Applications are currently being accepted for the Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship 2027–2028. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship
The Chevening British Library Coptic Collections 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 you will work closely with Dr. Michael Erdman, Head of Asian and African Studies (interim) to lead a research project.
You will use your 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.
Benefits of Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship
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.
Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship 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.
Application Date and Process
- 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.
Application Deadline
27 October, 2026
Opportunity Application
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Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship
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