Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship 2027-2028: Fully-funded Research Opportunity

Applications are open for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship for the 2027-2028 period. This fully-funded fellowship is for mid-career professionals and academics interested in promoting academic activities related to Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies. The program offers a chance to deepen understanding of international relations and leadership in diverse cultural settings.

Application Closing Date: October 6, 2026
Location: Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, UK
Programme Duration: Five months (October to March)
Stipend: Living expenses, return economy airfare, research allowance
Minimum Qualification: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training/experience
Opportunity Type: Fellowship (Research)

About the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship

This fellowship is a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). It aims to support individuals dedicated to fostering a more informed understanding of Islamic culture and contemporary Muslim societies. Fellows will explore how to address complex global challenges through the lens of Islamic thought, diplomacy, and policy.

The program provides a unique opportunity to engage with international relations, interfaith dialogue, and leadership within diverse cultural contexts. Participants will conduct research at OCIS, benefiting from its academic environment and resources. This fellowship is designed for those looking to expand their knowledge and contribute to a better understanding of Islam and Muslim communities worldwide.

About the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS)

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) is an independent recognized centre of the University of Oxford. It is dedicated to the advanced study of all aspects of the Muslim world, past and present. OCIS works to promote a more informed understanding of Islamic culture and contemporary Muslim societies.

The centre hosts scholars, researchers, and fellows from around the globe. It offers a rich academic environment for studying Islamic history, theology, law, and contemporary issues. OCIS plays a key role in fostering dialogue and research on topics relevant to Muslim communities and their engagement with the wider world.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

This fellowship focuses on research related to Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies. While specific research fields are not listed as separate opportunities, the program is open to mid-career professionals and academics whose work aligns with the centre’s objectives. Applicants are encouraged to propose research that contributes to a deeper understanding of the Muslim world.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful fellows will receive a comprehensive package designed to support their research and living expenses in the UK. This includes:

• A five-month period of dedicated research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
• Coverage of living expenses for the entire duration of the fellowship.
• A return economy airfare ticket to and from the UK.
• An allowance package to cover research-related activities and expenses.

This support allows fellows to focus entirely on their research and academic development during their time at OCIS.

Programme Duration and Location

The fellowship program is scheduled to run for a duration of five months. The academic period for the fellowship typically starts in October and concludes in March of the following year. The research will be conducted at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, located in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of and resident in one of the eligible countries at the time of application. Eligible countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Senegal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
• Hold a postgraduate level qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area at the time of application.
• Possess at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience.

*Note: Citizens of Afghanistan and Sudan are still eligible to apply for this fellowship, despite recent UK Government legislation affecting Study Visa routes for these countries.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not explicitly listed, successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to academic research and promoting understanding of Islamic culture.
• The ability to engage with complex global challenges from an academic perspective.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and academic writing.
• An interest in international relations, interfaith dialogue, and leadership.
• The capacity to work independently and contribute to the academic community at OCIS.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for mid-career professionals and academics who are passionate about Islamic studies and contemporary Muslim societies. If you have a proven track record in research and wish to deepen your understanding of global issues through an Islamic lens, this opportunity is for you. It suits individuals looking to engage in scholarly work and contribute to informed discussions on relevant topics.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:

• A completed application form.
• Proof of citizenship and residency.
• Copies of postgraduate qualifications or evidence of equivalent experience.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining professional and academic experience.
• A research proposal or statement of interest detailing the intended research project.
• Letters of recommendation.

Applicants are advised to check the official Chevening application portal for a precise list of required documents and any specific formatting instructions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship through the official Chevening application portal.

Click here to apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2027-2028

Applicants should ensure they read all instructions carefully, prepare all necessary documents, and submit their application before the closing date of October 6, 2026.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Late applications will not be considered. It is advisable to check the official Chevening website for any updates or additional information regarding the fellowship.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship 2027-2028 is October 6, 2026.

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