The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2025 offers two 12-month, fully funded postdoctoral positions at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh. Early-career researchers from ODA-recipient nations have a rare chance with the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2026 to complete a 12-month postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Edinburgh. The British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) are working together on this totally sponsored research programme.
With a monthly scholarship of £2,500, travel expenses, academic mentoring, and complete access to university facilities, the initiative seeks to support creative research matched with British Council themes like international development, peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, and education. Apply online by 28 July 2025 if you are an early-career scholar based in an ODA-eligible Commonwealth or British Council country.
Why British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2025?
| Advantage | Value |
|---|---|
| Fully funded 12-month post-doc | £2,500/month bursary + travel |
| Global networking | Work with British Council + IASH scholars |
| Knowledge-exchange phase | 2 months in home country, BC office support |
| High-impact research | Outputs feed British Council cultural-relations strategy |
Fast Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host | Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh |
| Fellowship length | 12 months (Jan 2026 – Dec 2026) |
| Cohort size | 2 early-career fellows |
| Eligible countries | Any ODA-recipient nation where the British Council operates |
| Monthly bursary | £2,500 + return travel |
| Application window | Now – 28 July 2025 (23:59 BST) |
| Keyword density target | 6–8 natural uses of “British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships” |
Programme Benefits
| Phase | Duration | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential research | 10 months (Jan–Oct 2026) | IASH, Edinburgh | Library & archive access, weekly seminars, mentor pairing |
| Knowledge exchange | Up to 2 months (Nov–Dec 2026) | Fellow’s home country | Public talks, workshops with British Council office |
| Capstone | Dec 2026 | Hybrid | Final symposium + policy brief |
Additional perks
- Desk, IT & UoE library card
- Academic mentoring & grant-writing workshops
- Optional visit to British Council UK headquarters
- Alumni network and profile on BC research portal
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship & residence: Must reside in an ODA-eligible country where the British Council operates.
- Career stage: Awarded a PhD within the last seven years (on or after 1 Jan 2019).
- Discipline: Humanities, arts, social sciences, or interdisciplinary projects linked to British Council cultural-relations themes (education, English, arts, society).
- English proficiency: Demonstrated ability to write/present research in English.
- Availability: Full-time commitment Jan–Dec 2026, including Edinburgh residency.
Key Dates & Timeline
| Date | Milestone | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 28 July 2025 | Application deadline | Submit online form + docs |
| 19–30 Aug 2025 | Longlist review | IASH + BC panel scoring |
| 2–5 Sep 2025 | Zoom interviews | 30-min presentation + Q&A |
| 16 Sep 2025 | Final offers | Accept within 10 days |
| Oct-Nov 2025 | Visa & relocation | CAS issued by UoE |
| 12 Jan 2026 | Fellowship begins | Orientation at IASH |
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Download the Fellowship call PDF from IASH.
- Prepare a 1,500-word research proposal outlining
- Objectives & questions
- Methodology & sources
- Alignment with British Council priorities
- Planned knowledge-exchange outputs
- Write a 2-page CV focusing on publications & impact.
- Secure two reference letters (PDF, signed, on letterhead).
- Compile a cover sheet with personal data, country, and PhD date.
- Convert all files to PDF ≤ 5 MB and submit via the IASH online form.
There is no application fee, and you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
Required Documents Checklist
- ✅ Online form (IASH portal)
- ✅ 1,500-word proposal
- ✅ 2-page academic CV
- ✅ 2 reference letters
- ✅ PhD certificate scan
- ✅ Passport photo page scan
Selection Criteria & Review Process
| Criterion | Weight | What Reviewers Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Research excellence | 35 % | Originality, rigour, feasibility |
| Relevance to BC themes | 25 % | Alignment with arts, education, society goals |
| Impact & dissemination plan | 20 % | Public-engagement clarity, ODA benefit |
| Career development need | 10 % | Fellowship fit for early-career stage |
| Diversity & regional balance | 10 % | Ensuring geographical spread |
Panels comprise IASH academics and British Council research leads; top 6 candidates interview for 2 places.
Five Tips to Strengthen Your Bid
- Quantify impact: Show expected beneficiary numbers or policy reach.
- Cite BC strategy docs: Reference 2024-27 Cultural Relations Framework.
- Embed ODA relevance: Explain poverty reduction or SDG links.
- Use the keyword smartly: Include “British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships” in the proposal intro & conclusion for clarity and SEO.
- Pilot engagement plan: Pre-secure a local museum, NGO, or school for post-fellowship outreach.
Conclusion
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2025 place you at one of the UK’s leading humanities institutes while funding a year of globally relevant scholarship.
Action Checklist
- Draft your 1,500-word proposal by 30 June 2025.
- Collect reference letters and certificates early.
- Submit your application by 28 July 2025 (no extensions).
- Prepare a crisp 5-slide pitch for September interviews.
- Plan Edinburgh relocation for January 2026.
Execute these steps and the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2025 could accelerate your research—and your impact—on the global stage. Good luck!
