The Institute elects a small number of fellows to named fellowships each year, each of which is provided with an allowance towards the cost of travel and accommodation. The fields of study of each fellowship are specified below. These fellowships are normally awarded to established scholars based outside the UK who are able to take leave from their positions to spend a short time in London. They are elected by a small committee on the basis of their past achievements and the interest of their proposed research projects.

A number of Academic Visitors and Visiting Fellows are welcomed to the Institute each year.

Competitions for Early Career Research Associateships are also held.

Applications are considered on 1 May for

In addition, the Institute of Classical Studies, along with the Institutes of Commonwealth Studies, English Studies and of Languages, Cultures and Societies, award a number of Early Career Inclusion, Participation and Engagement fellowships:

The ICS, together with the the Institutes of English Studies and of Languages, Cultures and Societies, awards the William St Clair Fellowship. (applications currently closed.)