Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS) Core Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
If you are a researcher in the humanities or social sciences seeking the freedom to pursue bold and innovative ideas in an interdisciplinary environment, applications are now open for the HCAS Core Fellowship 2026 at the University of Helsinki. This prestigious program offers scholars the opportunity to join an international community of researchers in one of Europe’s leading universities. With competitive funding, a generous research allowance, and dedicated time for research without administrative burden, the fellowship is designed to nurture groundbreaking scholarship. Read on for details.
🎓 HCAS Fellowship Summary
Location: University of Helsinki, City Centre Campus, Finland
Host Institution: Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS)
Level: Postdoctoral researchers, mid-career scholars, and full professors
Target Group: Scholars in humanities, social sciences, theology, law, behavioral sciences, and related fields focusing on the human sciences
Fields of Study: Humanities and Social Sciences (broad, interdisciplinary scope)
Number of Positions: 10–15 fellows annually
Value and Coverage:
Post-doctoral Researchers: €3,800–€4,100/month
University Researchers (Mid-career): €4,500–€5,500/month
Visiting Professors: €6,500–€8,300/month
Research Allowance: €4,000/year for travel and research expenses
Duration:
Postdocs: 1–3 years
Mid-career university researchers: 1–2 years
Visiting professors: 6–12 months
Application Deadline: September 11, 2025, 23:59 Helsinki time
Start Date: August–September 2026
Application Fee: None
Eligible to Apply: Scholars worldwide with a doctoral degree in relevant fields
📚 Fellowship Overview
The HCAS Core Fellowship was established to foster academic excellence and international collaboration. Each year, fewer than 5% of applicants are selected, making it one of the most competitive fellowships in Europe. The program provides fellows with:
Access to world-class facilities and university resources.
Membership in a vibrant interdisciplinary community of about 35 fellows.
Freedom from administrative duties to focus exclusively on research.
Weekly research seminars and collaborative opportunities across disciplines.
Teaching opportunities (about 5% of workload from the second year).
Fellows are expected to spend at least 80% of their working hours at HCAS, contributing actively to the collegial research environment.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Fully funded fellowship with competitive salaries according to academic seniority.
Annual €4,000 research allowance for travel, conferences, and fieldwork.
Office space and access to Helsinki University libraries, research facilities, and networks.
Dedicated research time without heavy teaching or administrative loads.
Interdisciplinary collaboration within a diverse, international community.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements:
A doctoral degree must be completed before the application deadline.
Open to scholars in humanities, social sciences, theology, law, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines with human sciences focus.
Applicants must not propose projects that are mere rewrites of their PhD thesis as a book.
By Career Stage:
Post-doctoral Researchers (Early Career): PhD completed within the last five years; must show potential for academic excellence.
University Researchers (Mid-career): Established international research profile, leadership experience, and ability to lead groups.
Visiting Professors (Full Professors): Distinguished record in research, international collaboration, and external funding.
Other Requirements:
Applicants must propose bold, innovative research with theoretical significance and interdisciplinary value.
Must indicate potential collaboration with University of Helsinki researchers.
Previous fellows may only reapply after seven years, with justification.
📝 Application Procedure
Applications are submitted through the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system:
📂 Required Documents (in English):
Curriculum Vitae (max. 8,000 characters)
Abstract of Research Proposal (max. 4,000 characters)
Full Research Proposal (max. 12,000 characters, excluding bibliography)
List of Publications (mark five most significant with an asterisk)
Letter of Motivation (max. 8,000 characters, including how the project benefits from HCAS)
💡 Note: All documents must be combined into a single PDF titled Surname_application, plus a separate CV upload. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will not be considered.
🔍 Selection Process
Stage 1: Internal review by University of Helsinki professors based on CV, publications, abstract, and motivation letter.
Stage 2: External peer review by international experts.
Final Selection: Director of HCAS, in consultation with the Collegium board, makes the decision. Results will be announced in March 2026.
