The Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for mid-career professionals from Egypt, Palestine, and Sudan to undertake a 12-month research and professional development fellowship at the British Library in the United Kingdom. Co-funded by the British Library and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the fellowship focuses on Coptic manuscript heritage, collections documentation, provenance research, cataloguing, and community engagement. Applications are open until 27 October 2026 at 12:00 UTC. Fellowship Overview The fellowship will run from September 2027 to September 2028 and will be hosted at the British Library in London. The successful fellow will work closely with Dr. Michael Erdman, Head of Asian and African Studies (interim), to lead a research project focused on the Library’s Coptic collections. The British Library holds one of the world’s most significant collections of Coptic manuscripts, including complete and fragmentary codices as well as papyrus, parchment, and paper fragments documenting more than 1,500 years of Coptic history, theology, literature, and cultural heritage. The fellowship provides an opportunity to improve the discoverability and documentation of these collections while contributing to their scholarly and public interpretation. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals from Egypt, Palestine, and Sudan with substantial academic or professional experience related to Coptic heritage, manuscripts, cultural collections, or a relevant field. Applicants should normally be resident in Egypt, Palestine, or Sudan. Citizens of these countries who are resident elsewhere in eligible ODA-eligible countries in the Middle East and North Africa region may also qualify. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to return to their country of citizenship and contribute there following the fellowship. They are required to return for at least one year after completing the fellowship. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the standard Chevening Fellowship eligibility requirements and must also: Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area. Have at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience. Be currently employed or enrolled as a PhD candidate. PhD candidates must not be studying at a UK, EU, or US university. Have excellent knowledge of Coptic, specifically Sahidic or Bohairic. Have knowledge of Arabic and/or Greek, which is desirable. Demonstrate strong written and spoken English. Have experience cataloguing and handling manuscript collections and knowledge of manuscript description standards. Have experience in provenance research and documentation or demonstrate a strong interest in the field. Have experience working with heritage communities or delivering engagement activities related to cultural heritage collections. Fellowship Activities The successful fellow will undertake a project designed to strengthen the documentation, accessibility, interpretation, and public engagement surrounding the British Library’s Coptic collections. Key activities may include: Surveying Coptic holdings and identifying gaps in cataloguing and documentation. Creating and enhancing catalogue records using manuscript evidence and existing metadata. Researching and documenting manuscript provenance and acquisition histories. Supporting events involving Coptic community members and researchers. Producing blogs, reports, and other materials that increase awareness of the collections. Contributing to public engagement initiatives that promote access to and understanding of Coptic heritage. The fellowship also provides opportunities to work with the London Diocese of the Coptic Orthodox Church, supporting meaningful engagement between the Library and heritage communities. Funding and Benefits The Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship provides substantial financial and professional support. The fellowship includes: A 12-month project-based placement at the British Library. Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship. Return economy-class airfare. An allowance package for approved fellowship-related activities. Up to £1,000 for approved project-related expenses. Professional experience at a leading international research library and cultural heritage institution. Opportunities to expand international academic and professional networks. Specialist experience in manuscript cataloguing, provenance research, and collections documentation. Practical experience in community and public engagement. An opportunity to contribute to the long-term accessibility and interpretation of an internationally significant collection. Applicants from Palestine should note that the FCDO cannot arrange or facilitate travel to the United Kingdom. Successful fellows will therefore need to make their own travel arrangements, potentially through third countries. Why This Fellowship Is Valuable The fellowship combines advanced research experience with practical training in one of the world’s leading cultural heritage institutions. It is particularly valuable for professionals working in Coptic studies, manuscript research, libraries, museums, archives, cultural heritage, history, theology, or related fields. Beyond academic development, fellows will gain practical experience in provenance research, cataloguing, digital and public scholarship, and engagement with heritage communities. The experience can strengthen their international professional profile while enabling them to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of Coptic heritage. How to Strengthen the Application Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their professional or academic background and the objectives of the fellowship. Strong applications should clearly explain their experience with Coptic manuscripts, heritage collections, provenance research, or community engagement. Applicants should also demonstrate how their proposed work could improve access to the British Library’s Coptic collections and how the knowledge and experience gained in the United Kingdom will contribute to their professional work and their home country after the fellowship. Evidence of relevant research, cataloguing, heritage engagement, publications, projects, or community initiatives can help demonstrate suitability for the programme. Application Deadline The application deadline for the Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship is: 27 October 2026 at 12:00 UTC The fellowship is scheduled to begin in September 2027 and conclude in September 2028. How to Apply Eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official Chevening application system before the stated deadline. Applicants should carefully review the standard Chevening Fellowship eligibility requirements and the specific requirements for the British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship before submitting an application. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.