Applications are now open for the prestigious British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026, hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. This is a fully funded, 12-month postdoctoral fellowship program aimed at early-career researchers from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates. If you’re passionate about research related to arts, education, English, or cross-cultural understanding—and eager to conduct work that supports peace, prosperity, and public diplomacy—this fellowship offers the ideal launchpad for impact-driven global scholarship.

British Council Research Fellowship – Overview

  • Host Country: United Kingdom
  • Host Institution: University of Edinburgh (Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities)
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Start Date: January 2026
  • Monthly Bursary: £2,500 (total £30,000 for the year)
  • Funding Includes: Travel support, accommodation guidance, library access, academic mentorship
  • Residency: 10 months in Edinburgh, followed by up to 2 months in home country for knowledge exchange
  • Application Deadline: 28 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)

Who Can Apply for Research Fellowships in UK?

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • Are a citizen of an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates (Click Here to Download the Full Countries List, Page 139)
  • Have been awarded a PhD between 2018–2025
  • Are not holding a permanent academic position
  • Have a strong academic background relevant to arts, education, international development, peace building, soft power, or cultural relations
  • Demonstrate commitment to knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement

Research Areas for Postdoc Jobs in UK

The fellowships support interdisciplinary research that aligns with the British Council’s strategic vision of building trust through:

  • Arts, culture, and education
  • English language research
  • International development and peace building
  • Cultural diplomacy and soft power
  • Knowledge exchange, policy engagement, and inclusive research collaborations

Postdoctoral Fellowship Objectives

Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed research:

  • Builds on or contributes to British Council programming and strategy
  • Supports the UK research agenda and global development goals
  • Engages non-academic stakeholders and policy influencers
  • Strengthens networks between UK and global researchers
  • Enhances visibility and application of British Council data, insight, and evidence

UK Research Fellowship Benefits

  • £2,500/month bursary for 12 months
  • Travel and relocation assistance
  • Dedicated research space, library access, and University of Edinburgh email
  • Mentorship from senior academics at the University
  • Participate in a weekly Fellows’ Lunch, seminar series, and workshops
  • Knowledge exchange with the British Council in the UK and home country

How to Apply for the Postdoctoral Position in UK

Follow the steps given below for successfully jobs application in UK

Step 1: Read the Requirements and Fellowship Details

Click Here to Check the Fellowships’ Requirements and Details

Step 2: Prepare the following documents as per the Postdoc Position required documents

  • A detailed CV
  • Research proposal (aligned with fellowship themes)
  • Cover letter explaining alignment with British Council objectives
  • 2–3 confidential reference letters, one confirming PhD completion

Step 3: Submit your application online by clicking on the following link for research jobs in UK

Click Here to Apply Online to Submit the Postdoctoral Application

Step 4: Keep reminding your referees to submit recommendation letters directly to the Director at iash@ed.ac.uk by the deadline.

Apply Now – British Council Research Fellowships 2026

Be part of an elite cohort of emerging global scholars in one of the most dynamic academic environments in the world. Conduct meaningful, policy-relevant research in Edinburgh and extend your impact through international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Apply Now – British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowships

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Muhammad Usman

Postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Science (formally Tokyo Tech).

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