Update November 2025: the Trust is now inviting postgraduate and postdoctoral students and scholars in the arts and humanities to apply for the opportunity to visit London for a period of one month of intensive study and research during 2026. (Lesser periods may be permitted depending on the candidate’s project.)

A selection of the Trust’s 2025 visiting scholars

Priority will be given to those who stand to benefit most from a visit in terms of their work and future careers. Our visitors are often specialists in subjects in which the Founder, Dr Robert Anderson, was actively involved, particularly Egyptology (and related subjects), archaeology, classics, history, art history, and musicology. Many come from countries with which Dr Anderson had particular connections, including Egypt and other countries of the Middle East, Greece, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. We encourage applications from specialists in any arts or humanities subject, however, and from anywhere in the world.

A list of those awarded places in 2025 is here.

For students and scholars of Egyptology (and related subjects*): Applicants must be current PhD students or within five years of having been awarded their PhD. As a result of the recent diversification of our activities (see here) the number of places available on the visitors’ programme will be reduced to not more than six in 2026, and in view of the large number of applications in the field of Egyptology the Trust has found it necessary to restrict submissions to Phd level and higher. Preference may be given to those who are applying to visit for a second time.

*Related subjects would include: the archaeology and material culture of Prehistoric, Predynastic, Dynastic, Ptolemaic, Roman, Coptic / Late Antique and Islamic Egypt, and all ancient and historic cultures of Sudan, and also museum studies / museology, and heritage management with a focus on ancient or historic sites and monuments in/from Egypt and Sudan.

For candidates from Egypt the Trust will arrange return flights from Egypt and provide £350 to cover the costs of subsistence and travel within London. All other candidates will be provided with £500 to assist with travel and living costs.

For specialists in other humanities subjects: Applicants must be current MA / PhD students or within five years of having been awarded their MA / PhD. The number of places available will remain the same as in previous years at approximately eight. Candidates will be provided with £500 to assist with travel and living costs.

Terms & Conditions:

• Applicants must have a good grasp of English in both spoken and written forms.
• The successful candidates will be offered a place to be taken up between April and November 2026 (inclusive).
• Candidates who have visited London with the Trust in the past may apply for a second visit but awards will not be given to the same person more than twice.
• Candidates are required to make their own provision for 1) travel insurance and 2) health insurance cover unless reciprocal arrangements exist between their country and the UK, and to advise the Trust of any pre-existing medical condition or other circumstances (e.g. pregnancy) which might affect their visit to London.
• For students of Egyptology (and related subjects) only: successful candidates will be asked to provide a letter from the institution(s) they wish to visit e.g. the Department of Egypt & Sudan, British Museum, The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology or The Egypt Exploration Society, confirming that the materials they wish to study will be available. PLEASE NOTE: applicants should not request these letters until they have been provisionally offered a place by the Trust.

To apply: Applicants should complete the online application form here and are also asked to send a letter of recommendation from a tutor or supervisor by e-mail to: cnaunton@robertandersontrust.org.

The deadline for applications is 5.00 pm (UK time) on Friday 2 January 2026. No application received after that time will be considered. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by mid-February 2026.

Any enquiries should be sent via the contact form here.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

When an award is made:

The Trust will contact applicants to whom an award is to be made with proposed dates for the visit. The candidate will be asked to accept or decline, or to ask for alternative dates if necessary, within seven days; it may be possible to adjust the timing of a visit depending on the availability of rooms within the London premises, but once an offer has been accepted it will not normally be possible to make any further changes.

All successful candidates are asked to make the necessary application to secure a UK ‘Standard visitor visa’ (if required) in advance of their visit. We strongly recommend that candidates contact a friend or colleague who has successfully applied for a UK entry visa straight away so that they can help with the application. The Trust cannot reimburse candidates for the cost of any failed visa application. Guidance on applying for a ‘Standard visitor visa’ to enter the UK is available here.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, visitors from EU countries now require an ‘electronic travel authorisation (ETA)’ to travel to the UK, which can be obtained at a cost of £16 via https://www.gov.uk/eta.

In addition we ask that successful candidates arrange their travel to the UK in good time, to ensure no delays.

Postponements: we understand that candidates are sometimes unable to take up their places due to circumstances beyond their control. The Trust endeavours to accommodate candidates’ requests to postpone or reschedule their visits, but cannot guarantee to do so. When a candidate requests to postpone their place to the following year they may be asked to apply again.

On arrival in the UK:

The Trust’s representatives receive all visitors in person, assisting them in settling into their surroundings, and making introductions to libraries and academic colleagues if necessary.

The Trust encourages independent study however, and all candidates are asked to make arrangements well in advance as regards, for example, initiating library applications; reserving space in specialist libraries, and requesting specialist literature or access to specialist items.

Accommodation:

Visitors are provided with a private bedroom with bedding and towels, and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom. There are also communal areas and free access to wifi. The Trust does not provide any other IT facilities however and candidates will be required to bring their own computer or similar device to undertake their work. Candidates will be asked to ensure that all work undertaken electronically during their stay is backed up – the Trust will not be responsible for the cost to recover any data lost as a result of device failure.

Both the Trust’s properties are private homes, occupied by Trust representatives, and also by lodgers and other beneficiaries of the Trust including its resident musician and scholars of Egyptology/archaeology and Humanities. As facilities in both houses including the kitchens and bathrooms are shared, visitors are asked at all times to help keep these areas clean and tidy, and to respect the privacy of other residents.