Applications are now open for the prestigious Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026, designed to support academic research that deepens understanding of Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies in a global context.
The program, hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in collaboration with the UK Government, provides full sponsorship including living expenses, airfare, and research-related allowances for a five-month residential fellowship in Oxford, United Kingdom.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS)
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: 22 Selected Countries (including Nigeria)
- Reward: Full Sponsorship
- Deadline: October 7, 2025
- No IELTS Required
Scholarship Details
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is a fully funded academic opportunity awarded to mid-career professionals and scholars who wish to undertake independent research on issues related to Islam and Muslim societies. This initiative is part of a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
There are two main fellowship streams under this program:
- Chevening OCIS Fellowship
- Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship (specifically for Turkish citizens)
Selected fellows will carry out a five-month self-directed research project developed in advance of their arrival in the UK. The fellowship begins in October 2026, and fellows will be based full-time in Oxford throughout the duration of the award. The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies will provide access to academic resources, cultural networks, and accommodation support upon selection.
Fellows will explore interdisciplinary issues such as Islamic history, contemporary Muslim societies, public health, economics and Islamic finance, science and technology, and the presence of Muslims in the West—contributing to meaningful global academic dialogue.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential and influence
- Exhibit personal, intellectual, and interpersonal qualities aligned with fellowship expectations
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan
- Intend to return to their country of citizenship at the end of the fellowship
- Hold a postgraduate qualification or possess equivalent professional training or experience
- Have a minimum of five years of relevant academic and/or professional experience
- Possess a good working knowledge of English, as demonstrated in the application and interview
- Not hold British or dual-British citizenship
- Not be an employee, recent employee, or close relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government, the British Council, a sponsoring UK university, or the Association of Commonwealth Universities within the past two years
Note: Relatives include parents/step-parents, siblings/step-siblings, children/step-children, spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner (cohabiting for at least two years).
Applicants who have previously received funding from an HMG-sponsored scholarship or fellowship must have completed the award at least five years ago, and must clearly demonstrate their career progress since then.
Candidates must be prepared to submit a concise research proposal outlining:
- The main research question
- The purpose and relevance of the study
- The research approach while in residence at OCIS
Scholarship Benefits
Fellows selected for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship will receive:
- A five-month fully funded residency at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
- Living expenses throughout the fellowship duration
- Return economy airfare from their home country to the UK
- Research-related allowances
- Access to a wide network of interdisciplinary scholars and cultural programmes organized by the FCDO and Chevening Secretariat
- Opportunities to engage in dialogue on critical issues affecting the Islamic world and contribute to global academic exchange
How to Apply
To apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026:
- Visit the official scholarship application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Submit all required documents before the October 7, 2025 deadline
- Wait for feedback and interview invitations
To begin your application, click HERE
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