Advance HE Fellowship – FAQ
Advance HE is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that supports higher education institutions worldwide. It provides resources, training, and recognition for teaching and leadership excellence. Formerly, it was known as the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Advance HE Fellowship is an internationally recognised award for individuals who teach or support learners in higher education. It acknowledges professional practice and commitment to teaching and learning.
Any individual involved in teaching or supporting learning in higher education can apply. The award is for individuals, not teams or organisations.
There are four categories, each suited to different career stages:
- Associate Fellow (Descriptor 1): For those new to teaching or supporting learning (e.g., librarians, lab technicians).
- Fellow (Descriptor 2): For those with a substantial teaching role (e.g., subject instructor).
- Senior Fellow (Descriptor 3): For those with leadership, management, mentoring, or coordination responsibilities (e.g., programme leaders, deans).
- Principal Fellow (Descriptor 4): For those with national or international strategic leadership experience in higher education.
To find out more: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/fellowship/information-for-individuals
The PSF is a set of professional standards and guidelines for teaching and supporting learning in higher education. It covers:
- Areas of Activity: What you do (e.g., designing learning activities, assessing students).
- Core Knowledge: What you know (e.g., how learners learn, use of technology).
- Professional Values: What you believe (e.g., respect for learners, equity, collaboration).
Applicants must demonstrate how their practice aligns with the PSF’s dimensions (Activities, Knowledge, Values) and meet the criteria for their chosen Fellowship category.
- Global recognition of teaching excellence
- Opportunity for professional reflection and development
- Supports career progression and continuing professional development
- Use of postnominals (e.g., FHEA, SFHEA)
- Access to a global network of Fellows
Yes, the Fellowship is a lifetime award, provided you maintain good standing.
Step 1: Write your application (use the Fellowship Category Tool and available resources/templates).
- Use the Fellowship Category Tool: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/form/fellowship-decision-tool-2023
Step 2: Submit your application online via the Advance HE website.
Step 3: Assessment by two independent Accreditors. You will be notified of the outcome within 12 weeks. If referred, you have one chance to resubmit within a month.
- Applications are independently reviewed by two trained accreditors.
- Judgement is based on whether you meet the descriptor criteria for your category.
- Feedback is given if referral is required, with one opportunity to resubmit.
- Initial result: usually within 12 weeks
- Resubmitted result: typically within 6 weeks
Advance HE provides:
- Guide to PSF 2023 Dimensions
- Applicant guidance and examples
- Draft application templates
- Guidance and templates for referees
Visit the Advance HE Fellowship webpage for resources:
- Fee details are available here: Fellowship: Frequently Asked Questions | Advance HE
- PolyU staff receive a 50% subsidy on application fees, as PolyU’s international membership with Advance HE is active until 31 Jan 2028.
