The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship and the Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship are now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. These esteemed non-degree research programs, which are hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), give professionals and academics in their mid-career the chance to conduct independent, top-notch research in fields pertaining to Islamic culture, civilisation, and modern Muslim societies.
The fellowships are meant to support research in areas like Islamic history, classical Islamic sciences, economics and Islamic finance, the culture and civilisation of Islam in a global context, and the experiences of Muslims in the West. Applicants must have a postgraduate degree or comparable professional experience.Fellows are encouraged to participate in Oxford’s intellectual and cultural life in addition to their research by attending lectures, workshops, and OCIS events that promote global cooperation and communication.
These fellowships give academics and professionals a special opportunity to expand their knowledge and make significant contributions to international discussions on Islam and Muslim societies, while also fostering advanced scholarship and intercultural understanding.
Host Country: UK
University: UK Universities
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subjects: Islamic Studies
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- must exhibit a strong capacity for leadership and influence in their industry.
- possess citizenship in one of the qualifying nations.
- reaffirm their intention to return home after the fellowship is over.
- possess a postgraduate degree or professional training or experience that is comparable.
- Have a minimum of five years of experience conducting research in a professional or academic setting.
- possess a high level of English proficiency.
- British or dual-British citizenship is not permitted.
- cannot have worked for His Majesty’s Government, the British Council, UK universities, or the Association of Commonwealth Universities in the previous two years, or be a close family member of an employee of any of these organisations.
- If you have previously received funding from the UK government, you may be eligible as long as it has been at least five years since the grant was completed.
Benefits:
- an Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) five-month research post that is fully financed.
- A living stipend is given throughout the whole fellowship period.
- Economy round-trip ticket from the fellow’s nation of origin to the United Kingdom.
- Funds for research support to pay for project-related expenses.
- Opportunities to participate in networking sessions and private cultural events hosted by the Chevening Secretariat and FCDO.
- OCIS advice and assistance, including assistance finding housing in Oxford.
Deadline: 07 October 2025
