USF International Fellowships for Urban Scholars from the Global South 2025

Omran Aburayya
May 7
3 min read

If you're an early-to-mid-career researcher from the Global South with a strong academic background in urban studies, the Urban Studies Foundation (USF) is now accepting applications for its prestigious International Fellowships 2025. This unique opportunity allows scholars to spend 3 to 9 months at an academic institution of their choice anywhere in the world, to develop and publish their existing research. Whether your expertise lies in urban governance, climate policy, housing, or mobility, this is your chance to build lasting scholarly networks and deepen your global academic impact.

📝 Fellowship Summary

Location: Host institution of applicant’s choice (Global North or Global South)
Host Institution: Any academically-accredited university or research organization worldwide
Academic Level: Postdoctoral and early-to-mid-career urban scholars
Target Group: Nationals and residents of countries listed on the OECD’s ODA recipient list
Fields of Research: Urban studies topics including but not limited to:
- Urban governance
- Housing and land use
- Climate, environment, and sustainability
- Public health
- Mobility and infrastructure
- Political economy and urban inequalities
Funding:
- Monthly living allowance
- Round-trip economy travel
- Modest research and visa-related costs
- Optional support for caring responsibilities or disability-related needs
Duration: 3 to 9 months (to be proposed by the applicant)
Application Deadline: 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC
Start Date: No earlier than November 2025, no later than September 2026
Eligible To: Scholars with a PhD awarded within the last 10 years and residing in the Global South

📚 Fellowship Overview

The USF International Fellowship is designed to help scholars from the Global South transform completed research into high-impact publications (articles, chapters, or books). The program emphasizes writing, networking, and mentorship—offering a sabbatical at a globally recognized institution under the guidance of an experienced academic mentor in the urban studies field.

🧩 Core Objectives:

Enable high-quality publication of existing research
Promote global research mobility and collaboration
Strengthen scholarly capacity in urban studies across the Global South
Expand international research networks between scholars, mentors, and institutions

🕵🏻 Research Outputs Must:

Be based on already completed data collection and analysis
Have clear academic significance within the field of urban studies
Be geared toward international publication in recognized journals or presses

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: Covers accommodation, travel, and living costs in GBP
Research Resources: Access to host institution’s library, office, IT, and research networks
Mentorship: Close collaboration with an academic mentor at the host institution
Visibility: Opportunity to publish in USF-supported platforms and write a blog on your research experience
Flexibility: Fellows propose their own timeline, outputs, and host organizations

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Must have been awarded a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. urban studies, geography, planning, sociology) within the past 10 years
Must reside in and be affiliated with an institution in a country listed on the OECD ODA recipient list
Must propose a host institution different from their current affiliation
Must secure a mentor willing to guide the research process and provide institutional support
Must commit to a full-time sabbatical from current responsibilities during the fellowship
Note: Former recipients of this fellowship are not eligible to reapply

📝 Application Procedure

All applications must be submitted online through the online application form by 16 July 2025 and must include:

Personal and academic details
Career stage statement (250 words)
Research proposal (1200 words max)
Summary of research outputs (300 words)
Host institution and mentor justification (300 words each)
Budget in GBP with supporting documentation for items over £500
CV (max 3 pages)
Mentor’s CV (max 3 pages)
Mentor’s support letter (max 2 pages)
Proof of nationality (e.g. passport copy)
Names and contact of two referees
Completion of anonymous Equality & Diversity form (after submission)
Optional: Supplemental application for caring/disability support (contact USF two weeks in advance)