The British Council has announced the opening of applications for the Disability Inclusion Partnerships 2026 program. This program provides funding of up to £25,000 for joint projects between universities in the UK and Uzbekistan aimed at expanding the inclusivity of people with disabilities in higher education.
The initiative supports practical and research projects that promote the integration of persons with disabilities in higher education. According to the terms, relevant institutions from the UK must collaborate with organizations from 10 participating countries, including Uzbekistan.
Participating institutions are required to study the existing barriers faced by people with disabilities and develop sustainable practical solutions. Each joint project is eligible to apply for up to £25,000.
Applications must be submitted jointly by a British university and an Uzbek partner. The British institution acts as the lead applicant and must have the authority to award degrees, while the Uzbek university must meet the criteria outlined in the program guide.
Grant funds can be used for conducting research, needs assessment, applied studies, content development, and training management, staff, and students on inclusion issues. However, funds cannot be spent on purchasing technology or physical equipment.
The funded projects are designed for 17 months and will commence on January 1, 2027. Joint applications are submitted by the lead British institution through the Good Grants online platform. Questions regarding the application process are accepted until September 11, 2026, and the final deadline for submissions is September 21, 2026, at 11:00 BST.
The British Council noted that this initiative aligns with the organization's global efforts to protect the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. Citing data from the World Health Organization, the organization emphasized that approximately 1.3 billion people, or about 15% of the world's population, have significant disabilities.
The British Council is a UK international organization dedicated to cultural relations and educational opportunities, operating in the fields of art, culture, education, and the English language in over 200 countries and territories. Between 2024 and 2025, its global audience reached 600 million people.