British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027

British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 in UK | Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Researchers from ODA-recipient countries can now apply for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027, offered in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. The fellowship will support early-career postdoctoral researchers for a 12-month research program in the UK.

The fellowship will begin in January 2027 at the University of Edinburgh. Selected fellows will spend 10 months at IASH in Edinburgh and up to 2 months in their home countries for knowledge exchange and dissemination activities with the British Council.

The program is open to applicants from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Indonesia, and many others. Researchers working in Arts, Education, English language, cultural diplomacy, international development, peace building, and related areas are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Summary

  • Host Country: UK
  • Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
  • Funded By: British Council and IASH
  • Fellowship Duration: 12 Months
  • Fellowship Start Date: January 2027
  • Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Also Check: RIFS Fellow Programme 2027 in Germany

Financial Benefits

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship offers funded support for selected fellows, including:

  • £2,500 monthly bursary for 12 months
  • Travel expenses
  • Dedicated office space
  • University email and library access
  • Academic mentoring
  • Weekly fellows’ lunch and networking events
  • Participation in workshops, seminars, and conferences
  • Knowledge exchange activities with the British Council

Fellows will spend the first ten months at IASH in Edinburgh and the remaining period working on dissemination activities in their home countries.

Also Check: Takeda Science Foundation Fellowship 2026 in Japan

Eligible Research Areas

Applicants can apply with research projects connected to:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • English Language
  • Cultural Relations
  • Cultural Diplomacy
  • Peace Building
  • International Development
  • International Relations
  • Soft Power Studies
  • Policy and Knowledge Exchange

Research proposals should also show relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice.

Also Check: JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan 2027

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the fellowship, applicants must:

  • Be based in an eligible ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
  • Hold a PhD degree
  • Be an early-career researcher
  • Have completed their PhD within the last seven years
  • Show a strong academic and research background
  • Demonstrate interest in public engagement and knowledge exchange
  • Not holding a permanent university position
  • Not previously held an IASH fellowship

Applicants who took career breaks, including parental leave, may still qualify.

Eligible Countries

Applicants from many countries can apply, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Türkiye, Uganda, Vietnam, Ukraine, and others.

Required Documents

Applicants will generally need:

  • Online application form
  • CV
  • Research proposal
  • Cover letter
  • Two or three confidential references
  • Proof of PhD completion or successful viva examination

One referee must confirm successful completion of the PhD viva and thesis corrections.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a joint panel from the British Council and the University of Edinburgh. Selection will focus on:

  • Academic background and achievements
  • Quality and relevance of the research proposal
  • Alignment with British Council objectives
  • Knowledge exchange plans
  • Engagement with public or non-academic audiences
  • Potential impact on the applicant’s home country

Important Dates

  • Application Opens: 5 May 2026
  • Online Webinar: 26 May 2026
  • Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
  • Results Announcement: By September 2026
  • Fellowship Starts: January 2027

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their applications through the official IASH application portal before the deadline. References and additional supporting documents should be emailed separately as instructed by the organizers.

Official Details and Application: https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/british-council-90th-anniversary-research-fellowships

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

This fellowship combines funded research, international collaboration, and policy engagement at one of the UK’s leading universities. It also gives early-career researchers from developing countries an opportunity to build long-term academic networks with researchers and institutions in the UK.


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