The fellowship provides substantial financial and academic support to selected researchers. Fellows receive a bursary of £2,500 per month for twelve months, helping cover living expenses during the fellowship period in the United Kingdom. In addition, the program covers travel expenses associated with participation in the fellowship.

Participants are provided with dedicated office space, University email access, and full library privileges at the University of Edinburgh. Fellows also receive mentorship from academic staff whose expertise aligns with their research interests. The program offers a supportive interdisciplinary environment where researchers can collaborate with scholars from different fields and regions around the world.

Fellows will participate in seminars, workshops, weekly fellows’ lunches, networking activities, and scholarly events organized by IASH. The fellowship also supports opportunities for fellows to organize academic workshops, colloquia, and research dissemination events. During the final phase of the fellowship, participants engage in knowledge exchange and dissemination activities within their home countries in partnership with the British Council.

Beyond the financial benefits, the fellowship offers significant professional development opportunities through international networking, policy engagement, cultural exchange, and long-term research collaborations with global scholars and British Council networks.

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships are open to early-career postdoctoral researchers based in eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates. Applicants must already hold a PhD or have successfully completed their viva examination and all required thesis corrections before the application deadline. Candidates should normally have completed their doctorate within the last seven years, although allowances are made for career breaks such as parental leave or other significant interruptions to academic work.

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic achievement and a clear research agenda related to the fellowship’s thematic priorities. Proposed research projects should connect to areas such as arts, education, English language studies, international development, peacebuilding, cultural relations, international diplomacy, or soft power. Research proposals are also expected to show relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice and demonstrate potential impact within the applicant’s home country or region.

The fellowship especially encourages applications from researchers who have not previously studied extensively in the United Kingdom or other non-ODA-recipient countries. Applicants should also demonstrate experience in engaging non-academic audiences such as policymakers, artists, practitioners, educators, or community stakeholders. Strong commitment to knowledge exchange and public dissemination of research findings is highly valued during the selection process.

Candidates must provide a detailed research proposal, curriculum vitae, cover letter explaining how their work supports the British Council’s objectives, and confidential academic references as part of the application process. Applicants are also encouraged to establish academic contacts within the University of Edinburgh before submitting their application.

The fellowship is open to applicants from eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates, including:

Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Cameroon, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Ukraine, and several other eligible countries listed by the British Council.

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity