The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is a fully funded research opportunity for mid-career professionals and scholars passionate about modern Muslim societies and Islamic civilization. Hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in the UK, this fellowship allows participants to spend five months in Oxford conducting independent research and collaborating with academics from diverse backgrounds.
This fellowship is a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). OCIS is a renowned institution that fosters interdisciplinary dialogue on Islam from historical, economic, political and cultural perspectives. Fellows become part of a prestigious academic community and contribute fresh insights to global scholarship while developing leadership skills and intercultural engagement.
Chevening OCIS Fellowship Benefits
- Return economy airfare
- Allowance package for research-related activities
- Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
- Five-month period of research at OCIS, Oxford
- Participation in mentorship programs and seminars
- Access to world-class academic resources
- Enhanced leadership skills and policy insight
- Opportunity to join a global professional network
Chevening OCIS Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of one of the following: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Nigeria, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Philippines, Syria, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Turkey, or Uzbekistan
- Have a postgraduate degree or equivalent professional education/experience in a relevant field at the time of application
- Significant academic and/or professional research experience (at least five years)
- Meet the standard Chevening fellowship eligibility criteria
How to Apply for Chevening OCIS Fellowship
- Visit the official Chevening website and select your home country.
- From the list of available fellowships, choose the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship.
- Carefully read the eligibility criteria for the fellowship.
- Click on the ‘Apply’ button to start the online application.
- Fill out the application form completely.
- Upload any required documents, if specified.
- Review your application thoroughly before submission.
- Submit the form before the deadline: October 6, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Chevening OCIS Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship?
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is a fully funded, five-month research program at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in the UK. It is a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and OCIS, designed for mid-career professionals and scholars to expand knowledge of modern Muslim societies and Islamic civilization.
Which countries are eligible for this fellowship?
Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Nigeria, Palestine, Senegal, Philippines, Syria, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Turkey, or Uzbekistan.
What are the academic requirements?
Candidates need a postgraduate degree or equivalent professional education/experience in a related field at the time of application. Additionally, they must have a substantial amount of academic and/or professional research experience, typically at least five years.
What does the fully funded package include?
The fellowship covers return economy airfare, a research-related activities allowance, living expenses for the entire five-month period, and access to academic resources at OCIS. Fellows also benefit from mentorship, seminars, and networking opportunities.
How long is the fellowship?
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship lasts five months, during which fellows conduct independent research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in Oxford, UK.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for the 2027 fellowship is October 6, 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the Chevening website before this date.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Apply online through the Chevening website. First, select your home country, then choose the OCIS fellowship from the list of available programs. Complete the application form, upload required documents, review everything, and submit before the deadline.
Can I apply if I have less than five years of research experience?
No, at least five years of significant academic or professional research experience is required. Equivalent professional education in a relevant field may also be considered, but the research experience criterion is strictly part of the eligibility.
Is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship open to all academic disciplines?
The fellowship welcomes applicants from fields related to modern Muslim societies and Islamic civilization. This can include disciplines like history, economics, public policy, classical sciences, and the Muslim experience in the West. Your research should align with the Centre’s interdisciplinary focus.
Do I need to have a confirmed research project before applying?
While you should have a clear research interest related to Islamic studies or modern Muslim societies, you do not need a fully confirmed project. The application allows you to outline your proposed area of research, which can be developed further during the fellowship.
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