The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship 2026 offers an exciting 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 a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. It is designed for mid-career professionals and academics interested in promoting a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and civilisation and contemporary Muslim societies.
The programme provides fellows with an opportunity to conduct their own research project while gaining access to academic resources, mentorship, intellectual exchange and leadership development.
Nigerian applicants are eligible, as Nigeria is specifically included among the countries whose citizens and residents can apply.
Quick Facts
| Fellowship | Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Host | Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies |
| Country | United Kingdom 🇬🇧 |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Start | October 2026 |
| End | March 2027 |
| Places | 6 |
| Eligible Country | Nigeria and other listed countries |
| Study Type | Self-directed research |
| Funding | Living expenses, airfare & research allowance |
| Deadline | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
The official Chevening page confirms that applications remain open until 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Table of Contents
- About the Chevening OCIS Fellowship
- What the Fellowship Offers
- Research Areas
- Fellowship Benefits
- Who Can Apply?
- Eligible Countries
- Research Proposal
- Selection Process
- Official Application
- Related Fellowship Opportunity
About the Chevening OCIS Fellowship
The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, an independent centre associated with the University of Oxford.
The fellowship provides six exceptional candidates with the opportunity to undertake self-directed research while living and working at the centre.
During the fellowship, participants can explore issues relating to Islamic culture, civilisation and contemporary Muslim societies while engaging with scholars and researchers from different backgrounds.
The programme also encourages fellows to examine global challenges through the perspectives of Islamic thought, diplomacy, international relations, interfaith dialogue and leadership.
Fellowship Duration
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 lasts for five months.
📅 Start: October 2026
📅 End: March 2027
During this period, fellows will be based at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and work on their proposed research projects.
What Will Fellows Do?
Successful fellows will undertake self-directed research based on their own research interests.
Applicants are expected to submit a short research proposal explaining:
- Their proposed research area
- Their main research question
- How they intend to conduct the research
- Why the research is important
- What they hope to achieve during their time at OCIS
The research proposal is an important part of the application because applicants will need to explain their research interests during the selection interviews.
Research Areas
The fellowship welcomes research related to Islamic culture, civilisation and contemporary Muslim societies.
Possible areas include:
- Islamic history
- Islamic culture and civilisation
- Classical Islamic sciences
- Economics
- Islamic finance
- Public health
- Science and technology in the Muslim world
- Muslims in the West
- Inter-civilisational dialogue
- Contemporary Muslim societies
Applicants should develop a focused research question rather than submitting a broad topic without a clear research direction.
Fellowship Benefits
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 provides significant financial support.
Each fellowship includes:
💰 Living Expenses
Fellows receive support for living expenses throughout the five-month fellowship.
✈️ Return Economy Airfare
The fellowship provides a return economy airfare to the UK.
📚 Research Allowance
Fellows receive an allowance package to support research-related activities.
🎓 Five Months at OCIS
Successful candidates spend five months undertaking research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
These benefits make the fellowship a highly attractive opportunity for eligible mid-career professionals and academics.
Who Can Apply?
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 is designed for experienced professionals and academics.
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including:
- Being a citizen of one of the eligible countries.
- Being resident in an eligible country at the time of application.
- Holding a postgraduate-level qualification, or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area.
- Having at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience.
- Meeting the standard Chevening Fellowship eligibility requirements.
Nigerian Applicants Are Eligible
🇳🇬 Nigeria is included among the eligible countries.
This means eligible Nigerian professionals and academics who meet the programme’s other requirements can apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026.
Applicants must also be resident in an eligible country at the time they submit their application.
Selection Process
The selection process involves two rounds of interviews.
First Interview
The first interview is conducted by British embassies or high commissions.
Applicants should be prepared to discuss:
- Their suitability for the fellowship
- Their motivation
- Their professional experience
- Their research interests
- Their proposed research project
Final Interview
Successful applicants from the first stage are invited to a second interview with representatives from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The final interview focuses more deeply on the applicant’s research interests and proposed project.
Official Application
🎓 Official Fellowship Information & Application:
Apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship
Applicants should carefully read the official eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their application.
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Important Deadline
⏰ Application deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Don’t wait until the final dDetailed Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the programme-specific requirements in addition to Chevening’s standard fellowship eligibility criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries.
- Be resident in an eligible country at the time of application.
- Hold a postgraduate-level qualification, or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field.
- Have at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience.
- Meet Chevening’s standard eligibility requirements.
🇳🇬 Nigeria is one of the countries specifically listed as eligible, making this an important opportunity for qualified Nigerian professionals and academics.
What Kind of Applicant Is Chevening Looking For?
The fellowship is aimed at mid-career professionals and academics who are interested in research and in promoting a deeper understanding of Islamic culture, civilisation and contemporary Muslim societies.
Strong candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Relevant professional experience
- Academic or research experience
- A clear research interest
- Leadership potential
- Interest in international relations and global issues
- An ability to engage with different cultures and perspectives
Research Proposal Requirements
One of the most important parts of the application is the research proposal.
Applicants should prepare a short proposal explaining the academic research they intend to conduct during their time at OCIS.
The proposal should include:
1. Research Topic
Clearly explain the subject you want to investigate.
2. Main Research Question
State the central question your research will attempt to answer.
3. Research Method
Explain how you intend to conduct the research while you are resident at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
4. Importance of the Research
Explain why the topic matters and what contribution your research could make.
Chevening specifically states that applicants should be prepared to discuss their research interests during the selection interviews.
Possible Research Areas
The fellowship welcomes research connected to Islamic culture, civilisation and contemporary Muslim societies.
Potential areas include:
- Islamic history
- Classical Islamic sciences
- Islamic culture and civilisation
- Economics
- Islamic finance
- Public health
- Science and technology in the Muslim world
- Muslims in the West
- Contemporary Muslim societies
- International relations
- Interfaith dialogue
- Islamic thought
- Diplomacy
- Leadership and policy
Applicants should choose a specific and manageable research question rather than a topic that is too broad.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive significant support during the five-month programme.
The official Chevening page lists the following benefits:
🎓 Five-Month Research Fellowship
Fellows spend five months conducting research at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
💰 Living Expenses
Living expenses are provided for the duration of the fellowship.
✈️ Return Economy Airfare
The fellowship includes return economy airfare.
📚 Research Allowance
Fellows receive an allowance package to support research-related activities.
🤝 Academic Resources and Mentorship
Participants gain access to academic resources and mentorship, as well as opportunities for intercultural dialogue and intellectual exchange.
🌍 Leadership and Policy Development
The programme also provides opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and gain policy insights.
Selection and Interview Process
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 selection process involves two rounds of interviews.
First Interview
The first interview is conducted with representatives from British embassies or high commissions.
Applicants should be prepared to explain:
- Why they are suitable for the fellowship
- Why they want to participate
- Their professional and academic background
- Their research interests
- Their proposed research project
Final Interview
Successful candidates from the first stage are invited to a second and final interview with representatives from OCIS.
This interview focuses more closely on the applicant’s research interests.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026:
Step 1 — Visit the Official Chevening Website
Go to the official OCIS Fellowship page.
Step 2 — Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet both the standard Chevening requirements and the OCIS-specific requirements.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Research Proposal
Develop a clear research question and explain your proposed methodology.
Step 4 — Complete the Online Application
Provide your personal, academic and professional information.
Step 5 — Submit Before the Deadline
Review your application carefully before submitting it.
Step 6 — Prepare for the Interview
If shortlisted, prepare to discuss your motivation, experience and research proposal.
Application Deadline
⏰ Deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications. The official Chevening website should be checked for any updates before submission.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship lasts for five months.
📅 Start: October 2026
📅 End: March 2027
Six exceptional candidates will be selected for the fellowship.
Tips for a Strong Application
1. Choose a Focused Research Topic
Avoid extremely broad topics. A clear research question makes your proposal stronger.
2. Explain Your Methodology
Don’t only say what you want to research. Explain how you will conduct the research.
3. Connect Your Experience to Your Research
Show how your professional or academic background has prepared you for the proposed project.
4. Demonstrate Your Motivation
Explain why OCIS is the right environment for your research.
5. Prepare for the Interview
Be ready to explain your research project clearly without relying on complicated terminology.
6. Show Your Potential Impact
Explain how your research could contribute to academic knowledge, policy, dialogue or society.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying without checking the eligibility requirements.
❌ Submitting a vague research topic.
❌ Failing to provide a clear research question.
❌ Not explaining the proposed research methodology.
❌ Ignoring the five-year experience requirement.
❌ Waiting until the final day to apply.
❌ Being unable to explain your research project during the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides living expenses, return economy airfare and an allowance package for research-related activities. It also covers the five-month research period at OCIS.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Nigeria is explicitly listed among the eligible countries for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts five months, from October to March.
How many candidates will be selected?
The programme offers places for six exceptional candidates.
Do I need a postgraduate qualification?
Yes. Applicants must hold a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants must have at least five years of significant professional and/or academic research experience.
Do I need to submit a research proposal?
Yes. Applicants should outline a short proposal including their main research question and how they intend to conduct the research while at the centre.
Official Application Link
🎓 Apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026:
Official Chevening OCIS Fellowship Application
Application deadline: 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC.
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