British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 in UK | Fully Funded Research Fellowship
The British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 is now open for international researchers and scholars from eligible countries around the world. Hosted by the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, this fully funded fellowship celebrates the 90th anniversary of the British Council by promoting international academic collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and cultural exchange.
The fellowship is specially designed for researchers in humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies who wish to conduct independent research in one of the UK’s leading academic environments. Selected fellows will spend ten months in Edinburgh and an additional two months in their home countries working in collaboration with the British Council.
The programme will begin in January 2027 and provides full financial support, including a monthly stipend, travel expenses, research facilities, and networking opportunities.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Fellowship Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
- Programme Name: British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Fellowship
- Duration: 12 Months
- Programme Start Date: January 2027
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
About the Fellowship
The British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship supports advanced research projects in humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary academic fields.
The programme is organized in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Fellows become part of an international research community and gain access to university libraries, academic resources, workshops, seminars, and scholarly events.
The fellowship aims to encourage:
- International academic collaboration
- Cultural exchange and dialogue
- Interdisciplinary research partnerships
- Global scholarly engagement
- Long-term research cooperation with the British Council
Researchers from developing and emerging countries are especially encouraged to apply.
Degree Level
This opportunity is available at the fellowship and postdoctoral research level. It is intended for experienced researchers and scholars who already hold advanced academic qualifications.
Available Subjects
The fellowship supports research projects in a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- Literature
- History
- Politics
- Philosophy
- Media and Communication
Interdisciplinary research projects that combine multiple academic areas are also highly encouraged.
Fellowship Benefits
The British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 provides comprehensive financial and academic support for selected fellows.
Financial Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Monthly stipend of £2,500
- International travel expenses
- Research support and academic facilities
- Access to university libraries and archives
Academic and Professional Benefits
Fellows will also receive:
- Dedicated workspace and desk facilities
- Opportunities to participate in seminars and workshops
- Weekly fellows’ lunches and networking sessions
- Collaboration opportunities with British Council offices
- Access to global academic and research networks
- Mentorship and scholarly engagement opportunities
The fellowship allows researchers to fully focus on their projects without financial pressure.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must belong to countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). Some eligible countries include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Indonesia
Many other countries on the ODA-recipient list are also eligible.
Applicants should check the complete eligibility list before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must belong to an eligible ODA-recipient country
- Must hold a PhD degree or equivalent research experience
- Doctoral degree must be completed before applying
- Must demonstrate strong academic and research achievements
- Must propose an independent research project
- Must be available to stay in Edinburgh during the fellowship period
Researchers with interdisciplinary interests and international collaboration experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed research proposal
- Cover letter
- Two or three confidential reference letters
All documents should be carefully prepared and submitted before the application deadline.
Application Process
Candidates must apply online through the official IASH fellowship application portal.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Collect all required materials, including CV, references, and research proposal.
Step 2: Develop Research Proposal
Prepare a strong and clear research project related to humanities or social sciences.
Step 3: Complete Online Application
Fill out the official online fellowship application form carefully.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Materials
Submit all required documents through the online portal.
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
Complete the application process before 31 July 2026.
Why This Fellowship Is Important
The British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship is a major opportunity for researchers who want to expand their academic careers internationally.
The programme offers scholars the chance to work in a world-class academic environment while building research partnerships, cultural connections, and global academic networks.
For researchers in humanities and social sciences, this fellowship provides valuable time, resources, and institutional support to complete high-quality research projects.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2027 is 31 July 2026. Interested applicants should begin preparing their documents and research proposals early.