British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 at the University of Edinburgh | Fully Funded Fellowship in the UK

Applications are now open for the prestigious British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 at The University of Edinburgh.

The fellowship programme is a special research partnership between the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) and the British Council, designed to support early-career postdoctoral researchers from eligible developing countries.

Selected fellows will receive funding to undertake research in the United Kingdom for 12 months, including a monthly bursary, travel expenses, academic mentoring, office space, and opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

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About the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the British Council launched this fellowship programme to strengthen global research partnerships and support scholars working on themes related to:

• Arts and culture
• Education
• English language
• International development
• Peacebuilding
• Cultural diplomacy
• International relations and soft power

The programme aims to promote research that contributes to a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust and international collaboration.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• £2,500 monthly bursary for 12 months
• Travel expenses
• Dedicated office space at IASH
• University email and library access
• Academic mentoring from University of Edinburgh scholars
• Access to seminars, workshops, and research events
• Weekly Fellows’ Lunch networking sessions
• Opportunities for knowledge exchange with the British Council

Fellows will spend:

• The first 10 months at the The University of Edinburgh
• Up to 2 months in their home countries focusing on knowledge exchange and dissemination activities

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.

Eligible countries include:

• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Kenya
• South Africa
• Pakistan
• India
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe
• Tanzania
• Rwanda
• Cameroon
• Zambia
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Indonesia
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Mexico
• Ukraine
• Viet Nam
• And several other eligible countries

Research Areas

Research proposals should align with the British Council’s strategic priorities across:

• Arts and creative industries
• Education and learning
• English language development
• Cultural relations
• International development
• Peacebuilding and diplomacy

Applicants are encouraged to propose research projects that:

• Support Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice
• Generate new knowledge
• Engage policymakers and public audiences
• Promote knowledge exchange in their home countries

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

• Be based in an eligible ODA-recipient country
• Hold a PhD at the time of application
• Have completed their doctorate within the last seven years
• Be qualified to undertake postdoctoral research
• Not have previously held a permanent university position
• Not have previously held an IASH Fellowship

Applicants who have taken career breaks, including parental leave, may still be eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic and professional background
• Quality and relevance of the research proposal
• Potential contribution to British Council objectives
• Experience engaging non-academic audiences
• Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination
• Ability to build international partnerships and networks

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Research proposal
• Academic CV
• Cover letter explaining alignment with British Council objectives
• Two to three confidential references

One referee must confirm the successful completion of the applicant’s PhD.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official IASH Fellowship Application Portal.

Additional supporting documents should be sent via email to:

• iash@ed.ac.uk

Applicants are advised to apply early before the deadline.

Why Apply for This Fellowship?

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship offers:

• International research experience
• Access to one of the world’s leading universities
• Professional networking opportunities
• Academic mentorship
• Funding support
• Global collaboration opportunities

This fellowship is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to strengthen their academic careers while contributing to global development and international cooperation.

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British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships

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