Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship 2027-28 – Full Details
The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship 2027-28 is a prestigious, fully funded research fellowship co-funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). The programme provides an opportunity for experienced professionals, academics, journalists, policymakers, and researchers to undertake independent research at the University of Oxford.
Unlike the standard Chevening Scholarship, which supports eligible students pursuing one-year taught master's programmes, the OCIS Fellowship is a five-month Visiting Research Fellowship focused on independent research.
Applications for the 2027-28 academic cycle close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
💎 Fellowship Overview
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is designed for established professionals and researchers who want to undertake focused research on issues connected with Islamic thought, Muslim societies, culture, diplomacy, international relations, and contemporary global challenges.
Selected fellows spend approximately five months at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, generally from October to March, undertaking a self-directed research project.
The fellowship provides access to Oxford's academic environment while also offering opportunities for professional networking, cultural engagement, and interaction with international policymakers and experts.
💰 Fellowship Benefits & Financial Support
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to help fellows concentrate on their research.
Major benefits include:
Academic & Research Costs: Coverage of applicable programme, academic, and research-related costs associated with the fellowship.
Monthly Living Allowance: Financial support toward accommodation and living expenses in Oxford.
Return Airfare: Economy-class return travel between the fellow's home country and the United Kingdom.
Research Support: Financial assistance for eligible research-related activities, materials, and local travel.
Networking Opportunities: Access to selected cultural, professional, diplomatic, and networking activities organised through the Chevening programme and relevant UK institutions.
The exact value and conditions of allowances are subject to the applicable fellowship terms for the 2027-28 cycle.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the specific requirements established for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship.
Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens or residents of countries covered by the fellowship's eligibility requirements.
The eligible-country list may include selected countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Applicants should check the official 2027-28 country-specific requirements before applying.
Professional & Academic Experience
The fellowship is intended for experienced professionals and researchers.
Applicants generally need:
At least five years of professional or academic experience
A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a master's degree or PhD
The fellowship is particularly suited to established:
Academics
Researchers
Journalists
Policymakers
Professionals with substantial relevant experience
Research Focus
Applicants should propose a research project that is relevant to the academic and thematic focus of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
Potential areas may include:
Islamic thought
Contemporary Muslim societies
Islamic culture and civilisation
Diplomacy
International relations
Global affairs
Contemporary issues affecting Muslim communities
Intersections between Islamic traditions and modern social or political challenges
Return Requirement
Fellows are expected to return to their home country after completing the fellowship and apply the knowledge, research experience, and professional networks gained during their time in the UK.
🔬 Research Fellowship Structure
The programme differs considerably from a taught master's scholarship.
The fellow undertakes independent, self-directed research rather than attending a conventional taught degree programme.
During the fellowship, the researcher is expected to:
Develop and pursue an approved research project
Conduct independent academic research
Engage with relevant scholars and research communities
Make use of Oxford's academic resources
Contribute to discussions and intellectual exchange related to the fellowship's themes
Use the research period to strengthen their professional or academic work
The research proposal should clearly explain the project's objectives, methodology, significance, and relevance to Islamic thought or contemporary issues.
📝 Research Proposal Requirements
The research proposal is a central component of the application.
Applicants should clearly describe:
Research Topic
Explain the issue or research question you intend to investigate.
Objectives
State what the research aims to achieve and identify the principal questions the project will address.
Methodology
Describe the methods you plan to use to conduct the research and explain why they are appropriate.
Significance
Demonstrate why the research matters academically, professionally, socially, or from a policy perspective.
Oxford & OCIS Relevance
Explain why the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and the University of Oxford are particularly suitable environments for undertaking the proposed project.
📂 Documents & Information Required
Applicants should prepare the information and supporting materials requested by the official application system, which may include:
Academic certificates
Postgraduate qualification details
Academic and professional CV
Evidence of professional or academic experience
Detailed research proposal
Professional and academic background information
References or referee information
Other supporting documents required by Chevening or OCIS
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and consistent throughout the application.
💻 How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Chevening Online Application System.
Visit the official Chevening application portal.
Check whether your country or territory is eligible for the OCIS Fellowship.
Create an account or log in to the Chevening application system.
Select the relevant Fellowship application track.
Choose the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship where available.
Enter your academic and professional information.
Provide details demonstrating the required professional or academic experience.
Prepare and submit your research proposal.
Upload or provide the required supporting information and references.
Review the application carefully.
Submit the completed application before 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Applicants should ensure that the proposed research is clearly connected to the fellowship's academic focus and is feasible within the five-month research period.
🗓️ Important Dates
| Stage | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 2026 application cycle |
| Application Deadline | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
| Selection Process | Following the application period |
| Fellowship Period | Approximately October 2027 – March 2028 |
| Duration | Approximately 5 months |
Applicants should monitor official Chevening communications for exact shortlisting, interview, and fellowship commencement dates.
🔍 Selection Process
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is highly competitive and is intended for candidates with significant professional or academic experience and strong research potential.
The selection process may consider:
Professional and academic achievements
Relevance and quality of the proposed research
Research methodology
Relevance to OCIS's academic focus
Potential significance or impact of the research
Candidate's professional experience
Leadership and broader professional contribution
Ability to make effective use of the Oxford research environment
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an interview or additional assessment as part of the Chevening selection process.
⭐ Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is particularly suitable for experienced candidates who want to dedicate several months to an intensive independent research project.
Potential applicants include:
University academics
Independent researchers
Journalists with a strong research focus
Policymakers
Public-sector professionals
International relations specialists
Experienced professionals researching Muslim societies or Islamic thought
Applicants should have a clearly defined research objective that can realistically be advanced during the fellowship period.
📌 Important Points to Remember
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2027-28 is a five-month Visiting Research Fellowship, not a taught master's programme.
The application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Applicants generally need at least five years of professional or academic experience.
A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a master's degree or PhD, is generally required.
The fellowship focuses on research connected with Islamic thought, Muslim societies, culture, diplomacy, international relations, and contemporary global challenges.
Applicants must prepare a strong and detailed research proposal.
There is no separate application portal outside the Chevening system.
Candidates should apply through the Fellowship track and select the OCIS option where available.
Successful fellows are expected to return to their home country after completing the programme.
Applicants should verify the official eligible-country list and detailed requirements for the 2027-28 cycle before applying.
🔗 Official Application Portal
Chevening – Official Website:
https://www.chevening.org/
Chevening Online Application:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies:
https://www.oxcis.ac.uk/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship?
The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is a five-month Visiting Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford for experienced professionals and researchers undertaking an independent research project.
Is the OCIS Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support covering major eligible costs such as research and programme expenses, living support, return travel, and other applicable allowances.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts approximately five months, generally running from October to March.
Is this a master's degree?
No. The OCIS Fellowship is a Visiting Research Fellowship and does not involve enrolling in a conventional taught master's programme.
Who is the fellowship intended for?
It is primarily aimed at experienced professionals, academics, journalists, policymakers, and researchers with substantial relevant experience and a suitable postgraduate qualification.
What type of research can be proposed?
Research should relate to the fellowship's thematic areas, including Islamic thought, contemporary Muslim societies, culture, diplomacy, international relations, and related global challenges.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027-28 cycle close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Conclusion
The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship 2027-28 offers experienced researchers, academics, journalists, policymakers, and other professionals a unique opportunity to undertake independent research at the University of Oxford. In addition to comprehensive financial support, fellows gain access to a highly respected academic environment and specialised professional and diplomatic networking opportunities. Candidates should develop a focused, achievable research proposal and complete the Chevening application before the 6 October 2026 deadline.
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