The Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland, invites researchers to apply for the HCAS Core Fellowship 2027. This international research fellowship in the human sciences provides dedicated time for research within an interdisciplinary academic environment in Helsinki.
The University of Helsinki established the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies in 2001 as an independent institute. HCAS promotes scholarly excellence, interdisciplinary research and international academic collaboration. The fellowship welcomes researchers in the humanities, social sciences, behavioural sciences, theology and law, as well as researchers from other fields whose work focuses on topics related to the human sciences.
The HCAS Core Fellowship supports researchers at different career stages, from postdoctoral researchers to full professors. The programme sets no fixed quotas based on seniority, discipline, nationality or gender. Applicants must have received their doctoral degree by the application deadline and should demonstrate strong research and international publication experience.
Applicants should explain how their proposed research fits the University of Helsinki’s academic environment and how they will contribute to the Collegium’s multidisciplinary research community.
Fellowship Overview
- Fellowship Name: HCAS Core Fellowship 2027
- Host Institution: University of Helsinki
- Organisation: Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Programme Type: Core Research Fellowship
- Research Fields: Humanities, social sciences, behavioural sciences, theology, law and related human-science fields
- Career Level: Early-career researchers to full professors
- Required Degree: Doctoral degree
- Fellowship Start: August 2027
Research Areas
The HCAS Core Fellowship accepts research in:
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Behavioural sciences
- Educational sciences
- Theology
- Law
- Other disciplines focusing on topics related to the human sciences
The programme particularly values research with strong interdisciplinary potential and encourages interaction between different academic fields.
Who Can Apply?
The HCAS Core Fellowship 2027 welcomes researchers who have received their doctoral degree by the application deadline. Applicants should demonstrate a strong research and international publication record, along with the ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary research environment.
Researchers at different career stages can apply, including early-career researchers, mid-career researchers and full professors. Applicants should explain how their proposed research fits the University of Helsinki’s academic environment and how they will contribute to multidisciplinary collaboration at HCAS.
Previous HCAS fellows must normally have completed at least seven years since their previous fellowship and explain why they should receive another funding period.
Why You Should Apply
The HCAS Core Fellowship enables researchers to develop their work within a multidisciplinary academic community in central Helsinki. Fellows work with scholars from different fields and actively participate in the Collegium’s international research environment.
The programme provides dedicated time for focused research, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports international research activities. Fellows also engage with the wider academic community at the University of Helsinki.
Fellowship Benefits
The University of Helsinki employs HCAS Core Fellows on a salaried basis and provides them with the benefits associated with university employment.
Key benefits include:
- Dedicated time and freedom for focused research without heavy teaching or administrative duties.
- Office space at the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies in central Helsinki.
- A personal research allowance for travel and other research expenses.
- Paid family and sick leave, pension benefits and occupational healthcare in accordance with the General Collective Agreement for Universities.
- Language-checking services.
- Relocation assistance for international fellows.
- A taxable relocation allowance for newly recruited fellows relocating to the Helsinki area from elsewhere in Finland or abroad.
- Opportunities for international research visits.
- An international and interdisciplinary academic environment.
- Social programming and limited in-house wellness services.
- A University of Helsinki host for international fellows to support academic integration and collaboration.
Research Responsibilities
HCAS fellows must fulfil the following research responsibilities:
- Fellows are expected to spend at least 80% of their working hours at the Collegium.
- Fellows are expected to participate in the weekly Fellows’ Seminar.
- Publications must be reported through the University of Helsinki’s research portal.
- HCAS must be listed as the fellow’s primary affiliation in publications, presentations and interviews.
- Fellows whose term exceeds one year should devote approximately 5% of their annual workload to teaching from the second year onwards, including possible participation in the HCAS Winter School for doctoral students.
- Fellows must submit a final report of their academic activities after completing the fellowship.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship period depends on the applicant’s career stage:
- Early-career researchers: one to three years.
- Mid-career researchers: one to two years.
- Full professors: six or twelve months.
Applicants must indicate their preferred fellowship length in the application form.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application form and submit all required documents in English through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system. Applicants should check all documents carefully, as incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will not be processed and cannot be changed after the deadline.
Required Documents: Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae – maximum 8,000 characters including spaces.
- Abstract of the research proposal – maximum 4,000 characters including spaces.
- List of publications.
- Research proposal – maximum 12,000 characters including spaces, excluding bibliography.
- Letter of motivation – maximum 8,000 characters including spaces.
The CV must be uploaded separately. Applicants must also combine all required attachments, including the CV, into a single PDF in the specified order and upload it using the filename Surname_application.
No additional documents, such as recommendation letters, doctoral dissertation statements, writing samples or publishing contracts, will be considered
Important Dates
- Applications open: 17 August 2026
- Application deadline: 14 September 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki local time
- Final decisions: Early March 2027
- Fellowship begins: August 2027
Eligible researchers can submit their application through the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system using the Apply Now button above.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Global Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
- International Humanities Research Fellowships
- Global Digital Humanities Fellowships
- International Academic Research Fellowships
- University Research Positions in Finland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HCAS Core Fellowship 2027?
The HCAS Core Fellowship is an international research fellowship at the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, University of Helsinki.
Who can apply for the HCAS Core Fellowship?
Researchers in the humanities, social sciences, behavioural sciences, educational sciences, theology, law and related human-science fields can apply.
Is a PhD required?
Yes. The applicant’s doctoral degree must have been conferred by the application deadline.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 14 September 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki local time.
When does the fellowship begin?
Selected fellows will begin their fellowship in August 2027.
Can researchers at different career stages apply?
Yes. The programme accepts researchers from early-career researchers to full professors.
How long is the fellowship?
Early-career researchers may receive one to three years, mid-career researchers one to two years, and full professors six or twelve months.
Can previous HCAS fellows apply again?
Yes. Normally, at least ten years must have passed since the end of their previous fellowship, and they must justify why they should receive another funding period.
Are recommendation letters accepted?
No. Additional documents such as recommendation letters, doctoral dissertation statements, writing samples and publishing contracts will not be considered.
Institutional Overview
The University of Helsinki is a leading research university in Finland with a strong international academic community. Founded in 1640, the university brings together researchers, teachers and students across many disciplines. It supports high-quality research, education and international collaboration in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, medicine, law and other fields. The university provides a strong environment for researchers who want to develop new ideas, work across disciplines and collaborate with scholars worldwide. Its research community supports doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers, faculty members and senior academics through various research programmes, academic positions and international opportunities. Located in Helsinki, the university connects academic work with Finnish society while maintaining a strong global research profile.
For more academic fellowships, postdoctoral opportunities and research positions, explore relevant opportunities on HigherJobz.
