Applications are open for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship, a prestigious five-month fellowship in the United Kingdom designed for mid-career professionals and academics with significant experience in research and professional practice.
The fellowship is a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). It provides selected fellows with an opportunity to undertake self-directed research while exploring the relationship between Islamic thought, diplomacy, contemporary policy and global challenges.
Applications are open until October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC.
Chevening OCIS Fellowship Overview
The fellowship will be hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in Oxford, United Kingdom. Six exceptional candidates will be selected to undertake individual research projects during the five-month programme.
The fellowship is intended for professionals and academics committed to promoting academic activities that contribute to a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and civilization and contemporary Muslim societies.
Key details include:
- Programme: Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship
- Host institution: Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
- Partner: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Duration: Five months
- Programme period: October to March
- Number of fellows: Six
- Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
- Application deadline: October 6, 2026
- Closing time: 11:00 UTC
Research and Academic Focus
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship provides fellows with an opportunity to conduct self-directed research based on an individual project.
Applicants are required to submit a short research proposal as part of their application. The proposal should identify the main research question and explain how the proposed research will be conducted while the fellow is resident at OCIS.
Potential areas of academic exploration include:
- Culture and civilization of Muslim societies.
- Historical trajectories of Muslim societies.
- Islamic history.
- Classical Islamic sciences.
- Economics and Islamic finance.
- Public health.
- Science and technology in the Muslim world.
- Muslims in Western societies.
- International relations.
- Interfaith dialogue.
- Diplomacy and global policy.
The fellowship also encourages intercivilizational dialogue and academic exchange, providing participants with an opportunity to engage with different perspectives on contemporary global issues.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive financial and academic support throughout the five-month fellowship.
The benefits include:
- Five months of research at OCIS.
- Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
- Return economy-class airfare.
- An allowance package for research-related activities.
- Access to academic resources.
- Opportunities for mentorship and intellectual exchange.
- Exposure to intercultural dialogue.
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership and policy insight.
The fellowship therefore combines independent research with an international academic environment and opportunities for professional and intellectual development.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the standard Chevening fellowship eligibility criteria in addition to the programme-specific requirements.
Candidates must:
- Be citizens of an eligible country and resident in that country at the time of application.
- Hold a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.
- Have significant professional and/or academic research experience of at least five years.
Eligible countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Important Visa Information
The fellowship information notes that recent UK Government legislation affects the ability of citizens of Afghanistan and Sudan to obtain certain UK study visas.
However, the published guidance states that this does not affect fellowship visa routes and that citizens of Afghanistan and Sudan remain eligible to apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship.
Applicants from these countries are advised to consult the latest information published by the UK Government regarding applicable visa requirements.
Selection and Interview Process
The selection process includes two rounds of interviews.
The first interview will be conducted by British embassies and high commissions. Applicants should be prepared to explain their suitability for the fellowship, their motivation and their research interests.
Candidates who progress to the next stage will participate in a second and final interview with representatives from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The final interview will focus more closely on the applicant’s proposed research and academic interests.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official Chevening application portal.
Applicants should prepare a concise research proposal outlining the proposed research question and methodology, while demonstrating how the project connects with the objectives of the fellowship.
Further information about eligibility and the programme is available through the official Chevening website.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC.
The five-month fellowship offers eligible mid-career professionals and academics an opportunity to undertake independent research at Oxford while developing their understanding of Islamic civilization, international relations, diplomacy, interfaith dialogue and contemporary policy.
