The British Council Research Fellowships for its 90th Anniversary provide a full 12-month research program for postdoctoral researchers from ODA-recipient countries. This fellowship is fully funded and run together with Edinburgh University’s IASH institute. Selected fellows will complete a 10-month research residency at IASH’s Edinburgh campus. They will receive a monthly payment of £2500 along with travel costs. They will also get a workspace access to libraries and guidance from academic mentors. The final 2 months of the fellowship will take place in the fellow’s home country where they will share knowledge and collaborate with the British Council.
Key Points:
- The program lasts 12 months total (10 months in Edinburgh 2 months at home).
- Funding includes £2500 per month plus travel costs.
- Open to postdoctoral researchers from ODA-recipient countries.
- Starts in January 2026.
- No application fees required.
- Focus on global teamwork and sharing expertise with possible visits to British Council offices.
British Council Research Fellowships Summary
| Fellowship In | UK |
| Available For | Internationals |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
| Fellowship Location | University of Edinburgh |
| Last Date to Apply | July 28, 2025 |
Also Check: Fully Funded Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2025
Fellowship Benefits
- Financial Support
- Monthly bursary of £2500 for all 12 months.
- Travel costs covered for the fellowship.
- Research Visit and International Exchange
- A 10-month research stay at the University of Edinburgh.
- Up to 2 months in the fellow’s home country to share knowledge and connect with local networks.
- Academic Environment
- Chances to join or organize workshops and academic events.
- Opportunities to create funded projects like conferences or discussions.
- Mentorship and Community Building
- Get a University of Edinburgh mentor who works in your research area.
- Weekly lunches with other fellows.
- Regular seminars to present and discuss new research ideas.
- Facilities and Resources
- Private office space provided.
- University email account set up for access.
- Full use of library resources and materials.
British Council Fellowship Objectives
- Increase awareness and practical use of data from British Council programs.
- Help develop skills and expertise for new researchers.
- Encourage collaboration and networking between British Council staff partners and academics.
- Include more diverse researchers often underrepresented in academic fields.
- Support the UK’s research goals and skill development plans.
- Create new knowledge.
- Build strong ongoing partnerships between UK and global researchers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from eligible ODA-countries are eligible for this felloiwship.
- Graduates before 2018 may apply if they took major career breaks after their doctorate.
- Must have a doctorate degree when applying.
- Should usually have graduated between 2018 and 2025.
- Applicants not yet graduated must submit official proof such as:
- Transcript
- Testamur
- Letter confirming completion or eligibility to graduate
- Proof must show the viva exam is done and thesis corrections are finished.
- Official graduation ceremony does not need to happen before applying.
Employment Restrictions
- Cannot have a permanent university job.
- Previous IASH Fellows are ineligible.
- Temporary or short-term academic roles applicants are eligible.
Career Breaks
- Time off for parental leave or gaps in academia will not count toward the 2018-2025 graduation window.
- Applicants with career breaks must include:
- Reason for the break
- How long the break lasted
Research Focus Areas
- International Development
- Cultural diplomacy
- Education
- Arts and culture
- International Relations
- Peace building
- English
- Soft Power
- Cultural relations
Required Documents
- Research proposal
- CV
- Confidential references (minimum two, maximum three)
- Application form
- Cover letter
Application Process for the British Council Research Fellowships
Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their application for the British Council Research Fellowships. Visit beow link for more details.
Apply Now For The British Council Research Fellowships 2025