The British Council Research Fellowships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh offer an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers from developing countries to gain valuable research experience at a world-class institution. As part of the British Council’s 90th anniversary celebration, this prestigious program provides a fully funded 12-month fellowship that combines academic research with international knowledge exchange. Applications are open until July 28, 2025, for positions starting in January 2026.
Table of Contents
- What Are the British Council Research Fellowships?
- Benefits of the British Council Research Fellowships
- Eligibility Requirements
- Research Focus Areas
- Application Process
- Selection Criteria
- Fellowship Timeline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which countries are eligible for the fellowship?
- Do I need to have completed my PhD to apply?
- What language proficiency is required?
- Can I bring family members during the fellowship?
- Conclusion
What Are the British Council Research Fellowships?
The British Council Research Fellowships represent a research partnership between the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Established to commemorate the British Council’s 90th anniversary in 2024, this fellowship program aims to foster international academic collaboration and support promising researchers from developing nations.
For the 2026 cycle, two 12-month fellowships will be awarded to postdoctoral researchers based in Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries where the British Council operates. The program follows a unique structure, with fellows spending:
- Ten months conducting research at the University of Edinburgh’s IASH
- Two months in their home countries focusing on knowledge exchange and dissemination
This arrangement ensures that research benefits flow both to the scholar and back to their home communities, creating lasting international connections and knowledge transfer.
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Benefits of the British Council Research Fellowships
The British Council Research Fellowships provide comprehensive support to successful applicants, offering both financial assistance and professional development opportunities:
| Benefit | Details |
| Monthly Stipend | £2,500 per month for 12 months (£30,000 total) |
| Travel Expenses | Roundtrip airfare between home country and Edinburgh |
| Workspace | Dedicated office space at IASH |
| Library Access | Full access to the University of Edinburgh’s libraries and digital resources |
| Academic Mentoring | A University mentor from the fellow’s research area |
| Professional Development | Weekly Fellows’ Lunch, work-in-progress seminars, networking events |
| Research Opportunities | Chance to participate in and design workshops and colloquia |
Additionally, fellows will engage with the British Council throughout their fellowship period, including potential visits to UK offices and time at a British Council office in their home country during the knowledge exchange phase.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the British Council Research Fellowships, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Early-career status: Applicants must be within seven years of completing their PhD (factoring in career breaks)
- Location requirement: Must be based in an ODA recipient country where the British Council operates
- Qualifications: Must be qualified to undertake postdoctoral-level research
- Research alignment: Proposed research should align with the British Council’s vision of “a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust” and support their strategic priorities
The program particularly values candidates who can serve as bridges between the UK and their home countries, contributing to international cooperation and mutual understanding.
Research Focus Areas
The British Council Research Fellowships support research aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. Successful proposals typically focus on one or more of these areas:
- Arts and Culture: Cultural relations, creative industries, artistic exchange
- Education: Educational policy, international education systems, educational development
- English Language: Language policy, English teaching methodologies, multilingualism
- International Relations: Soft power, cultural diplomacy, peace building
- Cultural Relations: Cross-cultural understanding, international cooperation
The fellowship program aims to generate new knowledge that complements the British Council’s existing data and evidence, diversify their knowledge base, support capacity building for researchers from ODA countries, and foster long-term connections between UK and international researchers.
Application Process
Applying for the British Council Research Fellowships requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to submit a competitive application:
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the IASH application portal to fill out the required information
- Prepare Your Research Proposal: Develop a clear, focused research proposal that aligns with the British Council’s objectives
- Request References: Secure 2-3 confidential references, including one that certifies your PhD completion
- Write a Cover Letter: Draft a letter explaining how your fellowship would support the British Council’s program objectives
- Submit Additional Documents: Email any supporting materials to [email protected]
Important Deadline: All application materials, including references, must be received by July 28, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
Applications for the British Council Research Fellowships are evaluated by a joint assessment panel from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council. The selection committee considers:
- Academic Background: Research experience and academic record relevant to the program’s thematic focus
- Research Proposal Quality: Clear potential to support the British Council’s objectives
- Public Engagement Experience: Demonstrated ability to engage non-academic audiences and stakeholders
- Knowledge Exchange Commitment: Clear plan for disseminating research findings beyond academia
- Long-term Impact Potential: Likelihood of creating lasting networks and partnerships
The committee seeks candidates who will not only produce excellent research but also serve as effective ambassadors between their home countries and the UK.
Fellowship Timeline
The British Council Research Fellowships follow this schedule:
- Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
- Selection Decisions: By end of August 2025
- Fellowship Start at IASH: January 2026
- IASH Residency Period: January 2026 – October 2026 (10 months)
- Knowledge Exchange Phase: November 2026 – December 2026 (2 months)
This is part of a three-year partnership (2025-2027) between the British Council and the University of Edinburgh. The 2025 fellows have already been selected: Dr. Anthea Moys and Dr. Viktoria Bavykina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are eligible for the fellowship?
Applicants must be based in an Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient country where the British Council has operations. This includes most countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Do I need to have completed my PhD to apply?
Yes, these are postdoctoral fellowships. Applicants must have completed their PhD and be within seven years of receiving their doctorate (between 2018 and 2025, with allowances for career breaks). One reference letter should certify the successful defense and final examination of your PhD thesis.
What language proficiency is required?
While no specific language test is required, fellows will need sufficient English proficiency to engage effectively in research, seminars, and collaborative activities at the University of Edinburgh.
Can I bring family members during the fellowship?
The fellowship stipend is designed for the individual researcher. While dependents are not prohibited, no additional funding is provided for family members. Fellows would need to make their own arrangements for family visas and additional accommodations if needed.
Conclusion
The British Council Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh represent an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers from developing countries to advance their careers while contributing to international academic collaboration. With a generous stipend, comprehensive support, and a unique structure that combines UK-based research with home country knowledge exchange, these fellowships offer both personal development and broader societal impact.
For eligible researchers with interests aligned with the British Council’s strategic priorities, this program provides not just funding but a platform to become part of a global network of scholars addressing pressing international challenges. Interested applicants should prepare their materials carefully and submit before the July 28, 2025 deadline.
For more information, visit the British Council fellowship webpage or the IASH University of Edinburgh website.
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