Are you an early-career researcher from a developing country looking for a chance to advance your work in arts, education, or English language studies? The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh 2027 offer a great opportunity. This program supports 12-month postdoctoral fellowships for researchers from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council works. Applications close on July 31, 2026, and fellowships start in January 2027.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
These fellowships come with strong support to help you focus on your research. You get a bursary of £2,500 per month for the full 12 months. The first ten months take place at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Then, you spend up to two months back in your home country to share your findings with local groups through knowledge exchange.
Other perks include a dedicated office space, a University email account, and full library access. You also receive a mentor from the University whose expertise matches your research area. The program builds community with weekly lunches for fellows and a seminar series to share work-in-progress ideas. Plus, you can join or help plan workshops and events at the Institute.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must live in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates. You need a PhD completed within the last seven years, counting any career breaks like parental leave. Your research should link to British Council priorities in arts, education, English language, or cross-cutting areas like international relations, soft power, development, peace building, cultural relations, or diplomacy.
You cannot have held a permanent university job or a prior IASH fellowship. Short-term or temporary roles are fine. If you took time off for family or other reasons, explain that briefly; it does not count against the seven-year limit.
How Applications Are Assessed
A panel from the University of Edinburgh and British Council reviews submissions. They look for a strong research or professional background that fits the program’s themes. Your proposal must show clear links to British Council goals. Panel members check your experience reaching out to non-academic groups, such as policymakers, artists, or the public.
They also value a plan for sharing knowledge during and after the fellowship. This includes using networks built through your time in Edinburgh.
Application Steps and Requirements
Start by filling out the online application form on the IASH website. Submit your CV and a research proposal. Add a cover letter that explains how the fellowship advances British Council objectives.
You need two to three confidential references. Ask your referees to send them directly to the IASH Director at [email protected] by July 31, 2026. Without references by the deadline, your application will not move forward. One referee must confirm your PhD defense and final exam.
Apply here: IASH Application Form. For full details, check the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships page. This three-year partnership runs from 2025 to 2027, so act soon to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships?
You can apply if you live in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council works, have a PhD completed in the last seven years, and your research links to arts, education, English language, or related areas.
What benefits do the fellowships offer?
Fellows receive a £2,500 monthly bursary for 12 months, office space, library access, a mentor, and chances to share work through seminars and events.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on July 31, 2026, and fellowships start in January 2027.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Fill out the online form on the IASH website with your CV, research proposal, cover letter, and arrange two to three references sent directly to [email protected] by the deadline.
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