The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 are now open for applications from outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers based in eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates. Delivered through a partnership between the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, this prestigious fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to spend ten months conducting independent research in the United Kingdom before returning to their home countries for a two-month knowledge exchange and dissemination phase.
Designed to strengthen international research collaboration and support emerging scholars, the fellowship promotes research that contributes to peace, cultural relations, education, international development, and global cooperation. Beyond financial support, Fellows will become part of a vibrant academic community, gain access to world-class research facilities, and build lasting professional networks with researchers and British Council experts.
At a Glance
| Programme | British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Institution | University of Edinburgh (IASH) |
| Funded By | British Council |
| Opportunity Type | Postdoctoral Research Fellowship |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Residential Period | 10 Months in Edinburgh |
| Knowledge Exchange | Up to 2 Months in Home Country |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Monthly Bursary | £2,500 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
About the Fellowship
The British Council launched these fellowships to celebrate its 90th anniversary, creating opportunities for talented researchers from developing countries to undertake high-quality research while strengthening international collaboration between the United Kingdom and partner countries.
The fellowship supports research that aligns with the British Council's vision of building "a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust." Applicants are encouraged to develop projects related to arts, education, English language, cultural relations, international development, peacebuilding, diplomacy, and other areas that contribute to sustainable development and stronger global partnerships.
Following ten months of research at the University of Edinburgh, Fellows will return to their home countries for up to two months to share research findings, engage stakeholders, and promote knowledge exchange in collaboration with the British Council.
What Makes This Fellowship Special?
Unlike many postdoctoral programmes that focus solely on academic research, the British Council Research Fellowship places equal importance on knowledge exchange, public engagement, and real-world impact.
Successful Fellows will not only conduct independent research but will also collaborate with policymakers, practitioners, cultural organizations, educators, and British Council staff to ensure that their research contributes to policy discussions and development outcomes in their home countries.
The programme also encourages interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and long-term partnerships between researchers in the UK and eligible countries around the world.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Fellows will receive comprehensive financial and academic support throughout the programme, including:
- A monthly bursary of £2,500 for 12 months.
- Round-trip travel support.
- Ten months of research at the University of Edinburgh.
- Up to two months of funded knowledge exchange activities in the Fellow's home country.
- Dedicated office space.
- University email account.
- Full library access.
- Academic mentoring from University of Edinburgh faculty.
- Weekly Fellows' networking lunches.
- Research seminars and professional development events.
- Opportunities to organize workshops, conferences, and academic discussions.
- Access to an international community of visiting scholars.
Research Areas
Applicants may propose research across a broad range of disciplines, provided the project aligns with the British Council's strategic priorities. Suitable research themes include:
- Arts and Culture
- Education
- English Language
- International Relations
- Cultural Diplomacy
- International Development
- Peacebuilding
- Soft Power
- Cultural Relations
- Public Policy
- Humanities and Social Sciences
Projects should also demonstrate relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) priorities and show potential to create positive impact within the applicant's home country or region.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is particularly suitable for:
- Early-career postdoctoral researchers.
- University researchers.
- Policy researchers.
- Humanities and social science scholars.
- Education researchers.
- Cultural studies specialists.
- Peacebuilding researchers.
- International development experts.
- Researchers interested in public engagement and knowledge exchange.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be based in an eligible ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.
- Hold a PhD at the time of application.
- Normally have completed their doctorate within the last seven years (career breaks are considered).
- Be qualified to undertake postdoctoral-level research.
- Not currently hold a permanent university position.
- Not have previously held an IASH Fellowship.
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
- Show commitment to public engagement and knowledge exchange.
- Establish contact with a relevant researcher at the University of Edinburgh before submitting the application.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed online application form.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Detailed research proposal.
- Cover letter explaining how the fellowship supports the British Council's objectives.
- Two to three confidential reference letters.
- Proof of PhD completion (or official confirmation of successful thesis examination if graduation is pending).
How to Apply
Begin by reviewing the fellowship guidance and identifying how your research aligns with the British Council's strategic priorities. Before submitting your application, you are expected to contact a researcher at the University of Edinburgh whose expertise relates to your proposed project, as evidence of academic engagement strengthens your application.
Next, prepare a clear and well-structured research proposal that explains the significance of your project, its contribution to knowledge, and its relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) priorities. Your cover letter should demonstrate how your fellowship will contribute to the British Council's objectives, including international collaboration, policy impact, and knowledge exchange.
Complete the online application form before the deadline and ensure that your referees submit their confidential reference letters directly to IASH by the closing date. Incomplete applications or missing references will not be considered.
How to Increase Your Chances
A competitive application usually demonstrates more than strong academic credentials. Applicants should clearly explain why their research matters beyond academia and how it can contribute to policy, education, cultural relations, or international development.
Your proposal should present a realistic research plan, identify expected outputs, and describe how you intend to share your findings with stakeholders in your home country. Establishing early contact with a relevant academic at the University of Edinburgh and demonstrating how your project complements existing research at the university can also strengthen your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application mistakes:
- Submitting a generic research proposal.
- Failing to explain the project's wider social or policy impact.
- Missing the application deadline.
- Providing incomplete supporting documents.
- Forgetting to arrange confidential reference letters.
- Not demonstrating how your research aligns with British Council priorities.
- Failing to show evidence of engagement with the University of Edinburgh research community.
Why You Should Apply
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship offers far more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to join one of the world's leading research universities, collaborate with internationally recognized scholars, and produce research that can influence policy, education, and international development.
For early-career researchers seeking to expand their global networks, strengthen their research profile, and contribute meaningful solutions to contemporary global challenges, this fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity for professional growth and international collaboration.
Strategic international research collaborations have become increasingly important in addressing global challenges. Through this fellowship, researchers can generate knowledge that not only advances academic understanding but also informs policy, strengthens institutions, and creates lasting impact in their home countries. The programme encourages Fellows to bridge the gap between research and practice while building long-term partnerships that extend well beyond the fellowship period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Selected Fellows receive a monthly bursary of £2,500, travel support, office space, library access, academic mentoring, and funding for knowledge exchange activities.
Who can apply?
Early-career postdoctoral researchers based in eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts 12 months, including ten months at the University of Edinburgh and up to two months dedicated to knowledge exchange in the Fellow's home country.
Is a PhD required?
Yes. Applicants must have completed their PhD or provide official confirmation that all doctoral requirements have been successfully completed.
When is the application deadline?
31 July 2026.
Final Advice
Because only a small number of fellowships are awarded each year, applicants should invest time in preparing a thoughtful research proposal that demonstrates originality, relevance, and practical impact. Strong applications clearly connect academic excellence with real-world outcomes and show how the proposed research will contribute to both local development priorities and international collaboration.
Ready to Apply?
Applications close on 31 July 2026. Before submitting your application, ensure that your research proposal, cover letter, and supporting documents clearly demonstrate your academic achievements, research impact, and commitment to international knowledge exchange.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Official Website: Visit the British Council and University of Edinburgh (IASH) official fellowship page for the latest application guidelines and access to the online application portal.
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