Chevening–Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowships 2026-2027

Omran Aburayya
Aug 6
3 min read

If you’re a mid‑career academic or professional from a Chevening‑eligible country interested in exploring Islam and contemporary Muslim societies through independent research at Oxford, applications are now open for the Chevening–Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowships, including the OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship for Turkish citizens, for the academic year 2026–2027. The application deadline is 7 October 2025 at 12:0.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom (at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies)
Host Institution: Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, in partnership with Chevening (FCDO)
Programme Level: Fellowship (not degree grant – 5‑month research residency)
Target Group: Mid‑career academics or professionals from designated Chevening countries; Turkish citizens via the Abdullah Gül Fellowship
Fields of Focus: Culture & civilisation of Islam, contemporary Muslim societies, Islamic history, classical Islamic sciences, Islamic finance & economics, public health, science & technology, Muslims in the West
Value & Coverage:
- 5‑month research residency at OCIS
- Living expenses stipend
- Return economy airfare to/from the UK
- Allowance for visa, insurance, and research‑related activities
- Participation in cultural events organised with FCDO and Chevening Secretariat
Duration: Five months (two academic terms) of full residency at OCIS
Deadline: 7 October 2025, at 12:00 UTC
Fellowship Start: Likely October/November 2026 (following the typical academic calendar; selection interviews begin November 2025)
Eligible To: Citizens and current residents of eligible countries (see below), including a special track for Turkish nationals (Abdullah Gül Fellowship)

🧭 Programme Structure

Fellows undertake five months of self‑directed research on a project related to Islam and Muslim societies in a global context.
They join a multi-disciplinary community of scholars at OCIS and interact with thinkers across fields such as Islamic history, economics, science, and public health.
Events include seminars, talks, and networking opportunities across Oxford colleges and within OCIS programmes, contributing to global academic dialogue.
Residents must live in Oxford during the fellowship; OCIS can support with accommodation information upon selection.

🎁 Benefits

Comprehensive funding support, including stipend, airfare, visas, insurance, and research allowances.
Access to DPhil‑level seminar programmes and cross‑disciplinary exchange with international scholars.
Invitation to cultural events and Chevening networking activities, strengthening your global professional connections.
Enhanced credibility and visibility through alignment with the Chevening network and the prestigious OCIS scholarly community.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be a citizen and resident (at application time) of one of these countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
- Turkish citizens must apply via the OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship track
Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training/experience.
Have at least five years of academic or professional experience.
Demonstrate potential for leadership and strong intellectual, interpersonal, and personal attributes.
Possess good working English, evaluated via application and interview.
Not hold dual‑British or British citizenship.
Not be a current/former employee or relative of UK government institutions or British Council staff within two years of application.
Not have received a UK government scholarship (including Chevening) in the past five years. If previously funded, you must show career progression since then and wait until five years have passed since completion of that award

📝 Application Procedure

Applications are submitted online through the official application portal here

The selection process has two stages:

First interview conducted by British embassies and high commissions, where you will discuss your suitability, motivation, and proposed research.
Final interview with OCIS representatives in Oxford, focusing on your research interests and fit for the programme.

You must prepare:

A short research proposal outlining your main question, significance, and proposed project execution during your time at OCIS.
Academic CV, transcripts, references, evidence of postgraduate qualification, and English competency.
Supporting documents such as passport, and relevant references, as specified in your embassy interview.