Chevening British Library Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded UK Research Fellowship Opportunity

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Summary

The Chevening British Library Fellowship is a fully funded 12-month research placement in the UK designed for mid-career professionals, researchers, and academics. Hosted at the British Library, the fellowship supports individuals from selected regions to contribute to research, cultural heritage, and global knowledge exchange while gaining international experience and professional development.

Fellowship Name

Chevening British Library Fellowship 2026

Host Institution

British Library
In partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Chevening Programme)

Level of Study / Experience

• Mid-career professional fellowship

• Research and academic development programme

Value / Benefits

• 12-month fully funded placement at the British Library

• Covered living expenses

• Return economy airfare to the UK

• Allowance for fellowship-related activities

• Up to £1,000 for approved project-related expenses

• Access to world-class research collections and professional networks

Fellowship Tracks / Themes

1. Overseas Territories Fellowship (Atlantic & Caribbean)

Focus:

• Improving representation of British Overseas Territories in library collections

• Eligible countries/territories include:

  • Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands

  • Falkland Islands, Montserrat, St Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands

2. Southeast Europe Fellowship

Focus:

• Enhancing catalogue records of Southeast European collections

• Creating research outputs and accessible guides

• Eligible countries:

  • Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova

  • Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a mid-career professional, researcher, or academic

• Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries/territories listed under each fellowship track

• Demonstrate relevant expertise aligned with the fellowship theme

• Show leadership potential and commitment to knowledge exchange and research

Selection Criteria

• Professional and academic experience

• Quality and relevance of proposed research/project

• Contribution to cultural heritage or knowledge systems

• Leadership potential and ability to build international collaboration

• Alignment with the fellowship theme and British Library priorities

Application Process

• Submit an application through the official Chevening fellowship portal

• Provide:

  • Personal and professional details

  • Statement of purpose/research proposal

  • Evidence of academic or professional experience

  • References (as required)

Duration

• 12 months (full-time fellowship in the UK)

Number of Awards

• 2 fellowships total (1 per programme track)

Additional Notes

• Fellows will work closely with experts at the British Library

• The programme promotes international collaboration and cultural exchange

• Fellows contribute to research outputs, catalogue improvements, and knowledge sharing

• Strong focus on the global representation of underrepresented regions in library collections

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Chevening British Library Fellowship 2026