Chevening British Library Fellowship 2026–2027 in the UK (Fully Funded)

The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship is a prestigious professional fellowship that allows mid-career researchers and professionals to work at the British Library in the United Kingdom.

The fellowship is jointly funded by the Chevening Programme, the British Library, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It offers a unique opportunity for experts to engage with one of the world’s largest research libraries and contribute to projects related to the cultural heritage of British Overseas Territories.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Institution: British Library
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Fellowship Duration: 12 months
• Fellowship Period: January 2027 – December 2027
• Program Type: Professional research fellowship
• Funding: Fully funded

The fellowship allows one selected fellow to conduct a project focusing on the representation and documentation of British Overseas Territories within the British Library’s collections.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides a comprehensive financial package for selected candidates.

• Living expenses for the entire fellowship period
• Return economy airfare to the United Kingdom
• Allowance for fellowship-related activities
• Up to £1,000 for approved project expenses
• Opportunity to work with world-class archival collections

Participants also gain access to professional development opportunities and international academic visibility.

Fellowship Activities

During the fellowship, participants will complete several research and outreach activities.

• Create a collection guide on British Overseas Territories materials
• Write two research blog posts
• Deliver presentations for library staff and public audiences
• Produce a report on the cultural and educational landscape of the territories

These outputs help strengthen the representation of Caribbean and Atlantic Overseas Territories within global research collections.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens and residents of the following British Overseas Territories.

• Anguilla
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands
• Montserrat
• St Helena
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

• Be a citizen of one of the eligible Overseas Territories
• Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Have at least five years of academic or professional experience
• Demonstrate strong research and communication skills
• Have knowledge of the history or culture of one or more Overseas Territories

Applicants should also be currently employed or enrolled in a PhD program outside the UK, EU, or USA.

Application Deadline

• Application Deadline: 15 May 2026 (12:00 UTC)

Successful candidates will begin their fellowship at the British Library in January 2027.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Chevening British Library Fellowship is a unique opportunity for professionals working in humanities, cultural heritage, and research to collaborate with one of the world’s most important knowledge institutions.

By exploring and documenting collections related to British Overseas Territories, the fellowship helps improve global understanding of Caribbean and Atlantic history, culture, and identity while strengthening international research collaboration.