Applications for the 2026 British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh for Developing Countries Including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and More
Application Deadline:
July 31 at 23:59 UK time
Tell Me About The Fellowship:
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships are 12-month postdoctoral fellowships hosted at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh. They aim to support early-career researchers from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates.
Fellows spend 10 months at IASH in Edinburgh and up to 2 months in their home country/region for knowledge exchange and dissemination in collaboration with the British Council.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research should align with British Council’s vision of “a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust”, focusing on:
- Arts
- Education
- English Language
- Cross-cutting areas: international relations, soft power, peacebuilding, cultural relations, cultural diplomacy
Type:
- Postdoctoral Fellowship | UK & Home Country | Research & Knowledge Exchange
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.
- Have completed their PhD viva/defense and corrections by the application deadline.
- Be within 7 years of completing their PhD.
- Preferably not have studied in the UK or other non-ODA recipient countries.
- Submit a research proposal relevant to ODA policy or practice.
How are Candidates Selected?
Applications are assessed by University of Edinburgh and British Council staff based on:
- Academic record and research background.
- Proposal relevance to British Council objectives.
- Experience engaging non-academic audiences (policy makers, practitioners, artists, public).
- Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination beyond fellowship.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants must be based in ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates, including Nigeria, Ghana, India, Kenya, Bangladesh, Egypt, South Africa, Pakistan, and many others.
Where will the Fellowship be Taken?
- University of Edinburgh, UK (January–October 2027).
- Home country/region (November–December 2027).
How Many Awards?
- Up to 2 fellowships available.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?
- £2,500 monthly bursary.
- Travel expenses.
- Desk space, library access, and academic mentoring at IASH.
- Integration into a vibrant scholarly community.
- Knowledge exchange opportunities with British Council staff and networks.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- 12 months total (10 months in Edinburgh + 2 months in home country).
Required Documents:
- Application form (via IASH website).
- Cover letter outlining how the fellowship supports British Council objectives.
- Research proposal.
- Academic CV.
- Proof of PhD completion (viva + corrections).
How to Apply:
- Visit the IASH website (from 5 May 2026 onwards).
- Prepare cover letter, CV, and research proposal.
- Submit application online before 31 July 2026
Any questions?
Please contact [email protected]
