SCAR Fellowship 2026 – Up to $15,000 for Early‑Career Antarctic Researchers

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) invites applications for its 2026 Fellowship Scheme. This prestigious program encourages early‑career researchers (PhD students or those within five years of completing a PhD) to engage in Antarctic scientific research by joining a project team in another SCAR member country. Up to 4–5 fellowships of USD $15,000 each are available.

The application deadline is 4 September 2026. If you are looking for similar opportunities, explore fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students.

About the SCAR Fellowship

Since 2002, SCAR has awarded more than 80 fellowships to help early‑career researchers build international capacity and cooperation in Antarctic research. The fellowship enables researchers to work at major international laboratories, field facilities, or institutes in a SCAR member country different from their country of origin and current residence. The work must align with SCAR’s mission and ideally with one or more of its research groups.

For students seeking other funded programs in polar or environmental research, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Fellowship Benefits

• Award amount: Up to USD $15,000 per fellowship

• Number of awards: 4–5 for 2026

• Home institute covers in‑home country costs (e.g., visa fees, domestic travel)

• Host institute waives any bench fees

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to researchers from SCAR member countries

• Must be a PhD student or within five years of having completed a PhD

• Propose work in a SCAR member country different from your country of origin and current residence

• Project topics should align with SCAR’s mission and research groups

Translations of the fellowship guidelines are available in Dutch, French, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish on the SCAR website.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the SCAR Fellowships page at scar.org/fellowships.

Step 2: Read the Information page for full eligibility details, evaluation criteria, and FAQs.

Step 3: Prepare your application, including:

• Research proposal aligned with SCAR’s mission

• Budget outline (up to USD $15,000)

• CV

• Letters of support from host and home institutions

Step 4: Complete the online application form (available on the SCAR website).

Step 5: Submit your application before 4 September 2026.

Step 6: If selected, complete the fellowship (partly or entirely remote options are available; flexibility is supported). After completion, submit a report to the SCAR Secretariat.

Opportunities from SCAR’s Partners

SCAR works with COMNAP, CCAMLR, and IAATO to support additional fellowships:

• COMNAP Fellowships – for early‑career professionals in Antarctic operations and support (visit the COMNAP website)

• IAATO Fellowship – for Antarctic tour‑operator‑related research (visit the IAATO website)

• CCAMLR Scholarships – for research in conservation of Antarctic marine living resources (visit the CCAMLR website)

From time to time, SCAR and COMNAP award joint fellowships.

For additional financial aid options in North America, explore financial aids for students in USA.

Why Apply for a SCAR Fellowship?

• International collaboration – Build long‑term scientific links with researchers in other SCAR member countries.

• Flexible format – Remote, partly remote, or in‑person fellowships are allowed. SCAR works with awardees if travel issues arise.

• Career development – Gain exposure to major international laboratories and research facilities.

• Polar focus – Contribute to understanding Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

• Networking – Join a global community of Antarctic researchers.

Final Thoughts

The SCAR Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity for early‑career researchers in Antarctic and Southern Ocean disciplines to gain international experience and build lasting partnerships. With up to $15,000 in funding and flexible remote options, this fellowship can advance your research career. The deadline is 4 September 2026. Prepare your proposal and apply through the SCAR website.

For a complete list of open fellowships and scholarships, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Apply Now for SCAR Fellowship 2026