The British Council, in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, is pleased to announce the 2026 round of its prestigious 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships. This program offers two 12-month fully funded postdoctoral fellowships to outstanding early-career researchers from eligible ODA-recipient countries.

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must be early-career postdoctoral researchers who have completed their PhD within the last seven years (with allowances for career breaks) and are based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. The British Council supports global development, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters collaboration in research and learning to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Application Deadline: 28 July 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: University of Edinburgh / British Council

• Department: Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)

• Course Level: Postdoctoral

• Award: £2,500 monthly bursary, travel expenses, academic mentoring, and research support

• Access Mode: Online

• Number of Awards: 2

• Nationality: International (ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates)

• The award can be taken in: United Kingdom and the Fellow’s home country

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Applicants must be from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates (full list includes countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East – see announcement for complete list).

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship is open to research in any subject related to the British Council’s strategic interests, including Arts, Education, English Language, international development, peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, and international relations.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Hold a PhD awarded between 2018 and 2025 (with allowances for career breaks).

  • Be based in an eligible ODA-recipient country.

  • Not have held a permanent university post or previous IASH fellowship.

  • Propose a project relevant to British Council objectives and ODA policy or practice.

  • Show evidence of engagement with non-academic stakeholders.

  • Be committed to knowledge exchange in their home country.

  • Contact a University of Edinburgh researcher before applying to strengthen proposal relevance.

How to Apply

• Application Link: Apply here

• Required Documents:

  • Completed application form

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Research proposal

  • Cover letter explaining alignment with British Council objectives

  • Two to three confidential reference letters sent directly to [email protected] (including PhD certification from one referee)

• Notification of Results: By the end of August 2025

• Fellowship Duration: January to December 2026

Benefits

• £2,500 monthly stipend for 12 months

• Travel expenses

• Ten-month residency at IASH, University of Edinburgh

• Up to two months of knowledge exchange work in the Fellow’s home country

• Dedicated office space, University email and library access

• Mentorship from University of Edinburgh faculty

• Weekly Fellows’ Lunches and seminars

• Participation in workshops, colloquia, and IASH events

• Networking opportunities with scholars and British Council staff

Apply Now