The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships offer international early-career researchers from ODA countries a 12-month postdoctoral opportunity at the University of Edinburgh. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline?
The application deadline is 28 July 2025 at 23:59 UK time.
Tell Me About The British Council Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh:
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships are part of a partnership between the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. These fellowships support international early-career postdoctoral researchers from ODA-recipient countries, enabling them to conduct research aligned with the British Council’s vision of promoting peace and prosperity through global connections and understanding. Fellows spend ten months at IASH followed by up to two months in their home countries engaging in knowledge exchange with the British Council. The fellowship includes a monthly bursary, travel expenses, access to dedicated office space, library resources, academic mentoring, and opportunities for networking and professional development.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Research topics should relate to the Arts, Education, and English language priorities outlined in the British Council’s strategy.
Type:
Research fellowship
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Who can Apply for the British Council Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh?
Applicants must:
- Be postdoctoral researchers based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates (see full list below).
- Have a PhD awarded within the last seven years (factoring in career breaks such as parental leave).
- Not hold a permanent academic position or have previously held a fellowship at IASH.
- Provide evidence of contact with University of Edinburgh researchers relevant to their project.
- Have not graduated yet, but completed the viva and corrections may also apply if eligible to graduate.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applications will be considered by an assessment panel comprised of University of Edinburgh and British Council staff. Assessment will take into account the extent to which candidates meet the following criteria:
- A research and/or professional background and academic record that relates to the broad thematic remit of the programme, outlined above
- A research proposal with clear potential to support the British Council’s objectives for the programme, outlined above
- Demonstrable experience of engaging non-academic audiences and stakeholders in research (e.g., through engagement with policy makers, practitioners, artists, or other public audiences)
- A clear commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination as part of the fellowship and beyond the timeframe of the fellowship itself, based on the networks, insights and learnings developed through their research
Required Documents:
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Research proposal aligned with programme themes and objectives.
- Cover letter explaining how the fellowship supports British Council goals.
- Two to three confidential references (one must confirm successful PhD completion).
- Supporting documents such as proof of PhD completion or eligibility to graduate.
References must be sent directly by referees to [email protected] by the deadline.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Where will the Award be Taken?
The fellowship is based primarily at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh, for ten months, followed by up to two months in the fellow’s home country for knowledge exchange activities in partnership with the British Council.
How Many Awards?
2
What is the Benefit of the British Council Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh?
Additionally, the 2026 British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship provides:
- Research visit at the University of Edinburgh for ten months, followed by up to two months based in their home countries, focused on knowledge exchange and dissemination
- Bursary of £2,500 per month for 12 months
- Dedicated office space, University e-mail, and library access
- A University mentor from an area relevant to the Fellows’ research interests
- Weekly Fellows’ Lunch to build community
- Collegial work-in-progress seminar series for testing new ideas
- Calendar of engaging events at the Institute and College
- Opportunities to participate in and design funded workshops, colloquia, etc at the Institute
How Long Will the Award Last?
12 months
How to Apply:
Applications for 2026 are now open – apply here.
Any additional supporting documents connected with an application should be emailed to [email protected] .
