British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships offer a great chance for early-career researchers. These fellowships take place at the University of Edinburgh in 2027. They support researchers from certain countries to work on projects in arts, education, and English language. The program runs through a partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, or IASH. Applications close on July 31, 2026.

Program Overview

This is a three-year partnership from 2025 to 2027. It awards 12-month postdoctoral fellowships to international early-career researchers. Fellows start in January 2027. They spend the first ten months at IASH in Edinburgh. Then, they have up to two months back in their home countries. During that time, they focus on sharing knowledge and results with the British Council.

The fellowships aim to build connections in areas like international relations, soft power, development, peace building, cultural relations, and diplomacy. Research must link to British Council priorities in arts, education, and English language. This setup helps researchers grow their work and networks.

Key Benefits

Fellows receive strong support during their time in Edinburgh and beyond. The program provides a bursary of £2,500 per month for all 12 months. This covers living costs and research needs.

Participants get a dedicated office space at IASH. They also have a University of Edinburgh email and full library access. Each fellow is paired with a mentor whose expertise matches their research topic.

The Institute offers weekly lunches to help build a community among fellows. There is a seminar series where fellows can share work-in-progress ideas. Fellows can join or even lead funded workshops and events. A full calendar of activities keeps everyone engaged.

After the ten months in Edinburgh, the home-country phase focuses on sharing findings. This includes work with local audiences, policymakers, or practitioners through British Council networks.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must live in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council works. ODA stands for Official Development Assistance, which covers many developing nations. You need a PhD completed within the last seven years. This counts career breaks like parental leave or time away from academia.

You cannot have held a permanent university job or a past IASH fellowship. Short-term or temporary roles are fine. If you took time off for family or other reasons, explain it briefly. It will not count against the seven-year limit.

Research topics must fit British Council goals. These include arts, education, English language, and cross-cutting themes like cultural diplomacy or peace building.

How Applications Are Reviewed

A panel from the University of Edinburgh and British Council scores entries. They look at your background and record first. It should match the program’s themes.

Your research proposal must show clear links to British Council aims. Panels value experience reaching non-academic groups, like policymakers, artists, or the public.

They also check your plans for sharing knowledge. This should continue after the fellowship, using new networks and insights.

Strong applications stand out by showing real-world impact and commitment to exchange.

Application Process

Start by filling out the online form on the IASH website. You need a CV and a research proposal. Write a cover letter too. Explain how the fellowship supports British Council goals.

Provide two to three confidential references. Ask your referees to send them to the IASH Director at [email protected] by July 31, 2026. Late references mean your application gets rejected.

One referee must confirm your PhD defense and final exam. Others should cover your proposal quality and skills.

Apply here: IASH Application Form. For full details, check the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships page.

Deadlines matter, so prepare early. Gather documents and contact referees soon. This fellowship can boost your career with funding, mentorship, and global reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships?

These are 12-month postdoctoral fellowships for early-career researchers from ODA-recipient countries. They focus on arts, education, and English language projects at the University of Edinburgh’s IASH starting in January 2027.

Who is eligible to apply?

You need a PhD completed within the last seven years, live in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council works, and have research linking to their priorities. No permanent university jobs or past IASH fellowships allowed.

What benefits do fellows receive?

Fellows get a £2,500 monthly bursary, office space, library access, a mentor, and events at IASH. They also have two months to share knowledge in their home country via British Council networks.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

Submit an online form with CV, research proposal, cover letter, and references via the IASH website. Applications close on July 31, 2026, and late references will reject your application.