Applications Are Open for Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship 2027/2028 for Mid-Career Professionals (Fully Funded to the United Kingdom)

Application Deadline: October 27, 2026 (12:00 UTC)

About the Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship. The fellowship is co-funded by the British Library and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is open to applications from mid-career professionals from Egypt, Palestine, and Sudan who have a strong interest in Coptic manuscript heritage and cultural collections. The British Library holds one of the world’s most significant collections of Coptic manuscripts, comprising hundreds of complete and fragmentary codices, as well as papyrus, parchment, and paper fragments documenting more than 1,500 years of Coptic history, theology, and literary culture. This internationally important collection provides unique insights into the history of Christianity, Egypt’s cultural heritage, manuscript production, and scholarly traditions. The fellowship will take place at the British Library, where fellows will work closely with Dr. Michael Erdman, Head of Asian and African Studies (interim), to lead a research project. Fellows will use their language skills, subject expertise, and professional experience to survey the British Library’s Coptic holdings, enhance catalogue records, investigate collection provenance, and develop new opportunities for public and community engagement.

Fellowship Duration

The duration of this fellowship is 12 months.

• Start: September 2027
• End: September 2028

Fellowship Opportunities

Fellows will have the opportunity to:

• Survey the British Library’s Coptic collections and identify gaps in existing cataloguing and documentation
• Create and enhance catalogue records using manuscript evidence and existing metadata
• Research, document, and analyse the provenance of manuscripts to improve understanding of the history and acquisition of the collections
• Organise and contribute to events with Coptic community members and researchers
• Produce blogs, reports, and other outputs that raise awareness of the Library’s Coptic collections
• Contribute to public engagement activities that promote wider access to and understanding of Coptic heritage

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows will gain:

• Experience working with one of the world’s leading research libraries and cultural heritage institutions
• Opportunities to increase their international academic and professional profile
• Specialist experience in manuscript cataloguing, provenance research, and collections documentation
• Practical experience of planning and delivering community and public engagement activities around heritage collections
• The opportunity to contribute to the future accessibility and interpretation of a globally significant collection

Each fellowship also includes:

• 12-month period of project-based activity at the British Library
• Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
• Return economy airfare
• Allowance package for fellowship-related activities
• Up to £1,000 for approved project-related expenses

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to meeting the standard eligibility criteria, applicants must:

• Be citizens of Egypt, Sudan, or Palestine. Applicants should normally be resident in one of these countries. However, citizens of these countries who are resident elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa region in Chevening eligible, ODA-eligible countries (Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen) may also apply
• Demonstrate a clear intention to return to and contribute to their country of citizenship following the fellowship and must return there for at least one year after the fellowship ends
• Have a postgraduate level qualification (or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area) at the time of application
• Have significant professional and/or academic research experience (at least five years)
• Be currently employed or enrolled as a PhD candidate (PhD must not be with a UK/EU or USA university)
• Have excellent knowledge of Coptic (Sahidic or Bohairic), with knowledge of Arabic and/or Greek desirable
• Have good written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate research findings effectively
• Have experience of cataloguing and handling manuscript collections, with knowledge of manuscript description standards
• Have experience of provenance research and documentation, or a demonstrable interest in this area
• Have experience of working with heritage communities or delivering engagement activities related to cultural heritage collections

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals from Egypt, Palestine, and Sudan to work with one of the world’s most significant collections of Coptic manuscripts. By contributing to cataloguing, provenance research, and public engagement, fellows play a vital role in preserving and promoting Coptic cultural heritage for future generations. For professionals with expertise in Coptic language, manuscript studies, and cultural heritage, this fellowship offers:

• A 12-month funded fellowship at the British Library
• Hands-on experience in manuscript cataloguing, provenance research, and collections documentation
• Opportunities to engage with Coptic communities and researchers
• Professional development and an enhanced international profile
• The chance to contribute to a globally significant collection

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here

For More Information: Visit the Official Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship Page