The British Council, in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, is offering a prestigious research opportunity for early-career scholars in 2026. This international fellowship programme is designed to mark the British Council’s 90th anniversary and supports scholars from Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries where the British Council is operational.
Overview of the Fellowship Programme #
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship provides two selected scholars a fully-funded, 12-month postdoctoral research opportunity. The fellowship includes ten months of residence at the University of Edinburgh and up to two months in the fellow’s home country for knowledge exchange activities in collaboration with the British Council.
Fellowship Duration: January 2026 – December 2026
Residency Period at IASH: January – October 2026
Knowledge Exchange Period: November – December 2026
Fellowship Benefits #
Financial Support
- Monthly Bursary: £2,500 (for 12 months)
- Travel Support: Roundtrip airfare reimbursement
- Additional Reimbursements: UK visa fees and NHS surcharge
Academic Benefits
- Access to University of Edinburgh library and digital resources
- Dedicated working space and university email
- Mentorship from an academic expert relevant to the research theme
- Participation in IASH seminars, workshops, and events
- Opportunity to present research to peers
- Support for organizing colloquia, public talks, and community engagement events
Eligibility Criteria #
To apply for this opportunity, you must:
- Be a postdoctoral researcher based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
- Hold a PhD degree awarded within the last seven years (graduation between 2018 and 2025 is ideal; career breaks will be considered)
- Not have held a permanent academic post or previous fellowship at IASH
- Have discussed your proposed project with a University of Edinburgh staff mentor
- Demonstrate potential to contribute to the British Council’s objectives and impact relevant policy/practice areas
Eligible Countries Include:
India, Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Ghana, Nepal, and more (see full country list below in this article).
Research Themes #
Fellowship research proposals should align with:
- Cultural relations and soft power
- Peacebuilding and international development
- Education, Arts, and English language strategy of the British Council
- Topics addressing cross-cultural dialogue, knowledge equity, and social inclusion
Interdisciplinary research and proposals addressing real-world impact, particularly on local communities, are strongly encouraged.
Key Dates and Deadlines #
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 29 April 2025 |
| Informational Webinar | 23 May 2025 at 13:00 (UK time) |
| Application Deadline | 28 July 2025 at 23:59 (UK time) |
| Result Announcement | End of August 2025 |
| Fellowship Begins | January 2026 |
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process #
Step 1: Prepare the Following Documents
- Cover Letter
(Max 2 pages) outlining how your work supports the objectives of the British Council. - Curriculum Vitae (CV)
(Max 4 pages), detailing your academic background, achievements, and publications. - Research Proposal
Should include:- Research overview (500–750 words)
- Importance & Timeliness (max 250 words)
- Relevance to University of Edinburgh & British Council priorities (max 250 words)
- References
Two or three academic references—one must confirm your PhD completion. Referees must send directly to [email protected] before the deadline.
Step 2: Contact a Mentor
Identify and reach out to a University of Edinburgh faculty member who agrees to mentor your project. A list of staff and their research interests is available on the University of Edinburgh website.
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
- Access the application form through the official http://iash.ed.ac.uk/british-council-90th-anniversary-research-fellowships or https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/application-form.
- Upload all documents in PDF or DOC/DOCX format.
- Ensure your files are named in the format:
Evaluation and Selection #
Applications will be reviewed by a joint panel from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council. They will assess:
- Relevance and quality of the proposed research
- Applicant’s potential to contribute to academic and non-academic audiences
- Fit with British Council themes
- Past record of engagement, communication, or policy-related research
- Applicant’s potential to build long-term research partnerships
Stipend and Reimbursements #
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Bursary | £2,500 (12 months total: £30,000) |
| Visa & Health Surcharge | Reimbursed |
| Travel | Covered round-trip to the UK |
List of Eligible Countries #
Applicants must be based in one of these countries:
Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi, Libya, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Namibia, South Sudan, Senegal, Cameroon, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mozambique, Mauritius
Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Occupied Palestinian Territories
Europe: Ukraine, Türkiye, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Armenia, Georgia, North Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Kosovo
Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Peru
Other: China, Jamaica, Uzbekistan, Laos, Cambodia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) #
Can I apply if I haven’t yet graduated?
Yes, but you must provide evidence (transcript, letter of completion) confirming you’ve completed your PhD and passed your viva.
Can I reapply if I was unsuccessful last year?
Yes, reapplications are allowed as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I undertake other jobs during the Fellowship?
No. Fellows must treat IASH as their primary institution during the 10-month residency.
Is teaching required?
No formal teaching duties are expected.
Contact Information #
For Queries & Applications:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities
University of Edinburgh, Hope Park Square, Edinburgh EH8 9NW
+44 (0)131 650 4671
