About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The fellowship is designed to support international postdoctoral researchers conducting work aligned with the British Council’s mission of building trust, cultural relations, and international collaboration.
The programme awards up to two 12-month fellowships annually, providing selected researchers with an opportunity to conduct advanced research at the University of Edinburgh while engaging in global knowledge exchange activities.
Key programme highlights include:
12-month postdoctoral fellowship (January–December 2027 cohort)
Hosted at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)
Open to researchers from ODA-recipient countries
Focus on international collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and development research
Strong emphasis on knowledge exchange and policy relevance
Fellowship Structure and Duration
The fellowship is structured in two phases:
10 months of residential research at the University of Edinburgh
Up to 2 months of knowledge exchange and dissemination in the fellow’s home country
Fellows are expected to maintain active engagement with both the University of Edinburgh and the British Council throughout the programme.
Financial Support and Resources
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
Monthly bursary of £2,500 for 12 months
Travel expenses (as applicable)
Dedicated office space at IASH
University of Edinburgh email and library access
Academic mentoring from a subject specialist
Participation in seminars, workshops, and research events
Additional benefits include access to:
Weekly fellows’ lunch and networking sessions
Interdisciplinary seminars and work-in-progress presentations
Opportunities to co-design academic and public engagement events
Research Scope and Thematic Priorities
Research proposals must align with the British Council’s strategic priorities, including:
Arts and culture
Education and English language development
International relations and soft power
Peacebuilding and cultural diplomacy
International development and global cooperation
Applicants are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary research topics while ensuring outputs contribute to policy relevance and practical knowledge exchange, particularly in their home regions.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers who meet the following requirements:
Must be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
Must hold a PhD awarded within the last seven years (with allowances for career breaks)
Must not hold a permanent academic position
Must not have previously held an IASH fellowship
Must demonstrate ability to conduct research at postdoctoral level
Eligible countries include a wide range across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, such as:
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia
Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru
Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco
Ukraine, Serbia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan
And many others across ODA-recipient regions
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed by a joint panel from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council based on:
Academic quality and relevance of research background
Strength and originality of research proposal
Potential contribution to British Council objectives
Experience engaging non-academic stakeholders
Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination
Ability to build international research collaborations
Priority is given to proposals that strengthen global knowledge exchange and contribute to underrepresented research communities.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
Generate new research aligned with British Council evidence and strategy
Expand global research diversity and inclusion
Strengthen international academic and cultural networks
Support professional development of emerging researchers
Enhance collaboration between UK and international institutions
Improve visibility and use of research outputs in policy and practice
Application Timeline
The key dates for the 2027 fellowship round are:
Application portal opens: 5 May 2026
Webinar and information session: 26 May 2026
Application deadline: 31 July 2026 (17:00 BST)
Selection results announced: End of September 2026
Fellowship start date: January 2027
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
Completed application form
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Research proposal
Cover letter outlining alignment with British Council objectives
Two to three academic references
At least one reference must confirm completion of the applicant’s PhD viva examination.
All references must be submitted directly to the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities by the deadline.
How to apply