British Council Research Fellowships 2026: Fully Funded University of Edinburgh Fellowship for Early-Career Researchers
Overview
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026 let early-career postdoctoral researchers from eligible Official Development Assistance (ODA)-recipient countries carry out research at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. The fellowship is delivered through the British Council and the university's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), and it supports international research collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional development.
It lasts 12 months. Fellows spend about 10 months in Edinburgh, and the remaining time goes to knowledge exchange and dissemination activities in their home country or region.
What you get
Fellows receive a bursary of £2,500 per month for 12 months, travel support, office space, library access and an institutional email account. They can take part in IASH seminars, workshops, colloquia and other research events, and can identify an academic mentor or collaborator in Edinburgh.
Who can apply
The fellowship is for early-career postdoctoral researchers based in eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates. Applicants should have a doctoral degree, generally awarded within the previous seven years, with career breaks such as parental leave taken into account. Those who have passed their doctoral examination but are awaiting graduation may be considered with evidence of completion. Researchers with permanent university positions are not the target group. Eligible countries have included Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others.
Research areas include arts, education, English language, international development, international relations, peacebuilding, cultural relations and cultural diplomacy. The programme values research relevant to development challenges and collaboration with non-academic stakeholders.
Requirements
Applicants generally provide a research proposal covering objectives, methodology and expected outcomes, explain why Edinburgh suits the work and name potential academic connections, and supply a CV, cover letter and references. Evidence of engagement with non-academic audiences strengthens an application.
Key dates
For 2026, applications opened in May and closed on 31 July 2026.