Are you an early-career researcher seeking to broaden your academic horizons while contributing to global development? The British Council Research Fellowships 2025 at the University of Edinburgh offer a fully funded opportunity for scholars from ODA-eligible countries to conduct postdoctoral research in the UK.
Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), this fellowship is part of the British Council’s 90th anniversary celebration and aims to support impactful, internationally relevant research.
British Council Research Fellowships 2025 at the University of Edinburgh
The British Council Research Fellowships 2025 program provides a 12-month research placement at the University of Edinburgh, specifically through IASH, a world-renowned hub for interdisciplinary studies in the humanities and social sciences. Fellows will spend 10 months in the UK conducting academic research, followed by 2 months in their home country for dissemination and policy engagement.
This initiative not only supports the individual researcher but also fosters long-term global knowledge exchange, capacity building, and academic diplomacy. It is expected that successful applicants will return to their home countries equipped with new research insights, professional networks, and broader influence in shaping local and international policies.
British Council Research Fellowship 2025 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Destination | University of Edinburgh (IASH) |
| Fellowship Type | Postdoctoral Research (12 months) |
| Funded By | British Council |
| Eligible Applicants | Researchers from ODA-eligible countries |
| Fellowship Value | Fully Funded (Stipend, Travel, Research Support) |
| Start Date | January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | July 28, 2025 |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, On-Site + Home Dissemination |
| Academic Institution | Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) |
What Is the British Council Research Fellowship All About?
The British Council Research Fellowship is more than just an academic grant; it is a strategic effort to develop future research leaders from the Global South. By connecting scholars with the academic resources of the University of Edinburgh, the program encourages research on themes relevant to both the UK and the fellow’s home country.
The fellowship particularly targets individuals working on global issues such as education, international development, cultural relations, and language. These themes align with the British Council’s priorities and reflect the broader objective of using research to address complex societal challenges.
During their stay in Edinburgh, fellows will benefit from academic mentorship, access to extensive libraries, office facilities, and participation in weekly research seminars. After returning home, they will receive additional support to translate their findings into policy or public knowledge, ensuring the fellowship has both academic and societal impact.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be considered for the British Council Research Fellowships 2025 at the University of Edinburgh, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a national of an ODA-eligible country where the British Council operates.
- Academic Stage: Must be within seven years of completing a PhD.
- Research Focus: Proposed research must fall within the British Council’s priority themes.
- Previous Education: Applicants must not have studied in the UK or any other non-ODA country.
- Availability: Must be able to begin the fellowship in January 2026.
- Impact Potential: Demonstrated ability to carry out high-quality research with international relevance.
Preference will be given to scholars who can clearly articulate how their research will contribute to their home country’s development as well as global knowledge production.
Fellowship Benefits
This is a fully funded fellowship, and selected scholars will receive extensive support, including:
- Monthly Stipend: £2,500 per month for the 10-month residency in the UK.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy airfare between the fellow’s country and the UK.
- Research Infrastructure: Access to libraries, office space, internet, and email facilities at IASH.
- Academic Mentorship: Guidance from senior academics at the University of Edinburgh.
- Professional Development: Participation in weekly seminars, interdisciplinary workshops, and public lectures.
- Networking: Opportunities to collaborate with a global community of researchers.
- Dissemination Support: Funding for a two-month knowledge-sharing initiative in the fellow’s home country.
These benefits are structured to ensure that researchers can focus on their work without the distraction of financial constraints, while also enabling them to maximize the societal impact of their research.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit a complete application package through the IASH portal. The following materials must be prepared:
- Completed Application Form (via IASH online system)
- Detailed Research Proposal (maximum 2,000 words), aligned with British Council themes
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter explaining the relevance of the research to the British Council’s objectives
- Two Academic Recommendation Letters from supervisors or professional referees
It is advised that all documents be labeled, concise, and submitted in English. Any incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Review the Program Guidelines
Carefully read the official details available on the British Council and University of Edinburgh websites. Pay attention to the thematic focus areas, eligibility, and submission format.
Prepare the Application Materials
Draft your research proposal, write your cover letter, and gather your academic references. Make sure your CV is updated and aligned with international academic standards.
Submit the Application
Complete the online application form via the IASH fellowship portal before the deadline on 28 July 2025. Late applications will automatically be disqualified.
Await Notification
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. They may be invited for interviews or asked to submit additional documentation. Final decisions are made by a selection panel composed of British Council and IASH representatives.
Research Focus Areas
Research proposals must address one or more of the British Council’s strategic priority areas. These include:
- Education, Arts, and the English Language
- International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
- Peacebuilding and Development Policy
- Intercultural Dialogue and Global Cooperation
- Knowledge Exchange and Academic Collaboration
The program seeks interdisciplinary research that can bridge cultural divides, enhance mutual understanding, and contribute to long-term global development.
Why Choose the University of Edinburgh and IASH?
- Academic Prestige: The University of Edinburgh ranks among the top universities globally and has a strong reputation for humanities and social sciences research.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: IASH is known for its vibrant academic environment, bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines and countries.
- Historical Legacy: Founded in 1582, the University has been a hub for enlightenment thinking and progressive scholarship.
- Strategic UK Location: Edinburgh offers a rich cultural, intellectual, and political setting for globally minded researchers.
- Global Impact: Fellows join a legacy of research that influences academic, governmental, and civil society sectors across the world.
For further details and to apply, visit the official IASH fellowship page on the University of Edinburgh website. Early preparation is strongly advised, as the selection process is highly competitive and requires a strong, focused application
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the British Council Research Fellowship 2025?
Applicants must be early-career researchers from ODA-eligible countries who have completed their PhD within the past seven years.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. All documents and interviews will be conducted in English. Applicants must be comfortable reading, writing, and presenting in English.
Can I choose any research topic?
Your research must align with the British Council’s thematic priorities, such as education, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Will accommodation be provided?
The stipend provided is intended to cover living expenses, including housing. The university does not directly provide accommodation.
What happens after the 10 months in the UK?
Fellows will receive a grant to implement a two-month dissemination project in their home country, sharing findings with policymakers, institutions, or the general public.
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