The applications are now open for the prestigious British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 at the University of Edinburgh. This fully funded postdoctoral fellowship is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers from eligible countries to conduct advanced research in the United Kingdom.
The fellowship is being offered through a partnership between the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Selected fellows will spend 12 months working on research projects connected to arts, education, English language, cultural relations, international development, peacebuilding, and soft power.
Applicants will receive a monthly bursary of £2,500, travel expenses, academic mentoring, office space, and library access during the fellowship period.
Fellowship Overview
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Edinburgh |
| Fellowship Type | Postdoctoral Research Fellowship |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Fellowship Start Date | January 2027 |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
Financial Benefits
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship offers the following benefits:
- Monthly bursary of £2,500
- Travel expenses coverage
- Desk space and office facilities
- Full library access
- Academic mentoring and networking opportunities
- Participation in a vibrant international research community
- Knowledge exchange opportunities with the British Council in fellows’ home countries
Fellows will spend the first 10 months at IASH in Edinburgh and up to 2 months in their home countries for dissemination and knowledge-sharing activities.
Eligible Fields of Research
Research proposals should align with the British Council’s strategic priorities, including:
- Arts and Culture
- Education
- English Language
- International Relations
- Cultural Diplomacy
- Peacebuilding
- International Development
- Soft Power
- Cultural Relations
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that contribute to policy, practice, or stakeholder engagement in their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027, applicants must:
- Be based in an eligible ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
- Hold a PhD qualification
- Have completed their viva/doctoral defense before the application deadline
- Be within seven years of completing their PhD
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential
- Show experience engaging with non-academic audiences or stakeholders
Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously studied in the UK or another non-ODA-recipient country.
Eligible Countries
Applicants from the following countries are eligible:
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine, Türkiye, and many other ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic background and research achievements
- Quality and relevance of the research proposal
- Potential contribution to British Council objectives
- Experience with public engagement and knowledge exchange
- Long-term impact and dissemination plans
The assessment panel will include staff from the British Council and the University of Edinburgh.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 5 May 2026 |
| Online Q&A Webinar | 26 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Selection Results | End of September 2026 |
| Fellowship Begins | January 2027 |
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the official fellowship portal. Candidates should prepare a strong research proposal and cover letter explaining how their project aligns with the British Council’s objectives.
Official Application Link:
British Council Fellowship Page
Final Thoughts
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 in the UK provide an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their academic careers at one of the world’s leading universities. With generous funding, international networking opportunities, and access to top-tier academic resources, this fellowship is ideal for researchers interested in global development, cultural relations, and interdisciplinary research.
If you are eligible, make sure to apply before the deadline and prepare a compelling research proposal that demonstrates impact, innovation, and international collaboration.