Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship Program

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship supports six mid-career professionals and academics from selected countries to undertake five months of self-directed research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in Oxford. The fellowship provides accommodation and living support, return economy airfare, and a research allowance while giving fellows access to academic resources, mentorship, and opportunities for intellectual and intercultural exchange.

About the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is designed for experienced professionals and academics who want to conduct independent research related to Islamic culture, civilisation, contemporary Muslim societies, and related global issues. The fellowship is hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in Oxford and forms part of the wider Chevening international fellowship network. The programme supports six fellows who undertake self-directed research while participating in an intellectually diverse environment. The fellowship is particularly relevant to applicants whose research or professional interests connect Islamic studies with contemporary policy, society, economics, science, health, culture, or international affairs. Fellowship Duration and Location The fellowship lasts five months and is based in residence at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. The fellowship period runs from October to March. During the programme, fellows are expected to focus on their proposed research while engaging with the academic and intellectual environment at OCIS. Research Areas Supported Applicants can propose research connected to a broad range of subjects involving Islamic culture, civilisation, and contemporary Muslim societies. Opportunities for mentorship and intellectual exchange. Opportunities to participate in intercultural and academic discussions. Exposure to scholars, professionals, and other fellows. Opportunities to strengthen leadership and policy-related insights. The combination of research support and academic engagement allows fellows to develop their research while building international professional relationships. Why This Fellowship Matters The fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced professionals and academics to undertake focused research in Oxford while engaging with specialists working across Islamic studies and related disciplines.

It can also help participants:

Develop a substantial independent research project. Strengthen academic and professional networks. Gain new perspectives on Muslim societies and global challenges. Improve policy and leadership insights. Contribute to intercultural and interfaith dialogue. Connect their professional experience with broader international debates. For mid-career researchers and professionals, the fellowship can provide valuable time and resources to develop ideas that may later contribute to publications, policy discussions, academic projects, or professional initiatives. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must satisfy the programme’s nationality, residency, professional experience, and academic requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

Be citizens and residents of one of the specified eligible countries. Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience. Have at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience. Demonstrate a strong connection between their experience and proposed research. Be able to undertake self-directed research during the five-month fellowship. Submit a clear research proposal. Successfully complete the required interview process. The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals and academics, rather than applicants at the beginning of their academic or professional careers. Because eligibility depends on the programme’s designated-country list, applicants should verify that their country is included in the official fellowship requirements before applying. What Is a Self-Directed Research Fellowship? A self-directed research fellowship gives the fellow substantial responsibility for developing and pursuing their own research project. Unlike a conventional taught programme, fellows are not primarily attending a structured degree course.

Instead, they are expected to:

Define a focused research question. Establish an appropriate research methodology. Conduct research during their residency. Make effective use of academic resources. Engage with relevant scholars and professionals. Develop insights that can contribute to wider academic or policy discussions. Applicants therefore need to demonstrate that they already have sufficient professional or academic experience to work independently. Research Proposal Requirements The research proposal is an important part of the application.

Applicants should clearly explain:

The main research question. Why the research is important. The context and background of the proposed study. The methodology or approach they intend to use. How the fellowship at OCIS would support the research. What they expect to achieve during the five-month period. A strong proposal should be focused and realistic rather than attempting to address an excessively broad topic. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application carefully and follow the official application instructions for the relevant fellowship cycle. Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience.

Eligibility under the programme’s country requirements

Step 2: Develop a Research Topic

Choose a research question that fits the fellowship’s focus on Islamic culture, civilisation, or contemporary Muslim societies. The topic should be sufficiently focused to investigate within five months.

Step 3: Prepare the Research Proposal

Write a concise proposal explaining the research question and methodology. Make sure the proposal demonstrates why the research is significant and how OCIS wou