British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026 At The University Of Edinburgh For Early-Career Researchers -

About the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships mark a significant collaboration between the British Council and IASH. Designed to celebrate the Council’s 90 years of promoting international understanding, these fellowships support early-career researchers from Official Development Assistance (ODA)-recipient countries.

Over the course of 12 months, fellows will:

Spend 10 months conducting research at the University of Edinburgh
Spend up to 2 months in their home countries for knowledge exchange and dissemination, collaborating with the British Council
Engage in meaningful global conversations on arts, education, and language
Receive professional mentoring and academic support throughout the fellowship period

This opportunity not only enhances research capabilities but also creates a lasting platform for international academic collaboration and community engagement.

Are you an early-career researcher from an ODA-recipient country seeking an international opportunity to advance your postdoctoral research while contributing to global peace and prosperity? The British Council, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), invites you to apply for the prestigious 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026.

This is a fully funded, 12-month opportunity tailored for talented postdoctoral researchers who aim to make a global impact through innovative research, knowledge exchange, and community engagement.

Eligible Fields

Your research proposal should align with one or more of the British Council’s strategic themes, especially within:

Arts and Culture
Education Systems and Policies
English Language Teaching and Learning

Your work should also contribute to the Council’s core mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding through global partnerships and community outreach.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a postdoctoral researcher based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council is active (see official list on the program page).
Have completed a PhD within the past seven years. Applicants who have taken career breaks (e.g., for parental leave) may still qualify.
Not hold a permanent academic position or have previously held a fellowship at IASH.
Provide evidence of contact or collaboration with relevant academic staff at the University of Edinburgh.
Applicants who have passed their PhD viva and completed corrections but have not officially graduated may also be eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a panel made up of representatives from both the University of Edinburgh and the British Council. Key selection criteria include:

Academic background and research record in line with the fellowship’s thematic priorities
A clear and impactful research proposal that supports the British Council’s global goals
Demonstrated ability to engage non-academic audiences such as policy makers, artists, practitioners, or community members
A commitment to knowledge sharing beyond the fellowship period, including through local and international networks

Benefits of the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship

This fully funded fellowship comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support your professional and academic development:

Research and Professional Support

A 10-month residency at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh
Up to 2 additional months in your home country for outreach, dissemination, and knowledge exchange activities
Access to a University mentor aligned with your research area

Financial and Logistical Support

A generous monthly bursary of £2,500 for 12 months
Travel costs to and from Edinburgh covered
Dedicated office space, University email address, and full library access

Community and Networking

Participation in weekly Fellows’ Lunches and a Work-in-Progress seminar series
Invitations to attend or organize funded colloquia, conferences, and workshops
Opportunities to engage with a diverse academic community at one of the world’s leading universities

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following:

A completed application form
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A research proposal aligned with the British Council’s thematic goals
A cover letter explaining how their work aligns with the objectives of the fellowship
Two or three academic references, one of which must confirm PhD completion status
Supporting documents such as proof of PhD award or official letter confirming eligibility to graduate

Note: References must be submitted directly by referees to iash@ed.ac.uk before the application deadline.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 fellowship cohort are now open. Interested candidates should:

Visit the official application portal
Download and complete the application form
Email all supporting documents to iash@ed.ac.uk
Ensure all referees send their letters directly by the deadline

Final Thoughts

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship is not just a chance to further your academic research—it’s a gateway to global influence, meaningful engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. If you’re ready to lead conversations that matter and make an international impact, then this fellowship could be the stepping stone to your next big chapter.

Don’t wait. Apply by 28 July 2025 and shape the future through knowledge, research, and global exchange.

Late applications or incomplete submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to begin the process early.