Chevening Overseas Territories British Library Fellowship Program

Deadline: 15-May-2026

The Chevening Overseas Territories British Library Fellowship is a fully funded 12-month program for mid-career professionals from select British Overseas Territories. Hosted by the British Library and supported by Chevening, it focuses on heritage research, library collections, and cultural representation. Fellows gain funding, access to rare archives, and opportunities to contribute to global research and policy.

Overview

The Chevening Overseas Territories British Library Fellowship is a prestigious research and professional development opportunity hosted by the British Library.

It is designed for mid-career professionals from British Overseas Territories to contribute to the preservation, research, and representation of cultural heritage materials.

Key Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Identify and promote heritage materials related to British Overseas Territories
• Review historical and current library collecting practices
• Strengthen representation of Caribbean and Atlantic territories in global archives
• Inform future library and archival strategies

Key Focus Areas

Fellows will work on:

• Heritage and archival research
• Library collection development and management
• Legal deposit and web archiving practices
• Cultural and educational landscape analysis

What the Fellowship Offers

Financial Support

• Full living expenses for 12 months
• Return economy airfare
• Allowance for fellowship-related activities
• Up to £1,000 for approved project expenses

Professional Benefits

• Access to rare and primary source materials
• Opportunity to contribute to international publications
• Engagement with global researchers and experts
• Enhanced academic and professional profile

Optional Activities

Fellows may also:

• Host digital public events livestreamed to their territories
• Present research at academic or professional conferences

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Countries/Territories

Applicants must be citizens and residents of:

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

Professional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have at least 5 years of relevant professional or research experience
• Be mid-career professionals in humanities or library-related fields
• Be currently employed or enrolled in a PhD program (outside the UK, EU, or USA)

Academic and Skills Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience
• Strong background in:
  • Humanities research OR
  • Library collections and management
• In-depth knowledge of the history or culture of at least one territory
• Advanced research and communication skills
• Proficiency in computer tools (including Excel)

Why This Fellowship Matters

This fellowship plays a key role in:

• Preserving underrepresented cultural heritage
• Improving global access to archival materials
• Strengthening research capacity in Overseas Territories
• Ensuring inclusive and accurate historical representation

It also builds long-term collaboration between territories and global institutions.

How the Fellowship Works

Program Structure

1. Placement at the British Library for 12 months
2. Research and analysis of heritage materials
3. Review of collection and archiving practices
4. Contribution to publications and reports
5. Optional public engagement and dissemination activities

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm eligibility (citizenship, experience, qualifications)
2. Prepare application materials:
   • CV or professional profile
   • Research proposal or statement of interest
   • Evidence of experience and expertise
3. Highlight:
   • Knowledge of Overseas Territories history/culture
   • Research or library experience
   • Proposed contribution to the fellowship
4. Submit application through the official Chevening platform

What to Emphasize

• Strong research focus and originality
• Relevance to heritage and archival work
• Clear contribution to British Library objectives
• Communication and dissemination plans
• Long-term impact of your work

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate deep knowledge of your territory’s heritage
• Show clear alignment with library and archival priorities
• Provide evidence of past research or professional achievements
• Propose practical and impactful outputs
• Highlight your ability to engage wider audiences

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak connection to heritage or archival work
• Lack of clarity in research proposal
• Insufficient professional experience
• Generic or unfocused application
• عدم alignment with fellowship objectives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Chevening Overseas Territories Fellowship?

It is a fully funded research fellowship hosted by the British Library.

2. How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship lasts for 12 months.

3. What does the funding cover?

Living expenses, airfare, activity allowance, and up to £1,000 for project costs.

4. Who can apply?

Mid-career professionals from eligible British Overseas Territories.

5. Is a PhD required?

No, but applicants must have significant professional or research experience.

6. What is the focus of the fellowship?

Heritage research, library collections, and cultural representation.

7. Can fellows present their work publicly?

Yes, through events and conferences.

Conclusion

The Chevening Overseas Territories British Library Fellowship is a unique opportunity to engage with global heritage, contribute to world-class research, and strengthen cultural representation.

By combining funding, access, and international exposure, it empowers professionals to preserve and promote the rich histories of British Overseas Territories on a global stage.

For more information, visit Chevening.