Are you an early-career researcher seeking a fully funded international fellowship? The British Council, in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, invites applications for its 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships. This prestigious opportunity is designed for postdoctoral scholars from ODA-recipient countries, offering a year-long research experience in the UK and your home country. The program begins in January 2027 and provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth.
About the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships
- Host Country: United Kingdom (University of Edinburgh)
- Duration: 12 months (10 months in Edinburgh, 2 months in home country)
- Dates: January 2027 – December 2027
- Benefits: Monthly bursary, travel expenses, academic mentoring, library access, and more
- Deadline: 31 July 2026 at 17:00 BST
Also Check 1: European Parliament Schuman Traineeships 2026
Financial Benefits
- Monthly bursary of £2,500 for 12 months
- Travel expenses covered
- Dedicated office space at IASH
- University email and full library access
- Academic mentoring from University of Edinburgh faculty
- Participation in seminars, workshops, and networking events
- Opportunities for knowledge exchange in your home country
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Program Theme
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships support research aligned with the British Council’s vision of fostering peace, prosperity, and trust worldwide. Projects should relate to priority areas in Arts, Education, and English language, as well as cross-cutting themes such as international relations, soft power, development, peace building, and cultural diplomacy. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, interdisciplinary topics that contribute to Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice and engage stakeholders in their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to postdoctoral researchers from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates (see full list in the announcement)
- Age: No specific age limit, but applicants must be early-career researchers
- Background: Applicants must hold a PhD awarded within the last seven years (2019–2026), with allowances for career breaks such as parental leave
- Requirements:
- Must not have held a permanent university position or previous IASH Fellowship
- Temporary or short-term academic employment is acceptable
- Applicants who have not yet graduated must provide evidence of successful PhD completion
- Demonstrated experience in engaging non-academic audiences is advantageous
- Applicants must contact relevant University of Edinburgh researchers before applying
- Complete application form, CV, research proposal, cover letter, and 2-3 confidential references required
Also Check 3: Matsumae Foundation Research Fellowship in Japan 2027
How to Apply for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships?
Interested candidates can apply online through the official IASH website. Ensure all required documents, including references, are submitted by the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. For more information and to access the application portal, visit the official website below.
Yasir is currently a master’s student at Bilkent University on a fully funded scholarship. He has a strong passion for technology, innovation, and creating meaningful impact through digital platforms. Yasir’s goal is to make education more accessible by helping students discover global opportunities and take confident steps toward their future.