2025 British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh for Developing Countries Including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and More
To mark its 90th anniversary, the British Council has launched a prestigious research fellowship programme in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. This unique initiative offers two fully funded 12-month postdoctoral fellowships to exceptional early-career researchers from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates — including Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and many others.
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This is part of a three-year initiative (2025–2027), and the upcoming cohort will begin their fellowships in January 2026.
When is the Application Deadline:
28 July 2025 at 23:59 UK time
Tell Me About The Award:
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships are prestigious postdoctoral opportunities for early-career researchers from eligible ODA-recipient countries. Offered in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, the fellowship supports research aligned with the British Council’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous world built on trust.
Fellows will conduct research for 10 months in Edinburgh, followed by 2 months of knowledge exchange activities in their home countries.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Research proposals should relate to:
- Arts, Education, and English Language
- International relations and soft power
- International development and peacebuilding
- Cultural relations and cultural diplomacy
Projects must align with the British Council’s strategy and ODA policy or practice.
Type:
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD (awarded between 2018 and 2025, with exceptions for career breaks)
- Be early-career researchers
- Be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
- Not hold a permanent university position or have previously held an IASH Fellowship
- Show a strong commitment to research, knowledge exchange, and public engagement
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Relevance and quality of the research proposal
- Alignment with British Council objectives
- Academic background and professional experience
- Evidence of stakeholder engagement
- Commitment to dissemination and collaboration
Applications are assessed by a panel from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌐 Full List of Eligible Countries (Selected)
Africa:
- Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, South Sudan, Namibia, Sierra Leone
Asia & Middle East:
- India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories
Others:
- Ukraine, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Georgia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Where will the Award be Taken?
- 10 months at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh, UK
- Up to 2 months in the Fellow’s home country for knowledge exchange
How Many Awards?
2 Fellowships will be awarded for the 2025–2026 cycle.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- £2,500 monthly bursary (for 12 months)
- Travel expenses covered
- Office space, email, and library access
- Academic mentorship from University of Edinburgh
- Weekly seminars and scholarly networking
- Opportunity to engage with British Council teams in the UK and home country
- Participation in events, workshops, and colloquia
How Long Will the Award Last?
12 months total:
- January to October 2026 in Edinburgh
- November to December 2026 in the Fellow’s home country
How to Apply:
- Complete the application form
- Prepare:
- Cover letter (detailing how your research supports British Council objectives)
- CV
- Research proposal
- 2–3 academic references (one must confirm successful PhD viva)
- Ensure all materials, including references, are submitted by the deadline.
- Email supporting documents to iash@ed.ac.uk
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/british-council-90th-anniversary-research-fellowships
