British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027

British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 offer a fully funded postdoctoral research opportunity for early-career scholars from eligible ODA-recipient countries. The fellowship is jointly delivered by the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Furthermore, selected fellows receive a monthly bursary of £2,500, travel support, academic mentoring, and research facilities. Applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate research alignment with the British Council’s strategic priorities. The application deadline is 31 July 2026.

Programme Highlights

Particulars	Details
Opportunity Type	Fellowship
Organising Body	British Council and Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh
Mode	Hybrid
Duration	12 Months
Location or Platform	University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, with knowledge exchange activities in fellows’ home countries
Last Date to Apply	31 July 2026

About the Programme

The British Council promotes international collaboration, cultural relations, education, and knowledge exchange to build stronger global connections. Accordingly, the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships support emerging researchers whose work contributes to trust-building, international understanding, and sustainable development.

The fellowship is hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh, one of the United Kingdom’s leading interdisciplinary research centres. Through this partnership, fellows conduct advanced research while engaging with scholars, policy practitioners, and public audiences.

Furthermore, the programme combines academic excellence with practical knowledge exchange. Fellows spend ten months at the University of Edinburgh and may spend up to two months in their home countries to undertake dissemination activities, strengthen regional engagement, and expand the impact of their research.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

• Applicants must hold a PhD at the time of application.
• Applicants should normally have completed their doctorate within the previous seven years.
• Candidates awaiting formal graduation may apply if they provide proof of successful thesis completion and final corrections.
• Applicants must be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.

Experience & Other Conditions

• Applicants should be early-career postdoctoral researchers.
• Researchers who have taken parental leave or career breaks are eligible.
• Candidates must not have previously held a permanent university position.
• Applicants who previously held an IASH Fellowship are not eligible.
• Research projects must align with the British Council’s strategic priorities.
• Applicants should demonstrate commitment to knowledge exchange and public engagement.
• Candidates should show experience engaging policymakers, practitioners, or non-academic audiences.

Benefits & Funding

Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial and academic support throughout the fellowship period.

Component	Amount or Detail
Monthly Bursary	£2,500 per month for 12 months
Travel Support	Travel expenses covered
Research Residency	Ten months at the University of Edinburgh
Knowledge Exchange Period	Up to two months in home country
Office Space	Dedicated workspace at IASH
Library Access	Full University library access
University Email	Institutional email account
Academic Mentoring	Individual mentorship from a University mentor
Scholarly Activities	Access to workshops, seminars, and colloquia
Professional Networking	Engagement with international scholars and British Council staff
Teaching Requirement	No regular teaching duties

Selection Process

• Review of completed application form.
• Assessment of research proposal and supporting documents.
• Evaluation of alignment with British Council strategic priorities.
• Review of confidential references.
• Final selection based on academic merit, research quality, and knowledge-exchange potential.

How to Apply

1. Access the official fellowship application portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Prepare a research proposal aligned with the fellowship themes.
4. Upload a current curriculum vitae.
5. Submit a cover letter explaining the relevance of the proposed project.
6. Arrange at least two confidential references.
7. Ensure referees submit references directly before the deadline.
8. Contact relevant researchers at the University of Edinburgh where appropriate.
9. Review all information and submit the application online.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	Refer to official website
Application Start Date	Applications Open
Last Date to Apply	31 July 2026 (17:00 BST)
Fellowship Start Date	January 2027
Fellowship End Date	December 2027
Selection Notification	End of September 2026

Important Links

Resource	Link
Apply Online	Click Here
Official Website	Click Here

FAQs

Who can apply for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027?

Early-career postdoctoral researchers from eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates may apply if they meet the academic and research requirements.

What financial support does the fellowship provide?

Selected fellows receive a monthly bursary of £2,500, travel support, academic mentoring, office space, and access to university facilities.

What research areas are eligible?

Applicants may propose projects related to arts, education, English language studies, cultural relations, peacebuilding, international development, soft power, or cultural diplomacy.

How are candidates selected?

The selection committee evaluates applications based on research quality, academic achievement, alignment with fellowship objectives, references, and knowledge-exchange potential.

What is the application deadline for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027?

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 July 2026 at 17:00 BST.