About
The University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, is inviting applications for its Birmingham Visiting Fellows – India scheme, an international research opportunity designed to support prominent Indian women scholars and strengthen academic collaboration between India and the UK.
The fellowship aims to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education while enabling Indian women researchers to collaborate with academics at the University of Birmingham. Researchers from science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, health sciences, and other academic disciplines may be considered.
Successful applicants can spend up to three months at the University of Birmingham, working with a host academic and developing collaborative research activities.
Fellowship Details
- Fellowship Name: Birmingham Visiting Fellows – India
- Institution: University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Programme: India Institute Visiting Fellows Scheme
- Eligible Applicants: Female university lecturers and female postdoctoral researchers currently working at recognized universities in India
- Fellowship Duration: Up to 3 months
- Expected Visit Period: 1 January to 31 July 2027
- Travel Support: Up to £850 towards economy-class international airfare
- Monthly Stipend: £1,500 for up to three months
- Application Deadline: 6 November 2026
- Decision Announcement: By 22 December 2026
- Application Mode: Online application
Research Areas
The fellowship particularly encourages applications from women scholars in STEM and related disciplines, including:
- Life Sciences and Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Medicine and Health Sciences
The scheme is also open to other academic disciplines. Applicants should propose a meaningful research collaboration with a University of Birmingham academic and explain the expected benefits and outcomes.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may receive:
- Monthly financial support: £1,500 towards living expenses and accommodation for up to three months.
- International travel contribution: Up to £850 towards economy-class international airfare.
- Research collaboration: Opportunities to work with academics at the University of Birmingham.
- International exposure: Experience within a UK university research environment.
- Academic networking: Opportunities to develop research partnerships and future collaborations between India and the UK.
The fellowship does not cover research consumables or project-specific expenses. Visa fees, travel and medical insurance, and other domestic travel expenses must be covered by the fellow.
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements specified by the University of Birmingham.
Eligible Candidates:
- Female university lecturers currently working at recognized universities in India.
- Female postdoctoral researchers currently working at recognized universities in India.
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants must identify a suitable academic collaborator at the University of Birmingham.
- The relevant University academic school must confirm that it is willing to host the visiting fellow for the fellowship period.
- The application should clearly explain the proposed research collaboration and its expected benefits and outcomes.
Important: Current PhD students are not eligible to apply. The fellowship is intended for eligible female lecturers and postdoctoral researchers already working at recognized universities in India.
How to apply
Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the University of Birmingham’s official application form.
Application Steps:
- Visit the official fellowship webpage and review the complete eligibility criteria.
- Identify a University of Birmingham academic whose research interests align with your proposed project.
- Contact the potential academic collaborator to discuss the proposed research and obtain host support.
- Prepare your application, including the research proposal, expected outcomes, and details of the proposed collaboration.
- Ensure the relevant University academic school confirms its willingness to host you.
- Submit the application through the official online application form before the deadline.
Official Fellowship Page: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/collaborate/global-engagement/india-institute/women-in-research-fellowship
Deadline
Application Deadline: 6 November 2026
Successful applicants are expected to be notified by 22 December 2026. The fellowship visit must take place between 1 January and 31 July 2027, for a period of up to three months.
Contact details
For questions about the fellowship and application process:
- Email: uobindia@contacts.bham.ac.uk