The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2027 in the UK | Fully Funded offers an opportunity for experienced professionals and academics to undertake five months of self-directed research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in the United Kingdom.
The fellowship is delivered through a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. It is designed for mid-career professionals and academics whose work contributes to a deeper understanding of the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies.
For the 2027–28 intake, applications are currently open and must be submitted by 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. The fellowship is expected to run from October 2027 to March 2028 and provides funding covering living expenses, return economy airfare and research-related allowances.
Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2027: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship |
| Host | Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Duration | Five months |
| Expected period | October 2027 – March 2028 |
| Number of fellows | Up to 6 |
| Study format | Self-directed research |
| Target group | Mid-career professionals and academics |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Living expenses | Covered |
| Airfare | Return economy airfare |
| Research support | Research-related allowance package |
| Application deadline | 6 October 2026 |
| Deadline time | 11:00 UTC |
The OCIS fellowship is one of the specialised programmes within the wider Chevening Fellowships portfolio, which supports mid-career professionals and leaders through research, professional development and other tailored opportunities in the UK.
Background of the Chevening OCIS Fellowship
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is an independent academic institution associated with the study of Islam and Muslim societies. Its research interests span historical, social, economic, scientific and contemporary issues relating to Muslim societies.
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship provides selected fellows with the opportunity to spend five months at the Centre undertaking their own research project while engaging with scholars and the wider academic community.
The programme is particularly relevant to individuals whose professional or academic interests intersect with Islamic thought, Muslim societies, international relations, policy, diplomacy or interfaith dialogue.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is fully funded in the sense that the award includes several major costs associated with undertaking the fellowship in the UK.
Five-Month Research Placement
Successful fellows undertake a five-month period of research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The fellowship is based on self-directed research rather than a conventional taught degree programme.
Living Expenses
The fellowship provides funding for living expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
This allows fellows to focus on their research and academic activities during their residence in Oxford.
Return Airfare
The award includes return economy airfare between the fellow’s home country and the United Kingdom.
Research-Related Allowances
Fellows also receive an allowance package intended to support research-related activities and incidental expenses associated with the fellowship.
Applicants should review the official fellowship terms for the precise conditions and allowances attached to the award.
Who Can Apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship?
The fellowship is aimed at experienced professionals and academics rather than students beginning their careers.
Applicants must satisfy both the general Chevening Fellowship requirements and the additional OCIS-specific requirements.
Eligible Countries
For the 2027–28 fellowship, eligible applicants must be citizens of, and resident in, one of the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
Applicants must be citizens of one of these countries and resident there at the point of application.
Postgraduate Qualification or Equivalent Experience
Applicants must hold a postgraduate-level qualification, or have equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field, at the time of application.
Professional or Academic Research Experience
Candidates must have significant professional and/or academic research experience, with a minimum of five years specified by the OCIS fellowship.
This requirement reflects the fellowship’s focus on established professionals and academics who are ready to undertake substantial independent research.
General Chevening Fellowship Requirements
In addition to the OCIS-specific conditions, applicants must satisfy the general Chevening Fellowship eligibility requirements.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the potential to rise to positions of leadership and influence and possess personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities consistent with that potential.
Applicants must also agree to return to their country of citizenship for at least one year after the fellowship ends. Other general restrictions apply, including rules concerning British or dual British citizenship and previous UK Government-funded scholarships.
Because fellowship-specific requirements can differ, applicants should check the OCIS programme page rather than relying only on the general Chevening eligibility criteria.
Areas of Research
The fellowship is intended for research connected to the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies.
Potential areas include:
- Islamic history
- Classical Islamic sciences
- Muslim societies past and present
- Islamic economics and finance
- Public health in Muslim societies
- Science and technology in the Muslim world
- Muslims in Western societies
- International relations
- Interfaith dialogue
- Islamic thought
- Contemporary policy
- Identity and citizenship
- Economic and human development
- Science, technology and environment
OCIS states that its research interests include Muslim societies, identity and citizenship, classical Islamic sciences, economic and human development and Islamic finance, and science, technology and environment in Muslim societies.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed project has a clear connection with the intellectual focus of the Centre.
Research Proposal Requirements
Candidates applying for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship should be prepared to present a concise research proposal.
The proposal should identify the area of academic research they want to conduct during their residence at OCIS. Chevening specifically states that applicants should include a main research question and explain how they intend to conduct the research while at the Centre.
A strong proposal should therefore communicate:
- The central research question
- The background and significance of the research
- The intended methodology or approach
- Why the project is suitable for OCIS
- What the applicant hopes to accomplish during the five-month fellowship
- How the research could contribute to wider academic, professional or policy discussions
Selection and Interview Process
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship includes a two-stage interview process.
The first interview is conducted through British embassies or high commissions. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their suitability, motivation and research interests.
Successful candidates then progress to a second and final interview with representatives of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. This interview focuses more closely on the candidate’s research interests.
This means applicants should be prepared not only to explain their professional achievements but also to discuss their proposed research clearly and confidently.
How to Apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2027
Applications are submitted through the Chevening application system.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that your nationality, country of residence, academic background, professional experience and research profile satisfy both the general Chevening Fellowship requirements and the OCIS-specific requirements.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Idea
Identify a focused research topic that fits the academic interests of OCIS.
Your proposal should have a clear research question and a realistic plan for conducting the work during the five-month fellowship.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Provide accurate information about your academic qualifications, professional experience, research background, leadership potential and proposed project.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Complete and submit the online Chevening application before the deadline.
For the 2027–28 OCIS Fellowship, the application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Important Note for Afghan and Sudanese Applicants
The current Chevening OCIS page specifically notes that Afghan and Sudanese citizens remain eligible to apply despite recent UK Government legislation affecting their ability to obtain a Study Visa.
Chevening states that this legislation does not affect the fellowship visa routes, although applicants should consult the UK Government’s latest visa information for current requirements.
Why Consider the OCIS Fellowship?
The fellowship offers more than financial support.
Selected fellows can gain access to academic resources and mentorship while participating in intellectual and intercultural exchange at Oxford.
The programme is designed to help fellows deepen their understanding of global challenges through Islamic thought, diplomacy and contemporary policy while strengthening leadership skills and policy insight.
For established researchers and professionals, the fellowship can therefore provide a valuable period away from routine professional responsibilities to concentrate on a substantial research project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship includes five months of research at OCIS, living expenses, return economy airfare and an allowance package for research-related activities.
How long is the OCIS Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts five months, running from October to March.
How many fellows are selected?
The current Chevening programme page states that the OCIS Fellowship offers an opportunity for six exceptional candidates.
Can students apply?
The fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals and academics and requires significant professional and/or academic research experience of at least five years.
Do applicants need a postgraduate qualification?
Yes. Applicants must hold a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2027–28 OCIS Fellowship is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Where does the fellowship take place?
The fellowship takes place at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in Oxford, United Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2027 in the UK | Fully Funded is a specialised opportunity for experienced academics and professionals seeking dedicated time for independent research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The five-month fellowship combines research opportunities with financial support covering living expenses, return economy airfare and research-related allowances. It is particularly suited to candidates whose work focuses on Islam, Muslim societies, Islamic thought, history, economics, public policy, international relations, intercultural dialogue or related areas.
Applicants should pay close attention to the nationality and residency requirements, the minimum five years of professional or academic research experience, and the requirement for a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
For the 2027–28 intake, applications close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Candidates should use the remaining application period to develop a focused research proposal, demonstrate their professional and academic experience, and clearly explain why the OCIS environment is appropriate for their proposed research.
Official Application: Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship
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