Deadline: 04-Sep-2026
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is offering fellowships to support early-career researchers involved in Antarctic science and international scientific collaboration. The programme provides up to USD 15,000 for PhD students and recent PhD graduates to conduct research in SCAR member countries.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship supports research related to:
- Antarctic science
- Climate change
- Biodiversity
- Field research
- Scientific technology
- Humanities and social sciences
- International scientific cooperation
The programme is linked to:
- SCAR science groups
- SCAR-endorsed Scientific Research Programmes
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Funding of up to USD 15,000
- Access to international research teams and facilities
- Opportunities for global scientific collaboration
- Exposure to advanced Antarctic research environments
Host institutions are expected to:
- Waive bench fees where applicable
Home institutions are expected to cover:
- Visa expenses
- Domestic travel costs
- Other home-country expenses
Number of Fellowships
- 4–5 fellowships will be awarded for 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Current PhD students
- Researchers within 5 years of completing their PhD
Applicants must:
- Conduct research in a SCAR member country
- Choose a host country different from:
- Their country of origin
- Their current country of residence
Eligibility extensions may apply in special cases such as:
- Maternity leave
- Paternity leave
What the Fellowship Supports
Participants may:
- Join laboratories and research institutes
- Conduct Antarctic field research
- Collaborate with international research teams
- Build long-term scientific partnerships
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Antarctic research capacity
- Encourage international cooperation
- Support early-career scientific development
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Prepare a research proposal aligned with SCAR priorities
- Identify a host institution in a SCAR member country
- Demonstrate the value of international collaboration
- Submit academic and research documents required by SCAR
FAQ
- What is the maximum fellowship amount?
- Fellows can receive up to USD 15,000.
- Who can apply?
- Current PhD students and researchers within 5 years of completing their PhD are eligible.
- What research areas are supported?
- Antarctic science, biodiversity, climate change, technology, and humanities-related Antarctic studies are supported.
- Can research be conducted in the applicant’s own country?
- No, the host country must be different from both the applicant’s origin and current residence country.
- How many fellowships are available?
- SCAR will award 4–5 fellowships in 2026.
- Are career break extensions allowed?
- Yes, eligibility may be extended for maternity or paternity leave cases.
Conclusion
The SCAR Antarctic Research Fellowship 2026 provides early-career researchers with valuable funding and international collaboration opportunities to advance Antarctic research and strengthen global scientific partnerships.
For more information, visit SCAR.


