Applications are now open for the prestigious British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 at University of Edinburgh. This fully funded international fellowship is offered in partnership between the British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) to celebrate the British Council’s 90th anniversary.
The fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for researchers and scholars from developing countries to conduct independent research in the United Kingdom while engaging with an international academic community. Fellows will receive full financial support including a monthly stipend, travel expenses, library access, academic mentoring, and opportunities for professional collaboration.
The British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship is designed to support research projects that align with the British Council’s mission of building “a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust.” Researchers working on globally relevant themes and innovative academic projects are highly encouraged to apply.
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About the British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship
The fellowship is hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, one of the world’s leading research universities. The program aims to strengthen international academic collaboration while supporting impactful research connected to social development, global understanding, education, culture, and policy.
Selected fellows will become part of the vibrant scholarly community at IASH and engage in interdisciplinary discussions, seminars, and research activities. The program also provides opportunities to collaborate with the British Council and participate in knowledge exchange activities during and after the fellowship.
This international fellowship is ideal for researchers seeking global exposure, academic networking opportunities, and the chance to conduct research in a world-class institution in the UK.
Fellowship Overview
Host Country
- United Kingdom
Host Institution
- University of Edinburgh
Partner Organization
- British Council
Fellowship Type
- Fully Funded Research Fellowship
Fellowship Duration
- 10 Months in Edinburgh
- Up to 2 Months in Home Country for Knowledge Exchange
Application Deadline
- July 31, 2026
Financial Benefits
The British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded opportunity that provides comprehensive support to selected fellows.
Monthly Stipend
Fellows will receive:
- £2,500 per month
The stipend helps cover:
- Living expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Daily needs during the fellowship period
Travel Expenses
The fellowship covers:
- International travel expenses to and from the UK
Academic Resources
Selected fellows will receive:
- Desk space at IASH
- Full library access
- Academic mentoring and support
- Access to scholarly events and seminars
Additional Benefits
Participants will also benefit from:
- Weekly lunches and networking opportunities
- Engagement with British Council offices
- Opportunities for knowledge exchange activities
- Collaboration with international researchers and scholars
Fellowship Structure and Duration
The fellowship is structured in two phases:
Phase 1: Research Residency in Edinburgh
Fellows will spend the first ten months conducting research at IASH in Edinburgh.
During this period, participants will:
- Work on independent research projects
- Participate in seminars and academic discussions
- Engage with the IASH scholarly community
- Collaborate with experts and researchers
Phase 2: Knowledge Exchange
The final two months may be spent in the fellow’s home country focusing on:
- Research dissemination
- Community engagement
- Collaboration with local British Council offices
- Knowledge-sharing activities
This structure encourages both international collaboration and local impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements for the British Council Fellowship 2027:
Eligible Countries
- Applicants must be from ODA-recipient developing countries.
Academic Qualification
- Candidates should hold a PhD degree or equivalent research experience.
Research Background
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic and research background.
Research Proposal
- Candidates should propose an independent and original research project aligned with the fellowship objectives.
Residency Requirement
- Applicants must be able to spend the fellowship period in Edinburgh, UK.
Researchers from various academic disciplines are encouraged to apply if their research aligns with the fellowship’s mission and goals.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Cover letter
- Confidential reference letters (minimum two, maximum three)
Applicants are advised to prepare all documents carefully and ensure that their research proposals clearly explain:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Relevance to the fellowship theme
Why You Should Apply
The British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship offers much more than financial support. It provides a transformative academic and professional experience for researchers from developing countries.
Benefits of participating include:
- Conducting research at a leading UK university
- Access to world-class academic resources
- Building international research collaborations
- Receiving academic mentoring
- Expanding professional networks
- Engaging with policymakers and global scholars
The fellowship also enhances academic profiles and creates opportunities for future international collaborations and research projects.
About IASH at the University of Edinburgh
The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) is a renowned interdisciplinary research center at the University of Edinburgh. IASH hosts scholars from around the world and supports innovative research across humanities and social sciences disciplines.
The institute provides:
- Academic mentoring
- Collaborative research opportunities
- Public lectures and seminars
- Interdisciplinary networking
- A supportive intellectual environment
How to Apply for the British Council Fellowship 2027
The application process is online through the official IASH fellowship portal.
Application Steps
- Visit the official fellowship webpage.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit confidential references.
- Review the application carefully before submission.
Applicants should ensure their research proposal aligns with the British Council’s mission and demonstrates academic excellence and social relevance.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 is:
- July 31, 2026
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 at the University of Edinburgh is an outstanding opportunity for scholars and researchers from developing countries seeking fully funded international research experience. With generous financial support, academic mentoring, and opportunities for global collaboration, the fellowship provides an ideal platform for impactful research and professional growth.
Researchers interested in conducting independent research in the UK while contributing to global understanding and social development should strongly consider applying for this prestigious fellowship.
For official details and application information visit:
University of Edinburgh IASH Fellowship Portal
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential.