UK University of Edinburgh Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) – Benefits, Eligibility And How To Apply
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2025–2026 at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science (SPS) offer exceptional early-career researchers a distinguished opportunity to further their academic careers in the UK and conduct independent research.
Under the guidance of eminent researchers at one of the best universities in the world, the University of Edinburgh, these fully supported fellowships give exceptional scholars a chance to focus on a substantial piece of publishable work.
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, the University of Edinburgh was established in 1583. The university, situated in Scotland’s historic capital, is renowned worldwide for its creativity, multidisciplinary research, and excellent teaching.
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2025/26 at the University of Edinburgh is a prestigious, competitive opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to establish themselves as independent scholars.
This fellowship provides an outstanding route to an academic career in the social and political sciences with full funding, excellent mentorship, and access to top-notch research facilities.
Degree Level
- Degree Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Duration: 3 years (full-time), with part-time options for health or family reasons
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Funding Body: Leverhulme Trust
Available Subjects For The UK University of Edinburgh Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships Scholarship 2026
The fellowship is open to candidates whose research aligns with the social and political sciences, including but not limited to:
- Sociology
- Social Policy
- Politics and International Relations
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
- Social Anthropology
- Social Work
- Centre of African Studies
Benefits For The UK University of Edinburgh Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships Scholarship 2026
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship offers substantial benefits to support academic development:
- Full salary funding for three years.
- The Leverhulme Trust provided research expenses and institutional contributions.
- Mentorship support from the University of Edinburgh faculty members.
- Access to world-class facilities and a vibrant research community.
- Professional development opportunities designed to secure permanent academic roles.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria For The UK University of Edinburgh Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships Scholarship 2026
To be eligible for the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must possess a PhD or have turned in their doctoral thesis for viva voce by February 19, 2026, at the latest.
- Must have submitted their thesis for viva by 19 February 2026.
- Applicants should be within 4 years of their successful viva date.
- Exemptions allowed for career breaks (maternity leave, illness, or family commitments).
- Candidates of any nationality are eligible, but must reside in the UK during the fellowship.
- Must hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or
- Hold an academic position in the UK that started at least 4 months before the closing date.
- Prior association with the University of Edinburgh or SPS, such as:
- Prior or current employment at the university for at least 3 months.
- Study affiliation at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
- Ongoing research collaboration with SPS faculty.
- Must demonstrate a proven record of research with at least two peer-reviewed academic publications as the leading author.
- Applicants holding permanent academic positions are not eligible.
- Those who have been Principal Investigators on a three-year postdoctoral project are not eligible.
Application Procedure
Here is a guide on the application process.
1. Identify a Mentor
- The initial step for applicants is to find a mentor from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) who is willing to assist them with their research.
2. Register Interest
- Email your expression of interest to the SPS Research Office at ssps.research@ed.ac.uk as soon as possible.
3. Submit Documents to SPS
Submit the following documents to SPS by Monday, 10 November 2025:
- 2-page project proposal
- 1-page bibliography/references
- 2-page academic CV
- 1-page mentor support statement
All papers should be in Calibri or Arial (size 11, 2 cm margins).
4. Internal Review
Candidates will be evaluated and chosen by the School Panel. By the middle of December 2025, decisions will be announced. Candidates who are chosen will get thorough feedback and assistance with their final submission.
Application Timeline
- 1 January 2026: Leverhulme Trust application portal opens.
- 29 January 2026: Full draft applications with budgets due for internal review.
- 19 February 2026: Final submission deadline to Leverhulme Trust.
- May 2026: Final results announced by the Trust.