Applications are now being accepted for the SCAR Fellowship Programme 2026, an international research mobility initiative supporting early-career scientists working in Antarctic and Southern Ocean-related fields. The fellowship provides funding of up to USD 15,000 to enable researchers to collaborate with leading Antarctic research institutions in another country.
Administered by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the programme aims to strengthen international scientific cooperation while helping emerging researchers expand their expertise, professional networks, and research impact within the global polar science community.
Fellowship Overview
The SCAR Fellowship Programme is designed to support research visits and collaborative projects that contribute to a better understanding of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Rather than funding academic coursework or degree studies, the programme focuses on practical research collaboration. Fellows spend time working with established research groups, laboratories, universities, or scientific institutions located in another SCAR member country.
The programme is particularly valuable for researchers seeking international experience and long-term involvement in Antarctic science.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may receive funding of up to USD 15,000 to support their research activities and international mobility.
Funding can be used for:
- International travel related to the fellowship
- Research collaboration activities
- Scientific exchange and networking
- Project-related expenses during the placement
- Mobility and research support costs
Host institutions are generally expected to waive laboratory or bench fees where applicable, reducing the financial burden on participating researchers.
In addition, SCAR continues to offer flexibility for projects that may require hybrid or partially remote participation due to logistical or travel constraints.
Research Areas Supported
The fellowship is open to researchers working in disciplines connected to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, including:
- Climate Science
- Glaciology
- Oceanography
- Antarctic Biodiversity
- Polar Ecology
- Marine Conservation
- Environmental Management
- Southern Ocean Systems
- Antarctic Policy and Governance
- Antarctic Humanities and Social Sciences
Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to Antarctic research priorities and international scientific collaboration.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SCAR Fellowships 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a SCAR member country
- Be a current PhD student or a researcher within five years of completing a PhD
- Conduct research related to Antarctica or the Southern Ocean
- Secure a host institution in another SCAR member country
Applicants must undertake their fellowship in a country that is different from both their nationality and current country of residence.
This requirement is intended to encourage international cooperation and provide exposure to new research environments.
Selection Criteria
The SCAR Fellowship Programme is highly competitive, with only a small number of awards granted globally each year.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Scientific quality of the proposed research
- Relevance to Antarctic or Southern Ocean studies
- Potential for long-term international collaboration
- Strength of the host institution partnership
- Expected research outputs and impact
- Contribution to the broader Antarctic research community
Researchers who establish contact with a host supervisor or research group before submitting their application are often better positioned to develop strong and competitive proposals.
Why Apply?
For early-career researchers, gaining access to international research networks can be one of the most important steps toward building a successful scientific career.
The SCAR Fellowship offers:
- Access to world-class Antarctic research institutions
- Opportunities for international collaboration
- Enhanced publication and research opportunities
- Professional networking within the polar science community
- Experience that can strengthen future postdoctoral and grant applications
The programme is particularly beneficial for researchers aiming to establish themselves as future leaders in climate science, polar ecology, conservation, or environmental research.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the SCAR Fellowship Programme 2026 is 4 September 2026.
Application Link
Interested applicants can find full eligibility details and submit their applications through the official SCAR website:
https://www.scar.org/capacity-building/fellowships
