2027 Chevening OCIS Fellowship at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, UK
Introduction
The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship is a fully funded UK research opportunity for experienced professionals and academics from selected countries, including Nigeria. The five-month fellowship supports independent research into the culture and civilization of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies in a global context.
Selected Fellows undertake self-directed research in Oxford while gaining opportunities to engage with multidisciplinary scholars, participate in academic and cultural activities, and build valuable professional and academic connections.
Scholarship Overview
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| University | Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies |
| Degree Level | Fellowship |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded — Living Expenses, Return Airfare and Research-Related Allowances |
| Deadline | October 6, 2026 |
About the Fellowship
The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship is a UK-funded research opportunity for experienced professionals and academics from selected countries. Fellows spend five months in Oxford undertaking self-directed research based on a project developed before arriving in the UK, while living in Oxford throughout the fellowship.
The programme provides opportunities to engage with scholars working across different areas related to the Islamic world. Fellows can also participate in academic networking, cultural activities and discussions covering areas such as Islamic history, Islamic sciences, economics and Islamic finance, public health, science and technology, and Muslims in the West.
Scholarship Benefits
- Five-month research fellowship at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
- Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
- Return economy-class airfare between the Fellow’s home country and the UK.
- Allowance for approved research-related activities.
- Access to cultural events and activities organised through the FCDO and Chevening Secretariat.
- Opportunities to connect with multidisciplinary scholars researching the Islamic world.
- Opportunities to develop academic and professional contacts.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan.
- Must intend to return to your country of citizenship after completing the fellowship.
- Must hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.
- Must have at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience.
- Must demonstrate potential to attain leadership and influence.
- Must demonstrate personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities consistent with leadership potential.
- Must have a good working knowledge of English.
- Must not hold British or dual-British citizenship.
- Must not be an employee, former employee or qualifying relative of an employee of the UK Government, British Council, sponsoring UK university or Association of Commonwealth Universities within the specified eligibility period.
- Applicants who previously received an HMG-funded scholarship or fellowship must generally wait five years after completing the previous award before applying.
- Must prepare a brief research proposal outlining the proposed research area, main research question and intended research approach.
Required Documents
- Fellowship application form.
- Evidence of postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Short research proposal.
- Information demonstrating relevant professional and academic research experience.
- Evidence of English-language ability where required.
- Other supporting information requested during the application process.
How to Apply
- Press the Apply Now button below to access the official scholarship page.
- Review the eligibility requirements for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship.
- Prepare a research proposal describing the subject you intend to investigate during your five-month residency.
- Gather the required academic, professional and personal information for the application.
- Complete the Chevening OCIS Fellowship application form with accurate information.
- Submit the application before the October 6, 2026 deadline.
Source
Scholarix
