British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026 – Fully Funded Postdoctoral Opportunity at the University of Edinburgh
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026 offer a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers from ODA-recipient countries to undertake a 12-month postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Edinburgh. This fully funded research programme is a joint initiative of the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH).
With a monthly bursary of £2,500, travel expenses, academic mentoring, and full access to university facilities, the programme aims to support innovative research aligned with British Council themes such as international development, peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, and education.
Degree Level
Postdoctoral Level
- Applicants must have completed a PhD by the time of application.
- The PhD must have been awarded within the last 7 years (2018 to 2025).
- Candidates who had career breaks (e.g., parental leave, health issues) may still be eligible beyond the 7-year window.
- Those without a permanent university position are eligible.
Available Subjects
Eligible Subjects and Research Areas
The fellowship supports research broadly within the Humanities and Social Sciences, with priority given to themes aligned with the British Council’s strategic interests, including:
Priority Research Themes
- Arts and Humanities
- Education and English Language
- Cultural Diplomacy and Cultural Relations
- Peacebuilding and International Development
- Soft Power and Global Engagement
- International Relations and Global Policy
Examples of Relevant Topics
- Cross-cultural communication and global understanding
- Peace and conflict resolution studies
- Language policy and English language learning
- Cultural heritage, identity, and migration
- Educational access and global learning equity
- Media, digital humanities, and civic engagement
- Global partnerships and sustainable development
Note: The research proposal must have relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice and include plans for local knowledge exchange in your country.
Benefits
- £2,500 monthly stipend for 12 months
- Travel costs covered
- 10 months residency at the University of Edinburgh
- Up to 2 months knowledge exchange in your home country
- Full access to library, office space, and university email
- Dedicated academic mentor at the university
- Weekly networking Fellows’ Lunch
- Opportunity to host funded events, colloquia, and seminars
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants from the following British Council partner countries are eligible:
- Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa
- Ukraine, Tunisia, Vietnam, Jordan, Uganda, Zimbabwe
- Full list available in the official guidelines
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD degree completed within the last 7 years (2018–2025)
- Be a citizen of an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates (e.g. Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Indonesia, etc.)
- Not hold a permanent academic position or have held a previous IASH Fellowship
- Have a demonstrated commitment to knowledge exchange and public engagement
- Research proposals should align with British Council priorities in arts, education, English language, soft power, peacebuilding, and international relations
Application Procedure
Key Dates and Application Timeline
- 29 April 2025 – Application portal opens
- 23 May 2025 – Applicant webinar (register at bc90webinar.eventbrite.co.uk)
- 28 July 2025 (23:59 UK Time) – Application deadline
- End of August 2025 – Selection of successful candidates
- January 2026 – Fellowship officially begins
- January to October 2026 – Residential research at IASH, University of Edinburgh
- November to December 2026 – Knowledge exchange and dissemination in home country
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- Application form (available online)
- Detailed CV
- Research proposal (aligned with British Council objectives)
- Cover letter explaining how the Fellowship supports British Council goals
- Two to three reference letters, including one confirming PhD completion
All supporting documents must be emailed to: iash@ed.ac.uk
What Makes This Fellowship Unique?
This programme not only supports high-quality humanities and social science research but also fosters international collaboration, capacity building, and academic networking. Fellows will actively engage with British Council offices, both in the UK and in their home countries, bridging the gap between research and real-world impact.
Why You Should Apply
If you are an early-career researcher passionate about global education, peace, and cultural understanding, this Fellowship offers a world-class platform to amplify your research, engage with global networks, and contribute to sustainable development in your home country.
