Fully Funded 2026 Chevening‑OCIS Fellowship at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies – Apply by October 7, 2025!
Discover how the prestigious Chevening OCIS Fellowship, in collaboration with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), offers mid-career scholars a fully funded opportunity to conduct independent research at Oxford, UK. Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle are now open.
What Is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship?
The Chevening‑OCIS Fellowship—including the Abdullah Gül Fellowship for Turkish applicants—is a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and OCIS. It supports mid-career academics or professionals to pursue a five-month, self-directed research residency at OCIS in Oxford .
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following criteria to apply:
Be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, etc.). Turkish applicants must apply via the Abdullah Gül Fellowship.
Have a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training, plus at least five years of experience in academia or professional fields.
A strong command of English, demonstrated through your application and interviews.
No dual British citizenship or recent employment/viewing connection with UK government institutions (within the past two years). Previous UK Government-funded scholarship recipients must wait five years after completion to reapply. (https://www.artcitypharmacy.com)
Committed to returning to your home country after completing the fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows enjoy:
A five-month research residency at OCIS in Oxford, typically spanning two academic terms.
Coverage for living expenses, return economy airfare, and a research-related allowance for visa, insurance, and research necessities.
Access to cultural events, seminars, and networking opportunities with FCDO, Chevening Secretariat, and the OCIS scholarly community.
Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 7 October 2025, 12:00 UTC |
| First-Round Interviews | Late 2025 (via British embassies/high commissions) |
| Final Interviews | Early 2026 (with OCIS representatives) |
| Fellowship Period Begins | Likely October–November 2026 |
| Fellowship Duration | 5 months (two academic terms) |
Why Apply?
Conduct high-quality research at one of the world’s leading centres for Islamic studies.
Collaborate with a global, multidisciplinary community of scholars.
Boost your academic or professional profile through the prestige of Chevening and OCIS.
Application Tips
Craft a compelling research proposal, outlining your main question, methodology, and significance of your project.
Emphasize your leadership potential, intellectual depth, and interpersonal strengths.
Prepare thoroughly—especially for the two-stage interview process.
How to Apply
Apply via the official Chevening portal for either the Chevening OCIS or the Abdullah Gül Fellowship track Chevening.
Develop a clear, well-supported research outline, CV, references, and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
If you’re a mid-career scholar or professional from an eligible country with a vision for impactful research on Islamic culture, civilization, or Muslim societies—don’t miss the Chevening‑OCIS Fellowship 2026–2027. The deadline is 7 October 2025, so start preparing your application now.