Are you an early-career researcher passionate about Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and polar science? The SCAR Fellowships 2026 provide an excellent opportunity to collaborate with leading international research institutions while expanding your expertise in Antarctic research.
This partially funded fellowship supports PhD students and recent PhD graduates by providing funding to undertake research in another SCAR member country, helping them build long-term international scientific collaborations.
SCAR Fellowships 2026
Organized by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the fellowship aims to strengthen global cooperation in Antarctic science by allowing researchers to work alongside internationally recognized experts at major laboratories, research institutes, and field facilities.
SCAR Fellowships 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Countries | SCAR Member Countries |
| Fellowship Name | SCAR Fellowships 2026 |
| Host Organization | Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) |
| Fellowship Type | International Research Fellowship |
| Funding Type | Partially Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD Students and Researchers Within Five Years of Completing Their PhD |
| Fellowship Value | Up to USD $15,000 |
| Number of Awards | 4–5 Fellowships |
| Research Fields | Antarctic and Southern Ocean-Related Disciplines |
| Fellowship Duration | Flexible (Depending on Approved Research Project) |
| Study Mode | In-Person or Partly/Entirely Remote (where applicable) |
| Application Deadline | 4 September 2026 |
What Are the SCAR Fellowships?
The SCAR Fellowship Programme was established in 2002 to encourage early-career researchers to actively participate in Antarctic scientific research while strengthening international collaboration.
Each fellowship enables researchers to spend time working with a research team in another SCAR member country. This international exchange exposes fellows to advanced research techniques, new scientific perspectives, and long-term professional partnerships that often continue well beyond the fellowship period.
Following the flexibility introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may also propose partially or fully remote fellowship activities where appropriate.
The programme receives continued support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation through the Polar Initiative, helping expand opportunities for young Antarctic researchers.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive a range of financial and professional benefits, including:
- Funding of up to USD $15,000.
- Opportunity to conduct research at internationally recognized laboratories and research institutes.
- Exposure to cutting-edge Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.
- Development of long-term international scientific collaborations.
- Access to world-class researchers and facilities.
- Increased international research experience.
- Flexibility to undertake part of the fellowship remotely if necessary.
In addition:
- The host institution waives any laboratory or bench fees.
- The home institution is expected to cover costs within the applicant’s home country, such as domestic travel and visa expenses.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a PhD student or have completed a PhD within the last five years.
- Conduct research in Antarctic or Southern Ocean-related disciplines.
- Be from a SCAR member country.
- Carry out the fellowship in a SCAR member country different from both their country of origin and current residence.
- Propose a research project aligned with SCAR’s mission and preferably linked to one or more SCAR scientific groups.
Applicants who are unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to contact the SCAR Secretariat before applying.
Eligible Research Areas
The fellowship supports projects related to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, including areas such as:
- Antarctic climate science
- Marine biology
- Polar ecology
- Biodiversity conservation
- Environmental management
- Oceanography
- Geology
- Glaciology
- Astrophysics
- Polar humanities
- Climate change
- Antarctic ecosystems
- Conservation science
Projects should contribute to advancing scientific understanding of Antarctica while promoting international collaboration.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Completed fellowship application form.
- Research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Academic qualifications.
- Proof of PhD enrollment or PhD completion.
- Letters of support or recommendation (if required).
- Host institution confirmation.
- Any additional documents requested in the application guidelines.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the official application instructions before submission.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the SCAR Fellowships 2026:
Step 1: Review the Fellowship Guidelines
Visit the official SCAR Fellowship webpage and carefully read the eligibility criteria and application instructions.
Step 2: Identify a Host Research Group
Find a research laboratory, institute, or field facility in a SCAR member country that aligns with your research interests.
Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Develop a research project that supports SCAR’s mission and contributes to Antarctic or Southern Ocean science.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the official fellowship application form and prepare all required supporting documents.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Ensure your application is submitted before the 4 September 2026 deadline.
Step 6: Await Selection Results
Applications will be evaluated based on SCAR’s published selection criteria, with successful applicants notified after the review process.
Opportunities Beyond the SCAR Fellowship
SCAR also collaborates with several international organizations that offer additional fellowship and scholarship opportunities related to Antarctic research, including:
- Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)
- Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)
- International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
These partnerships provide additional funding opportunities for researchers, environmental managers, engineers, and other professionals working in Antarctic science and conservation.
Why Apply for the SCAR Fellowships?
The SCAR Fellowship Programme offers much more than financial assistance. It provides a unique opportunity to become part of the global Antarctic research community while building valuable scientific partnerships.
Reasons to apply include:
- Conduct research with internationally recognized Antarctic scientists.
- Access advanced research facilities and laboratories.
- Expand your professional network across multiple countries.
- Gain valuable international research experience.
- Strengthen your academic career through collaborative research.
- Contribute to scientific knowledge about Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
- Develop partnerships that can lead to future research collaborations and funding opportunities.
Whether your research focuses on climate science, marine ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, environmental management, or polar humanities, the SCAR Fellowships 2026 provide an excellent platform to advance your research while contributing to the global understanding of one of Earth’s most important and fragile environments.
For more information and to apply, visit the official SCAR Fellowship website.
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