Applications are open for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 at the University of Edinburgh. Researchers from eligible countries can receive a £2,500 monthly stipend, travel support, academic mentoring, and fully funded research opportunities in the UK.
Overview
Early-career researchers from developing countries now have an exciting opportunity to spend up to 10 months conducting research at one of the world’s leading universities.
The British Council, in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, has opened applications for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027.
The fully funded fellowship will support up to two outstanding postdoctoral researchers from eligible countries with funding, travel support, academic mentoring, and access to Edinburgh’s vibrant research community.
Beyond the financial support, the programme aims to strengthen international research collaboration, support professional development, and encourage knowledge exchange between the UK and researchers from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions.
About the Fellowship
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships were established to support innovative research that contributes to a more peaceful, prosperous, and connected world.
Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh, the fellowship gives researchers dedicated time and resources to advance their work while engaging with scholars from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Selected fellows will spend the first ten months in Edinburgh conducting their research before returning to their home countries or regions for up to two months of knowledge-sharing and dissemination activities in partnership with the British Council.
Research proposals should align with the British Council’s mission of building trust, understanding, and connections between people in the UK and countries around the world.
What Will Fellows Gain?
This fellowship provides substantial financial and professional support designed to help researchers focus on their work and expand their international networks.
Financial Support
Selected fellows will receive:
- £2,500 monthly bursary
- Travel expenses to and from the United Kingdom
- Access to research facilities and resources
- Dedicated workspace at the University of Edinburgh
Academic and Professional Benefits
Fellows will also gain:
- Academic mentoring from leading scholars
- Full access to university libraries and research resources
- Opportunities to collaborate with international researchers
- Membership in the IASH scholarly community
- Professional development opportunities
- Exposure to global research networks
- Increased visibility for their research
- Opportunities to engage with British Council experts and partners
Knowledge Exchange Opportunities
Participants will work closely with the British Council to share research findings and contribute to policy, practice, and public engagement initiatives in their home countries and regions.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to researchers who meet the following requirements:
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be based in an eligible ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
- Have completed their PhD viva examination or thesis defense before the application deadline
- Be qualified to undertake postdoctoral-level research
- Be within seven years of completing their PhD
- Demonstrate strong academic and research achievements
The programme particularly welcomes applications from researchers who have not previously completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the UK or another non-ODA-recipient country.
Eligible Research Areas
Research proposals should relate to one or more of the British Council’s priority areas, including:
- Arts and culture
- Education
- English language studies
- International relations
- Cultural diplomacy
- Peacebuilding
- International development
- Soft power and global engagement
Researchers are encouraged to propose projects that have relevance to development policy, public engagement, or practical application in their home countries.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This fellowship is especially suitable for:
- Early-career academics
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University researchers
- Policy researchers
- Education specialists
- Arts and culture researchers
- Development practitioners with strong research backgrounds
Applicants should demonstrate an ability to engage non-academic audiences and show a commitment to knowledge sharing beyond academia.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH).
Step 1
Review the full fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Prepare your research proposal.
Step 3
Draft a cover letter explaining how your fellowship project supports the British Council’s programme objectives.
Step 4
Prepare all required supporting documents.
Step 5
Submit your application before the deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Research proposal
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD completion evidence
- Academic and professional supporting documents
- Any additional documents requested by IASH
The cover letter is a particularly important part of the application and should clearly explain how the proposed fellowship will contribute to the British Council’s objectives.
Eligible Countries
Researchers from British Council offices in eligible ODA-recipient countries may apply.
These include:
Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and many other eligible countries.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 5 May 2026 |
| Online Q&A Webinar | 26 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Selection Results | By End of September 2026 |
| Fellowship Begins | January 2027 |
| Research Period at Edinburgh | January – October 2027 |
| Knowledge Exchange Activities | November – December 2027 |
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Fellowship | British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship |
| Host Institution | University of Edinburgh |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Monthly Bursary | £2,500 |
| Travel Support | Included |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Eligible Applicants | Early-Career Postdoctoral Researchers |
| Eligible Countries | ODA-Recipient Countries |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Fellowship Start Date | January 2027 |
Conclusion
For early-career researchers seeking international research experience, the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to spend a year connected to one of the UK’s most prestigious academic institutions.
With a generous monthly bursary, travel funding, academic mentoring, and opportunities to build long-term international collaborations, the fellowship can help researchers strengthen both their careers and their impact. Researchers from eligible countries who are passionate about education, culture, international development, or global engagement should consider applying before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
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