International Placement Scheme 2026
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC); Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) · International placements hosted in the United States, Japan and China.
Funding to support PhD students, doctoral-level research assistants and early career researchers to undertake research placements at internationally renowned cultural institutions, providing access to world-class collections, expertise and research networks. (UK Research and Innovation)
Summary
Deadline
19 Mar 2026
Updated
16 Oct 2026
Funding to support PhD students, doctoral-level research assistants and early career researchers to undertake research placements at internationally renowned cultural institutions, providing access to world-class collections, expertise and research networks. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligibility
Applicant types
See eligibility requirements
Industries
Arts, humanities and eligible social science research disciplines depending on the selected host institution.
Match funding
Not required.
Eligible applicants
AHRC-funded PhD students, ESRC-funded PhD students (Library of Congress only), doctoral-level research assistants and early career researchers (ECRs) in eligible arts, humanities and selected social science disciplines. (UK Research and Innovation)
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£6,000 to £16,200
Total fund available
£250,000
Funding intensity
100% of eligible placement funding provided through the host UK research organisation.
Payment type
Not specified
Eligible scope
Placements must directly support the applicant's current research project or doctoral study and make substantial use of the host institution's collections, archives, expertise or specialist resources.
Eligible expenses
- Travel grant of £1,000 (£1,200 for Japan and China placements), visa costs where applicable, and £2,500 per month for the duration of the placement. (UK Research and Innovation)
Ineligible costs
Not specified
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Not specified.
Decision timeline
Not specified by UKRI.
Assessment process
Eligibility check followed by review from the host institution and moderation by AHRC and ESRC. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application sections
- Applicant information, discipline classification, eligibility, research proposal, placement experience, supervisor or Head of Department support.
Application components
Not specified
Required documents
- Statement of support from the supervisor or Head of Department confirming approval for the placement.
Appendices
Not specified
Assessment criteria
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if eligibility requirements are not met or if the proposal does not clearly demonstrate the value of conducting research at the chosen host institution.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
7 Jan 2026
Project duration
Between 2 and 6 months
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Additional guidance
Document research last revised 2026-08-05.
Next Expected Opening
Expected January 2027, as the International Placement Scheme is an annual programme. UKRI has confirmed the scheme continues as an ongoing investment programme. (UK Research and Innovation)
Employment Requirement
ECRs and research assistants must be employed by an eligible UK research organisation for the duration of the placement.
Host Institutions
Harry Ransom Center; Huntington Library; Library of Congress; National Institutes for the Humanities (Japan); Smithsonian Institution; Shanghai Theatre Academy; Yale Center for British Art. (UK Research and Innovation)
Research Category
International Research Placement
Interview Stage
Not required.
Key Requirements
The proposed research must clearly relate to the applicant's current research programme and demonstrate a strong need to access the collections, expertise or facilities available at the selected host institution.
Important Notes
Successful applicants are responsible for arranging travel, accommodation and visa requirements. For PhD students, the placement must take place during the funded period of their doctoral award. Multiple applications to different host institutions are permitted, but separate applications must be submitted for each host. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application deadline in source document
19 March 2026, 4:00 PM UK time (Closed) (UK Research and Innovation)
Official source
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 19 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- £6,000 to £16,200
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Placement Funding
- Payment type
- Not specified
- Audience
- See eligibility requirements
- Industry
- Arts, humanities and eligible social science research disciplines depending on the selected host institution.
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Published
- 7 Jan 2026