British Council Launches University Inclusion Grants

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The British Council has opened applications for the Disability Inclusion Partnerships 2026 program, providing up to £25,000 in grant funding for collaborative projects between UK and Uzbek universities aimed at expanding disability inclusion in higher education, according to the British Council.

The program supports research and practical initiatives to promote inclusion for persons with disabilities in the higher education sector. Under the initiative, eligible UK higher education institutions will partner with organizations across 10 participating countries, including Uzbekistan.

Participating institutions are required to examine existing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and develop practical, sustainable solutions. Each joint project partnership is eligible to receive up to £25,000.

Applications must be jointly prepared by a UK university and an Uzbek partner institution. The UK institution serves as the lead applicant and must possess degree-awarding powers, while the Uzbek university must satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Grant funds may be allocated toward conducting research, needs assessments, applied studies, content development, and disability awareness training for leadership, staff, and students. However, funding cannot be used to purchase technologies or physical equipment.

Funded projects will run for a 17-month duration starting 1 January 2027.

Joint applications must be submitted by the lead UK institution via the Good Grants online platform. Clarification questions regarding the application process may be submitted until 11 September 2026, with the final application deadline set for 21 September 2026 at 11:00 a.m. British Summer Time (BST).

The British Council noted that the initiative aligns with its global efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Citing World Health Organization data, the organization highlighted that approximately 1.3 billion people, or about 15% of the global population, experience significant disability.

The British Council is the UK's international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, operating across arts, culture, education, and the English language in more than 200 countries and territories. Between 2024 and 2025, its global audience reached 600 million people.