Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowships 2026

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, in collaboration with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), has officially opened applications for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship (OCIS) and the Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship for the 2026 intake.

Applications close on 7 October 2025 at 12:00 (UTC) — giving mid-career academics and professionals less than two months to prepare for this competitive, career-defining opportunity.

About the Fellowships

These prestigious five-month fellowships are designed for professionals and academics dedicated to advancing scholarly and public understanding of Islamic culture, civilisation, and contemporary Muslim societies. Fellows will pursue self-directed research projects at OCIS, an institution renowned for bridging the gap between the Western and Islamic worlds of learning.

Participants will join a vibrant network of scholars from around the globe, with research themes spanning Islamic history, classical Islamic sciences, Islamic finance, public health, science and technology in the Muslim world, and the study of Muslims in the West.

The Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship is specifically open to citizens of Turkey.

Funding & Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

1. Living expenses for the full five-month research period at Oxford.
2. Return economy airfare from home country to the UK.
3. Research-related allowance package.
4. Access to cultural programmes organised by the FCDO and Chevening Secretariat.

OCIS will also assist with information on accommodation options in Oxford.

Eligibility Highlights

Applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (including Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, Malaysia, Morocco, and others — see full list in official guidelines).
2. Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training/experience.
3. Have at least five years of relevant professional or academic experience.
4. Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong track record in their field.
5. Have an excellent command of English.
6. Commit to returning to their home country after the fellowship.

For the Abdullah Gül Fellowship, only Turkish citizens are eligible.

Application & Selection Process

The process includes:

1. Submission of an application with a short research proposal outlining the research question, methodology, and intended outcomes.
2. First interview with British embassies/high commissions.
3. Second interview with OCIS focusing on the research proposal.

Applicants who have previously received UK government-funded fellowships may reapply five years after completing their first award, but must show clear career progression.

The last date to apply for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship (OCIS) and the Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship is 7 October 2025 at 12:00 (UTC).