Fully Funded British Council Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh 2026

Scholarships for International

In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the British Council, a prestigious research fellowship has been launched in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. This is a fully funded fellowship aimed at international postdoctoral researchers from countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA).

About the University

The University of Edinburgh is one of the most prestigious British universities. It hosts the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), which offers an outstanding research environment that welcomes scholars from all over the world and promotes innovation and intellectual exchange across multiple disciplines.

Fellowship Details

Funding Institution:
British Council, as part of a research partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, UK.

Host Institution:
Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), an academic institute affiliated with the University of Edinburgh. It is known for its interdisciplinary research environment and regularly hosts visiting scholars from around the world.

Duration:
The fellowship lasts for 12 months, from January 2026 to December 2026, divided into two phases:

10 months of full-time research residency at the University of Edinburgh.
1–2 months in the researcher’s home country to engage in knowledge exchange and dissemination of research results in collaboration with the British Council.

Funding:
Fully funded. The fellow will receive a monthly stipend of £2,500 throughout the 12-month period, in addition to:

Coverage of travel expenses.
A personal office space.
Access to university email.
Full access to university libraries.
Specialized academic supervision.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to researchers from ODA-eligible countries where the British Council operates. These include: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and others (the full list is available in the official announcement Here).

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Eligible Fields and Research Themes

The fellowship supports research projects that align with the British Council’s strategic goals, particularly in the following areas:

Arts
Education
English Language
International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
Peacebuilding and International Development
Cultural Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Projects must contribute to knowledge relevant to policy and development programs and have a measurable impact in the researcher’s home country.

Fellowship Objectives

To generate new knowledge that complements or supports the British Council’s data and programs.
To expand the British Council’s knowledge base by engaging researchers from underrepresented global regions.
To support the professional development of early-career international researchers.
To foster long-term collaborative networks between researchers and UK institutions.
To strengthen the British Council’s presence in global academic dialogues.

Fellowship Benefits

A 10-month research residency at the University of Edinburgh, followed by up to 2 months in the fellow’s home country for knowledge exchange and dissemination.
Monthly stipend of £2,500 for the full 12 months.
Dedicated office space, university email, and full library access.
Academic supervision by a scholar specializing in the fellow’s area of research.
Weekly communal lunch with other fellows to build a research community.
A series of internal research seminars to test new ideas and exchange academic insights.
A vibrant calendar of events, including lectures and cultural meetings
Opportunities to design and lead funded workshops and seminars within the institute.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD awarded between 2018 and 2025. Exceptions may be made for career breaks due to maternity leave or academic interruptions.
Applicants must not hold a permanent academic position or have previously held a fellowship at IASH.
Must be currently residing in an ODA-eligible country.
Must have a strong academic track record and experience engaging with non-academic audiences such as policymakers, artists, or local communities.
Must submit a well-developed research proposal with clear outcomes and expected impact in the applicant’s home country.

Required Documents

Online application form (submitted via the institute’s official website).
A motivation letter explaining how the proposed project supports the British Council’s objectives.
Curriculum Vitae.
A detailed research proposal.
A letter outlining any prior contact with scholars at the University of Edinburgh (if applicable).
At least two recommendation letters (one of which must confirm successful completion of the PhD Degree).

Timeline

Applications open: 29 April 2025
Online Information Session: 23 May 2025
Application Deadline: 28 July 2025 (11:59 PM UK time)
Results Announcement: End of August 2025
Fellowship Start Date: January 2026
Research Period in Edinburgh: January – October 2026
Knowledge Exchange in Home Country: November – December 2026

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Important Guidelines Before Applying

Unsupported Disciplines: This fellowship does not support research in pure sciences (chemistry, biology, mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc.). However, interdisciplinary projects that intersect with the humanities (e.g., history of science or medical humanities) may be considered.
Contacting a Researcher at the University of Edinburgh: Applicants must reach out to a faculty member at the University of Edinburgh before applying and secure their agreement to serve as a supervisor or main collaborator. This researcher’s name must be listed on the application form. Listing a researcher from another university will result in automatic disqualification. A formal support letter from the supervisor is not required.
Recommendation Letters: Referees must send their letters directly to [email protected] before the deadline. Applications without timely recommendations will not be considered.

How to Apply

Fill out the online application form available on the official website of IASH.
Prepare and upload the following:
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Clear and detailed research proposal
Referees must send recommendation letters directly to: [email protected].
- All documents must be complete and submitted by 28 July 2025.

Important Notes

The fellowship does not involve teaching duties, but participation in academic and intellectual activities is required.
The fellow’s main place of work must be in Edinburgh during the first 10 months.
Fellows are expected to submit a research report and a publication at the end of the program.
Early communication with researchers at the University of Edinburgh enhances the likelihood of acceptance.