Apply to Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship is a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. The fellowship is open to mid-career professionals and academics who are committed to promoting academic activities that encourage a more informed understanding of the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for six exceptional candidates to undertake self-directed research on a project of their own choosing. Fellows will explore the intersection of Islamic thought, diplomacy, and contemporary policy while developing their understanding of international relations, interfaith dialogue, and leadership in diverse cultural contexts.

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Applicants are required to submit a short research proposal outlining the area they would like to study. The proposal should include a main research question and explain how they intend to conduct the research while in residence at the centre.

The selection process involves two rounds of interviews. The first interview is conducted by British embassies and high commissions, focusing on the candidate's suitability, motivation and research interests. Successful candidates are then invited to a second and final interview with representatives from OCIS, which focuses further on their research interests.

Duration

The fellowship lasts for five months and will take place at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies from October to March.

Eligibility

In addition to meeting the standard Chevening eligibility criteria, applicants for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship must meet several additional requirements.

Applicants must also hold a postgraduate-level qualification, or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area, at the time of application. In addition, they must have significant professional and/or academic research experience of at least five years.

Funding and benefits

Each fellowship includes a five-month period of research at OCIS, along with financial support for the duration of the fellowship.

The funding package includes:

• Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
• Return economy airfare
• An allowance package for research-related activities

What the fellowship will give the fellows

The fellowship offers fellows the opportunity to explore the culture, civilisation and historical trajectories of Muslim societies while engaging with contemporary issues relating to the Islamic world.

During their time at OCIS, fellows can discuss a range of subjects, including Islamic history, classical Islamic sciences, economics and Islamic finance, public health, science and technology in the Muslim world, and the study of Muslims in the West.

The programme also aims to foster inter-civilisational dialogue and academic exchange. Fellows will have access to academic resources and mentorship, as well as opportunities for intercultural dialogue and intellectual exchange.

Through their research and engagement at the centre, fellows will also develop leadership skills and gain policy insight. The programme provides an opportunity to examine complex global challenges through the perspectives of Islamic thought, diplomacy and contemporary policy, while deepening understanding of international relations, interfaith dialogue and leadership in diverse cultural contexts.

The fellowship is open for applications until 6 October 2026.

Apply now: https://asams.chevening.org/apply