The British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 is an important chance for international researchers to participate. Participants of this fully funded fellowship will be able to research at the University of Edinburgh for 12 months and then spend two months in their home country working with the British Council. The British Council’s 90th Anniversary presents this chance for you to participate in meaningful research touching on arts, culture, international topics and much more. The program will kick off in January 2026 and there is no charge to apply.
Overview
Participants in the British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 have a full year to work on research related to one of the following focus categories:
- The Arts
- Education
- English
- International Relations
- Soft Power
- International Development
- Peacebuilding
- Cultural Relations
- Cultural Diplomacy
For the first 10 months, fellows will be members of the IASH at the University of Edinburgh, carrying out their research projects. In the final two months of the fellowship, the British Council will help the fellow share and apply their research at home.
Additional Details
Apart from research funding, the fellowship also guarantees that fellows get to work at the University of Edinburgh, a top institution in humanities research. Fellows may use the library’s resources, find a workspace and join other researchers for Fellows’ Lunches on a weekly basis. Besides that, fellows have the opportunity to visit the British Council office, build connections and learn more about the organization.
Date
In January 2026, the British Council will launch the Anniversary Fellowship which runs for 12 months. Applicants need to complete their applications by July 28th, 2025, so it’s a good idea to send in your application early.
Country
This fellowship is held each year in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh in the UK. It’s a special opportunity to do research in a place highly valued for its culture, history and many achievements in learning and thought.
Funding
All important costs while on the British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship are fully covered, thanks to the fellowship. This includes:
- Please note: round trip coach airfare.
- Students will receive 2500 British Pounds every month to pay for living expenses.
- The IASH has desks for its research associates.
- Fellows are invited to network and exchange academic thoughts during weekly lunch events.
- Having workshops and coaching guidance through the British Council office.
- Accommodation allowance.
- Fellowship participants receive a recognition for successful completion of the program.
See More: https://opportunitiesnest.com/category/internships/
Advantages
Fellows will be able to make use of:
- All needed funds for research purposes are provided by the university.
- Connecting with global education leaders and believers in educational change.
- Wide research resources and the help of the University of Edinburgh and British Council are available to me.
- Engagement with British culture and profession through the fellowship’s involvement with the British Council where they live.
- Professional and personal progress as a member of worldwide academic and cultural groups.
Eligibility Criteria
Anyone applying for the British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Come from a country that has received aid from the ODA (a complete list of eligible countries is provided later).
- After application, you must have already received your doctorate (during the years 2018 to 2025).
- If the doctoral degree was awarded before the 2024 deadline, applicants should include details of any major breaks they have taken for personal reasons, saying why.
- If candidates have not finished their studies, they should submit results from their oral examination and all corrected changes to their thesis.
- Those interested should not have been permanently employed by a university.
- You can apply for an American Academy of Arts and Sciences fellowship unless you’ve had one before, but temporary or periodic academic job holders are eligible.
- When you take parental leave, the time you spend away isn’t counted against the seven years.
Required Documents
All applicants should upload the following paperwork:
- You need to complete the application on our website.
- A CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- An outline of your planned project and how it fits with the fellowship’s main goals.
- This is where you explain, in writing, what makes the applicant a right fit for the fellowship.
- No fewer than two and not more than three confidential academic or professional references are required.
How to Get Started
You can complete all the steps via our website. Candidates should finish the online form and send in their CV, research proposal, cover letter and confidential recommendation letters. You can access complete application guidance on the official website for the fellowship.
Deadline
British Council 90th Anniversary Fellowship applications are due by July 28th, 2025. The committee can only consider your application if it and all necessary paperwork are given before this date.
Apply Here: https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/british-council-90th-anniversary-research-fellowships
