The British Council is pleased to announce the 2025 Going Global Partnerships Seed Fund for Student Mobility. This funding opportunity supports existing UK-China higher education partnerships with grants of up to £10,000 to enhance internationalisation capacity, deepen UK students’ understanding of China, and foster enduring collaboration beyond the life of a single project. Publication date is 12 December 2025, with applications due by 2 February 2026, 09:00 GMT.

Overview and Objectives

The Going Global Partnerships Seed Fund for Student Mobility is designed to strengthen existing UK-China higher education collaborations by enabling targeted activities that build institutional capacity and international engagement. Through funded activities, partnerships can expand internationalisation efforts in Chinese partner institutions, enhance UK students’ exposure to China, and share Britain’s experiences in hosting international visitors. The initiative also emphasizes innovation and the creation of long-term, sustainable partnerships that endure beyond any individual project cycle. These aims align with broader goals of mutual learning, cross-cultural exchange, and strategic collaboration between UK and Chinese higher education institutions.

• Purpose: Support existing UK-Chinese partnerships to advance internationalisation and collaboration.
• Outcomes: Increase Chinese partner capacity, deepen UK student understanding of China, share UK hosting expertise, and foster durable partnerships.
• Scope: Seed funding to enable targeted activities within ongoing partnerships.
• Impact horizon: Focus on long-term benefits that endure beyond the lifetime of any single project.

Eligibility and Funding Details

Eligible applicants are all UK universities with an existing partnership (or partnerships) with one or more Chinese universities. This ensures that activities supported by the seed fund directly build on established collaborations and contribute to shared strategic objectives. Grants are capped at £10,000, allowing institutions to undertake focused, high-impact initiatives within their existing agreements.

• Open to: All UK universities with an existing partnership with one or more Chinese universities.
• Maximum grant value: £10,000.
• Publication date: 12/12/2025.
• Application deadline: 02/02/2026, 09:00 GMT.

Application Process and Timeline

Applicants should prepare to apply through the British Council China platform, following the official call documentation. The process is designed to be accessible via online submission while ensuring that all proposals align with existing UK-Chinese partnerships and the seed fund’s objectives. It is important to download all call documentation before applying, as applications will be submitted via the online grants platform after registration.

• How to apply: Download all call documentation and apply via the British Council China website.
• Submission platform: Applications submitted through the online grants platform (registration required).
• Deadline: 02 February 2026, 09:00 GMT.
• Key actions: Ensure registration on the grants platform and submit complete documentation by the deadline.

Briefing Session and Support

To facilitate understanding of the seed fund, an online briefing session will be held on 18 December at 09:00 GMT. This session provides essential guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and scoring criteria, and it offers an opportunity to ask questions. Attendees can join live or request a recording if they register in advance.

• Online briefing: 18 December, 09:00 GMT.
• Registration: Register at least one day in advance to attend or receive a recording.
• Registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/s1rphwB3mV
• Recording availability: Recording provided to registrants who cannot attend live.

For additional information or clarifications, institutions may contact the program team at PartnershipFund@britishcouncil.org.cn. This email serves as a direct channel for those seeking guidance on eligibility, documentation, and submission procedures.

Contacts and Support

Direct inquiries related to the seed fund, eligibility, and application requirements should be directed to the dedicated partnership fund contact. The British Council team remains available to assist universities in preparing strong proposals, aligning project ideas with the fund’s objectives, and navigating the application process. Prompt responses to queries help ensure applicants meet all formal requirements and maximize their chances of success.

• Primary contact: PartnershipFund@britishcouncil.org.cn
• Support focus: Eligibility clarification, documentation requirements, submission process, and general guidance.

Related Opportunities

Beyond the seed fund, several related opportunities are highlighted to support UK-China educational collaboration and regional partnerships. These opportunities offer formats such as consultancy, events, and conference participation, enabling institutions to extend their international engagement and build broader networks. Interested organizations may consider aligning upcoming activities with these related opportunities to maximize impact and visibility within the international education community.

• International Consultancy: HE and STI in Viet Nam — Short-term consultancy for skilled workforce development and university excellence in Viet Nam. Location: Vietnam, East Asia. Date: 10/12/2025.
• ISPF partnership development event in KSA — Invitation for UK researchers to connect with counterparts in Saudi Arabia in February 2026. Location: Saudi Arabia, UK. Regions: Middle East & Africa, United Kingdom. Date: 09/12/2025.
• Speaking opportunity at 2026 Study UK China Agents Conference — UK higher education institutions invited to join panel discussions and presentations. Location: China, East Asia. Dates: 04/12/2025 – 29/12/2025.

For ongoing updates, institutions are encouraged to subscribe to the British Council’s newsletter to receive the latest announcements, opportunities, and event notices related to international partnerships and mobility programs. By staying connected, universities can identify synergistic chances to advance shared goals in UK-China collaboration.