The British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications for an exceptional, fully funded research opportunity at the University of Edinburgh. Marking the British Council’s 90 years of global engagement, this year-long fellowship offers international scholars a chance to undertake meaningful, interdisciplinary research in one of the UK’s top academic environments.
The program is hosted at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), a renowned academic hub within the University of Edinburgh. The fellowship runs for 12 months, with the first 10 months based in Scotland and the final 2 months completed in the participant’s home country in collaboration with the British Council.
This is a fully funded opportunity, open to postdoctoral researchers from ODA-eligible countries, and aims to foster global collaboration in cultural relations, education, diplomacy, and development.
British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 Details
- Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
- Organized by: British Council
- Duration: 12 months (10 months in Edinburgh, 2 months in home country)
- Start Date: January 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
Why Apply British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship?
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to:
- Conduct impactful, globally relevant research
- Build lasting academic and cultural ties with the UK
- Contribute to international policy discussions on development and diplomacy
- Gain access to a world-class academic environment and professional networks
- Influence future generations through collaborative British Council outreach
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and institutional support to carry out their proposed research. Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of £2,500 to cover living expenses
- Return travel costs to and from the UK
- Access to library and research facilities at the University of Edinburgh
- Workspace at IASH for the duration of the fellowship
- Weekly networking lunches with other resident fellows
- Field visits to British Council offices to strengthen collaborative ties
Also Check: UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2025 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)
Areas of Research Focus
Applicants are encouraged to propose interdisciplinary projects aligned with the British Council’s mission. Priority topics include:
- Arts and Culture
- Education and Language
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Cultural Policy and Cultural Relations
- Soft Power and Global Engagement
- Peacebuilding and Development
- Social Inclusion and Intercultural Dialogue
These focus areas reflect the UK’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and global cooperation through scholarly exchange and research-led policy development.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers who meet the following criteria:
- Must be a national of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient country.
- Must have been awarded a PhD between 2018 and 2025.
- Earlier graduates may be eligible if they can demonstrate significant career breaks (e.g., maternity leave, caregiving).
- Must not currently hold a permanent academic position.
- Applicants must not have held this same fellowship before.
- Must be able to commit to the full 12-month program.
- Candidates who have successfully completed their viva and submitted final corrections may also apply.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of an ODA-eligible country. A few examples include:
- Africa: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina
- Middle East: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen
- Europe & Central Asia: Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Kosovo
Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Online application form (available via the IASH portal)
- Updated CV (maximum four pages)
- Detailed research proposal aligned with the fellowship focus areas
- Cover letter outlining motivation and relevance of the research
- Two to three confidential letters of reference
Note: All documents must be submitted in English and uploaded before the deadline.
Application Process
To apply for the British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official IASH application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Ensure your referees submit confidential letters directly via the portal.
- Submit your application no later than 28 July 2025.
Applicants are advised to begin early to allow time for collecting references and preparing a strong research proposal.
