Funding Opportunities for Attracting Overseas Researchers to the UK
The UK offers a range of competitive funding schemes and visa pathways designed to attract outstanding international researchers. Below is a summary of key programmes that university staff can suggest to prospective overseas collaborators or recruits.
The first stage of any application is to discuss with the host department.
Scheme Name | Career Stage | Funding Amount | Duration | Eligibility | Link |
Royal Society Newton International Fellowships | Early Career | Up to £280,000, covering salary, research expenses, relocation, and visa costs | 2 years | Jointly run by the Royal Society and the British Academy, this scheme supports early-career researchers from outside the UK who wish to undertake research at a UK institution. Applicants must have a PhD and no more than 7 years of postdoctoral experience Disciplines: Natural sciences (Royal Society) and humanities/social sciences (British Academy) Additional Benefits: Career development support, alumni networking, and eligibility for the Global Talent Visa fast-track route | |
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PFs) | Early Career | Includes salary, mobility allowance, family and special needs support, plus research, training, and networking costs | European Fellowships: 1–2 years in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country Global Fellowships: 2–3 years, with 1–2 years in a non-associated Third Country followed by a mandatory 1-year return to Europe | Funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, these fellowships support international mobility and career development for postdoctoral researchers. Researchers of any nationality with a PhD and less than 8 years of postdoctoral experience | |
ERC Starting Grants | Early Career | Up to €1.5 million , plus up to €2 million for relocation and major costs | 5 years | Designed for early-career researchers ready to lead independent research. 2–7 years post-PhD; strong track record and promising research proposal Purpose: Establish an independent research team in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country Mobility: Particularly attractive for researchers relocating to Europe from non-associated third countries | |
Faraday Discovery Fellowships – Accelerated International Route | Mid-Career | Up to £4 million | 5 years | Run by the Royal Society, this fast-track scheme offers: Aimed at mid-career (10-20 years post PhD) international research leaders relocating to the UK. Disciplines: Natural sciences Designed for strategic appointments by UK host institutions | |
ERC Consolidator Grants | Mid-Career | Up to €2 million, plus up to €2 million for relocation and major costs | 5 years | Supports mid-career researchers consolidating their independence. 7–12 years post-PhD; excellent track record and proposal Purpose: Strengthen or establish a research team in Europe Flexibility: Can be hosted by any legal entity in an EU Member State or Associated Country | |
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowships | Late Career | Up to £300,000, with flexibility to exceed this for relocation and visa costs | Up to 5 years | These prestigious fellowships are designed to help UK institutions recruit and retain internationally-leading researchers in strategically important scientific fields. Mid- or senior-career researchers with a strong track record Must be based overseas and have a confirmed offer from a UK host institution Open to all nationalities and eligible for the Global Talent Visa fast-track route | |
Visiting Fellowship Strand | Late Career | 12 months | Also available is a 12-month sabbatical option for overseas researchers to collaborate with UK institutions and build long-term partnerships This scheme is jointly funded by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation, and supports the UK’s ambition to remain a global leader in science and innovation | ||
ERC Advanced Grants | Late Career | Up to €2.5 million, plus up to €2 million for relocation and major costs | 5 years | For established research leaders pursuing ambitious, high-risk projects. No formal career stage requirement; must demonstrate significant research achievements Purpose: Enable ground-breaking research led by internationally recognised experts Mobility Incentive: Enhanced relocation support for researchers moving from non-associated third countries | |
Turing AI ‘Global’ Fellowships | Late Career | Substantial long-term support (typically up to £5 million ) | 5 years | Part of the UK’s £46 million Turing AI Fellowships initiative, the Global Fellowships aim to attract and retain world-leading international researchers in artificial intelligence. Senior international researchers with a proven track record of excellence in AI or related fields Purpose: To build new AI capability and capacity in the UK by enabling globally recognised researchers to establish or expand their research programmes at UK institutions | |
RAEng Green Future Fellowships | Any Career Stage | Up to £3 million | 10 years | Offered by the Royal Academy of Engineering, this prestigious programme supports researchers and innovators developing breakthrough climate solutions. It includes a dedicated route for international applicants. Purpose: To scale pioneering engineering innovations into real-world climate solutions Support: Includes mentorship from Academy Fellows, bespoke development packages, and access to the Awardee Excellence Community Accelerated International Route (GFF AIR) Launched in August 2025, this fast-track route is designed for exceptional non-UK-based researchers who: Are interested in relocating to the UK Do not yet have a substantive UK research presence Are recognised leaders or show clear leadership potential Can demonstrate urgency and impact of their proposed climate innovation This fellowship is ideal for attracting global talent to contribute to the UK’s climate innovation landscape during a critical period for achieving net zero |