Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowships (Fully Funded)

Applications are invited for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship and the OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship (for Turkish citizens), hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. These fully-funded fellowships are designed for mid-career academics and professionals dedicated to advancing the understanding of Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies. The programme supports a five-month self-directed research project at OCIS, with a deadline for applications on 7 October 2025, 12:00 (UTC). Eligible applicants from specified countries (including Turkey for the Abdullah Gül Fellowship) with at least five years of professional or academic research experience can apply. You can also check BS, MS and PhD positions

Key Details

• Programme: Chevening OCIS Fellowship and OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship (for Turkish citizens).
• Host: Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, UK.
• Duration: Five months of self-directed research.
• Field of Study: Islamic culture, history, sciences, economics, finance, public health, technology, or Muslims in the West.
• Funding: Fully funded (covers living expenses, return economy airfare, and research allowance).
• Eligibility: Citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, or Turkey (for Abdullah Gül Fellowship).
• Application Deadline: 7 October 2025, 12:00 (UTC).
• Application Fee: None.

Programme Structure

Fellows will engage in a five-month self-directed research project at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, focusing on topics related to Islamic culture, history, sciences, economics, finance, public health, technology, or Muslims in the West. The programme encourages dialogue and collaboration within the global academic community.

Key Features

• Research Focus: Develop your own project on Islamic culture or contemporary Muslim societies.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with scholars and experts in Islamic studies.
• Residency: Fellows must reside in Oxford during the fellowship. OCIS provides guidance on accommodation options.
• Cultural Activities: Access a range of events and activities organized by the FCDO and Chevening Secretariat.

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Benefits

• Research Support: Five months of fully-funded research at OCIS.
• Living Expenses: Coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
• Travel: Return economy airfare from your home country to the UK.
• Research Allowance: Funding for research-related activities.
• Cultural Engagement: Access to exclusive events and activities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship or the OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship, you must meet the following requirements:

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General Eligibility

• Be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
• For OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship: Be a citizen of Turkey.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and the ability to influence in your field.
• Possess personal, intellectual, and interpersonal qualities that reflect leadership potential.
• Hold a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Have at least five years of significant professional or academic research experience.
• Demonstrate a good working knowledge of English (assessed during application and interview).
• Commit to returning to your home country after the fellowship.
• Not hold British or dual-British citizenship.
• Not be an employee, former employee, or immediate relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government (within the last two years) or affiliated organizations (e.g., British Council, sponsoring UK universities).
• If previously awarded an HMG-funded scholarship, demonstrate career progression after a five-year gap.

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Research Proposal

Applicants must submit a short research proposal outlining:

• A main research question.
• The intended methodology for conducting research at OCIS.

Application Process

The selection process involves two rounds of interviews:

1. First Interview: Conducted by British embassies or high commissions to assess your suitability, motivations, and research interests.
2. Second Interview: Conducted by OCIS representatives, focusing on your research proposal.

Prepare to discuss your leadership potential, research interests, and how the fellowship aligns with your career goals.

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How to Apply

1. Visit the Chevening Application Portal.
2. Complete the online application form before the deadline: 7 October 2025, 12:00 (UTC).
3. Submit a short research proposal outlining your project and methodology.
4. Prepare for potential interviews by reviewing your qualifications, research interests, and motivations.