance, and scholarly contribution of the proposed publication outputs.
Publication Potential
The likelihood that the fellowship will result in impactful academic publications.
Feasibility
The practicality of completing proposed outputs within the fellowship period.
Host Institution and Mentor Support
The suitability of the proposed academic environment and mentoring arrangements.
Contribution to Urban Studies
The potential of the research to advance understanding of urban issues in the Global South.
Successful applicants are typically notified approximately twelve weeks after the application deadline.
Tips for Writing a Strong Application
Focus on Publications
Clearly demonstrate how the fellowship will result in concrete publication outputs.
Highlight Research Completion
Show that data collection and analysis are already substantially completed.
Choose the Right Mentor
Select someone whose expertise aligns closely with your publication goals.
Demonstrate Impact
Explain how your research contributes to important urban challenges and policy debates.
Present a Realistic Timeline
Develop a practical work plan that matches the fellowship duration.
Why Development Professionals Should Consider This Fellowship
Urban challenges are increasingly central to global development agendas. Issues such as migration, housing, climate change, public health, infrastructure, and social inclusion are fundamentally urban concerns.
For development practitioners pursuing academic careers, the USF International Fellowship offers an opportunity to bridge practice and scholarship. By supporting publication activities, the programme helps researchers translate field based experience into influential academic contributions that can shape policy and practice.
This makes the fellowship particularly relevant for professionals working in development studies, migration studies, public policy, social justice, climate resilience, urban planning, and related sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers the costs associated with a visiting sabbatical period at a host institution.
Can I apply if I do not have a PhD?
No. Applicants must hold a PhD awarded within the previous ten years.
Can I conduct new fieldwork during the fellowship?
The programme primarily supports writing and publication activities based on research that has already been completed.
Do I need a host institution?
Yes. Applicants must identify and secure a suitable host institution before applying.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship can last between three and nine months.
Is the USF International Fellowship Open to Applicants from India and Other Developing Countries?
Yes. The USF International Fellowship is open to applicants from countries listed on the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries. This includes India and many other countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific region.
Applicants must also meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements, including holding a PhD awarded within the last ten years, being affiliated with a research institution in an eligible country, and proposing a publication focused project based on research that has already been substantially completed. The fellowship is intended to support urban scholars from the Global South in transforming their research into high quality academic publications through a funded international research residency.
Conclusion
The USF International Fellowships 2026 represent a remarkable opportunity for early to mid career urban scholars from the Global South to advance their academic careers, strengthen international collaborations, and produce impactful research publications. By providing fully funded research residencies, mentorship, and access to global academic networks, the programme helps scholars overcome barriers that often limit research dissemination in developing countries.
If you are a researcher working on urban issues and have already completed significant research, this fellowship could provide the dedicated time and support needed to transform your work into influential publications. With applications closing on 6 July 2026, interested candidates should begin preparing their proposals, securing mentors, and engaging with potential host institutions as soon as possible.
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