Digital Education Council Postgraduate Research Fellowship
The Digital Education Council Postgraduate Research Fellowship is a research opportunity for postgraduate students who want to work on important topics in higher education, artificial intelligence, digital learning, public policy, and the future of work.
The fellowship is open to students who are currently studying in an MPhil or PhD programme at a university.
It is a remote fellowship, so selected fellows do not need to move to another country. Candidates from the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific can apply.
The fellowship offers a chance to work with the Digital Education Council research team and its global Working Groups.
Fellows will help with research, meetings, reports, and online discussions.
They will also work with university leaders, researchers, and other experts.
This makes the fellowship useful for students who want to build strong research and professional experience.
The role needs about 12 hours per week.
The minimum commitment is one year, with the possibility of an extension.
The position is also compensated, so selected fellows receive payment for their work.
During the fellowship, researchers can help create research-based reports and other useful resources.
Fellows may also be named as key contributors to Working Group final reports.
Applicants should have good English skills and be able to communicate clearly.
They should also be organised, reliable, active, and ready to work with senior academic and institutional stakeholders.
The application deadline is 14 September 2026.
This opportunity is especially suitable for postgraduate researchers who want to connect academic research with real problems in higher education.
About the Digital Education Council
The Digital Education Council (DEC) is a global community that works with universities, colleges, business schools, and other education providers.
Its main focus is the future of higher education, digital education, artificial intelligence, innovation, and changes in the world of work.
DEC brings education leaders and experts together to share ideas and develop practical solutions.
The Council works on topics that are becoming more important for universities around the world.
These topics include AI, digital learning, research, sustainability, leadership, governance, and workforce development.
DEC also provides research, reports, tools, events, and Working Groups for its members.
The organisation says that its global community includes more than 190 institutions.
Its Working Groups bring experts from member institutions together to study a specific issue.
The groups discuss challenges, share knowledge, and work toward a useful final output.
The Digital Education Council also works on AI in research.
Its AI in Research Working Group looks at how artificial intelligence is changing research in higher education.
It also considers research quality, research integrity, innovation, transparency, and responsible data use.
DEC also has a Teaching with AI Working Group.
This group looks at how AI can change teaching and learning and how universities can use AI in a useful and responsible way.
For postgraduate researchers, this environment can provide useful exposure to current issues in higher education.
It can also help researchers understand how academic research can be turned into practical ideas and resources.
Fellowship Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Remote / International |
| Host University | No host university |
| Host Organization | Digital Education Council (DEC) |
| Study Level | MPhil or PhD |
| Gender | All genders |
| Application Deadline | 14 September 2026 |
| Fellowship Type | Research Fellowship |
| Study Mode | Remote |
| Time Commitment | About 12 hours per week |
| Minimum Duration | 1 year |
| Extension | Possible |
| Compensation | Yes |
| Eligible Regions | Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific |
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Read Guide →What Does This Fellowship Offer?
- Paid fellowship role
- Remote work
- About 12 hours per week
- Minimum one-year role
- Possible extension
- Research experience
- Work with global experts
- Online Working Group experience
- Research report experience
- Academic networking
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project coordination skills
- Facilitation experience
- Practical research skills
- Contribution to final reports
- Experience with higher education issues
- Experience with AI-related topics
The fellowship is more than a research position.
Fellows can take part in real discussions with people working in higher education.
They can help prepare meeting materials.
They can also help collect and organise ideas from Working Group members.
One important benefit is the chance to contribute to a final publication or resource.
Fellows will be named as key contributors to Working Group final reports when applicable.
The role can therefore give students useful experience that may support future academic or professional work.
What Is Not Included in the Fellowship?
- No university degree
- No tuition fee waiver
- No campus accommodation
- No travel grant stated
- No flight support stated
- No relocation support stated
- No student visa support stated
- No housing support stated
- No guaranteed full-time job
- No guaranteed PhD admission
This fellowship should not be confused with a fully funded university scholarship.
It is mainly a research and professional fellowship role.
The available information states that the role is compensated, but it does not state a tuition scholarship or travel package.
Applicants should check the official application form for the latest payment and work conditions.
Who Can Apply?
- Current MPhil students
- Current PhD students
- Students enrolled at a university
- Researchers interested in higher education
- Researchers interested in AI
- Researchers interested in public policy
- Researchers interested in the future of work
- Applicants with strong English skills
- Good written English users
- Good spoken English users
- Organised applicants
- Reliable applicants
- Detail-focused applicants
- Applicants with project skills
- Applicants who can work remotely
You do not need to study in a specific country.
The fellowship welcomes candidates from the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific.
Your research interest should connect well with the work of DEC.
AI and higher education are especially relevant areas.
Applicants should also feel comfortable working with researchers, university leaders, and other senior stakeholders.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Applicants who are not studying in an MPhil or PhD programme do not meet the main academic requirement.
Students who are not currently enrolled at a university may not qualify.
Applicants who cannot commit around 12 hours each week may also find the role unsuitable.
The fellowship also requires strong English communication.
People who are not comfortable with written or spoken English may have difficulty with the role.
Applicants should also be ready to work for at least one year.
The role is remote, but remote work still requires good communication and time management.
What Documents Are Needed?
The exact application form should be checked before submitting your application.
Based on the fellowship requirements, applicants should be ready to provide information about their academic background and research interests.
Useful application materials may include:
- Academic background
- MPhil or PhD details
- University name
- Research area
- Research interests
- Academic CV
- Relevant experience
- English communication skills
- Project experience
- Research experience
- Interest in DEC Working Groups
- Contact information
- Answers to application questions
The application asks candidates to choose the DEC Working Groups that best match their research interests or experience.
Applicants can choose up to five Working Groups.
These include AI & Assessment, Teaching with AI, AI Ethics & Governance, AI in Research, ESG & Sustainability, Startups & Innovation, University Leadership, Future of Work, Rethinking Higher Education, AI & Digital Infrastructure, Digital & Online Learning, and Global AI Regulator.
Choose the groups that are closest to your research.
Do not simply choose topics because they sound popular.
Your choices should match your academic work and experience.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, make sure you are currently enrolled in an MPhil or PhD programme at a university.
Also check that your research interests match higher education, AI, public policy, future of work, or related areas.
Step 2: Prepare Your Information
Prepare your academic and research information before starting the application.
Have your university details, research area, experience, and other important information ready.
Step 3: Choose Your Working Groups
Select up to five DEC Working Groups that best match your research interests or experience.
Think carefully about your choices.
For example, a researcher working on AI and academic research may find AI in Research a strong match.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Enter your information carefully.
Answer each question clearly.
Use simple and direct English.
Show how your research and skills can help DEC Working Groups.
Final Step: Submit Before the Deadline
Check your answers before submitting.
Make sure all required information is complete.
Submit the application before 14 September 2026.
Do not wait until the last day if you can apply earlier.
Which Working Groups Can You Choose?
Applicants can select up to five areas.
AI & Assessment focuses on the use of AI in assessment and related higher education questions.
Teaching with AI looks at how AI can support teaching and learning.
AI Ethics & Governance focuses on responsible AI use, rules, and governance.
AI in Research looks at the role of AI in academic research, research quality, integrity, and innovation.
ESG & Sustainability focuses on sustainability and related issues in higher education.
Startups & Innovation explores innovation and new ideas in education.
University Leadership focuses on leadership and institutional change.
Future of Work looks at how work is changing and what education needs to do.
Rethinking Higher Education looks at new ways to understand and improve higher education.
AI & Digital Infrastructure focuses on technology and infrastructure needed for AI and digital education.
Digital & Online Learning focuses on online education and digital learning.
Global AI Regulator is designed for applicants with an interest in higher education regulation.
Choose the topics that are closest to your own research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Digital Education Council Postgraduate Research Fellowship?
It is a research fellowship for current MPhil and PhD students.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Current MPhil and PhD students at universities can apply.
Is this a fully funded scholarship?
No. It is a compensated research fellowship, not a university scholarship.
Is the fellowship remote?
Yes. The role is remote.
How many hours per week are required?
The role requires about 12 hours per week.
How long is the fellowship?
The minimum commitment is one year.
Can the fellowship be extended?
Yes. The role may be extended.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. The fellowship role is compensated.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 14 September 2026.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Candidates from the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific are welcome.
Do I need to study at a specific university?
No specific host university is listed.
What degree level is required?
You should currently be enrolled in an MPhil or PhD programme.
What research areas are suitable?
Higher education, AI, public policy, future of work, and related areas are suitable.
How many Working Groups can I select?
You can select up to five Working Groups.
Will fellows contribute to research publications?
Yes. Fellows support research publications and Working Group final reports.
Will fellows work with university leaders?
Yes. Fellows may work with Working Group Chairs, senior leaders, and delegates from DEC member institutions.
Do I need strong English?
Yes. Good written and spoken English is required.
Does the fellowship pay tuition fees?
No tuition fee support is stated in the fellowship information.
Does it provide travel support?
No travel support is stated.
Can I work from my home country?
Yes. The role is remote, and candidates from several global regions are welcome.
Apply on the Official Website
Applications should be submitted through the official Digital Education Council application process.
Check the official application page carefully before submitting your form.
Always confirm the deadline, eligibility rules, compensation details, and application requirements on the official website before applying.
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