University of Cambridge Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship in History 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
If you are an early career historian seeking a prestigious opportunity to advance your research within one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the University of Cambridge’s Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship in History for 2026 is now open for applications. This highly competitive fellowship offers a unique pathway to establish an independent research career, supported by the Isaac Newton Trust and the Leverhulme Trust. Details in this article.
📌 Scholarship Summary
Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Host: Faculty of History
Level: Postdoctoral
Target Group: Early career historians with a PhD submitted between 19 February 2022 and 19 February 2026
Fields of Research: All areas of history
Value & Coverage: Up to £28,000 per annum for Years 2 and 3; full funding for Year 1 provided by the Leverhulme Trust
Duration: 3 years
Application Deadline: 12pm (noon), Thursday 13 October 2025
Start Date: Between 1 September 2026 and 1 May 2027
Eligible To: Candidates who have not held a full-time permanent academic post and meet the specified PhD submission timeline
📚 Fellowship Overview
The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship in History is designed to support promising researchers in establishing their own independent research careers. Successful candidates will be hosted by the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of History, benefiting from its rich academic environment and resources. The fellowship provides a competitive salary and access to the university’s extensive research facilities.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Salary: Competitive salary with funding for Years 2 and 3 up to £28,000 per annum; full funding for Year 1 provided by the Leverhulme Trust
Research Support: Access to Cambridge’s extensive library and archival resources
Professional Development: Opportunities to engage with a vibrant academic community and participate in seminars and conferences
Career Advancement: Support in developing an independent research profile and enhancing career prospects
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship in History, applicants must:
Have submitted their PhD no earlier than 19 February 2022 and no later than 4pm on 19 February 2026
Not have held a full-time permanent academic post (including stipendiary Junior Research Fellowships at Oxbridge Colleges) in a UK university or comparable UK institution
Currently hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or have held an academic position in the UK for at least 4 months before 20 October 2024
📝 Application Procedure
Prospective candidates must submit the following documents to (researchgrants@hist.cam.ac.uk) by 12pm (noon) on Thursday 13 October 2025:
Cover Sheet: Completed application cover sheet
Curriculum Vitae: Maximum of 2 A4 sides
List of Publications: Maximum of 1 A4 side
Research Statements: Current research statement (maximum 250 words); Proposed research statement (maximum 2 A4 sides)
References: Two letters of reference, one of which should be from outside Cambridge
Successful candidates in the internal competition will be invited to submit their applications to the Leverhulme Trust in February 2026.
