The Chevening British Library Fellowship has officially been relaunched, offering mid-career experts the chance to spend 12 months working with the British Library in the United Kingdom. This fellowship is for researchers interested in cultural heritage, archives, and international collaboration and who would like the opportunity to work with one of the world’s most renowned research libraries.
The fellowship is jointly supported by Chevening and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and aims to strengthen global research collaboration while bringing new perspectives to the British Library’s collections and archives.
Through this program, fellows will contribute research, develop resources that make collections more accessible, and help strengthen connections between the British Library and international communities.
About the Chevening British Library Fellowships
The relaunch introduces two distinct fellowship opportunities, each offering one fellowship place for qualified applicants. These fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals, academics, and researchers who want to contribute their expertise while engaging with the British Library’s extensive collections.
The fellowships provide a 12-month placement at the British Library, one of the world’s largest research libraries with collections spanning centuries of global knowledge and cultural heritage.
During the fellowship, participants will collaborate with curators, cataloguing specialists, and research staff to explore historical collections, conduct research projects, and develop outputs that help broaden access to these materials.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Chevening British Library Fellowship highlights the importance of international collaboration in preserving and understanding cultural heritage. By inviting researchers and professionals from around the world to work with its collections, the British Library aims to generate new insights, expand global research networks, and make historical materials more accessible.
Both Chevening and the British Library emphasize the long-term impact of these fellowships, aiming to create a global community of researchers and cultural leaders who continue to collaborate beyond the fellowship period.
For mid-career professionals interested in archives, cultural heritage, research, and international collaboration, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most important knowledge institutions.
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants can apply for one of the two available fellowships depending on their regional expertise and professional background.
1. Chevening Southeast Europe British Library Fellowship
This fellowship focuses on improving and expanding access to the British Library’s collections related to Southeast Europe. It is open to professionals from countries including:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Turkey
Fellows will work closely with the library’s Southeast European collections team to enhance catalog records, analyse collection data, and produce research outputs that help make these materials more accessible to scholars and the public.
The fellowship may include activities such as improving catalog metadata, writing research articles or blog posts, and producing collection guides that highlight the region’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
2. Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship
The second fellowship focuses on the representation of the British Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean within the British Library’s collections.
This opportunity is open to professionals from territories such as:
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Montserrat
- St Helena
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Fellows will work on projects aimed at redefining how the histories and cultural records of these territories are represented within the British Library.
Activities may include creating collection guides, preparing presentations for researchers and the public, and producing written content that highlights the significance of these collections.
What the Fellowship Covers
The Chevening British Library Fellowship offers a comprehensive support package designed to enable fellows to focus on their research and professional contributions.
Benefits include:
- Covered living expenses during the fellowship
- Return economy airfare to the UK
- Allowance for fellowship-related activities
- Up to £1,000 for approved project-related expenses
This financial support ensures fellows can fully engage with their research and collaboration activities throughout the program.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship lasts 12 months, allowing fellows to undertake in-depth research projects and contribute meaningfully to the British Library’s work.
The expected timeline is:
- Start date: January 2027
- End date: December 2027 or January 2028
During this period, fellows will work alongside library specialists and participate in research and knowledge-exchange activities.
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their application materials well in advance of the deadline. You can find these on the official Chevening Website.
Explore More Opportunities for Youth
Want to discover more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and global programs like this one? Visit Opportunities for Youth to explore more opportunities.
