Chevening Oxford Center for Islamic studies (OCIS) and OCIS Abdullah Gul fellowships are open for application. Both are prestigious opportunities for mid-career academics and professionals. Specifically, for those who are dedicated towards a deeper understanding of Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies.
These fellowships, offered in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. The programs aim to support individuals committed to the advancement of Islamic studies within a global context.
Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship is specifically for Turkish citizens. Therefore, we have provided detailed eligibility criteria for Chevening Oxford Center for Islamic studies (OSCIS) which is open for other countries. Though there are no separate guidelines for OCIS Abdullah Gul Fellowship, both follow the same guidelines. Chevening also provides scholarship for Master and other fellowship programs.
Benefits of the Program
The benefits of the fellowships are as fellows:
- Research Opportunity: Fellows will engage in a five-month period of self-directed research at OCIS. They will focus on their unique project related to the culture and civilization of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies.
- Living Expenses: Financial support for living expenses during the fellowship is provided.
- Travel Allowance: Fellows will receive return economy airfare from their home country to the UK.
- Research Support: A stipend for research-related activities is included to facilitate academic exploration.
- Cultural Engagement: Fellows will have access to a curated program of cultural events and activities organized by the FCDO and the Chevening Secretariat.
Eligibility Criteria for the fellowships
To be eligible for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrate the potential to assume leadership roles and influence within their field.
- Personal and Professional Attributes: Exhibit strong personal, intellectual, and interpersonal qualities that align with the fellowship’s objectives.
- Citizenship: Be a citizen of one of the following countries: Afghanistan (subject to eligibility review), Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
- Commitment to Home Country: Commit to returning to their country of citizenship upon completion of the fellowship.
- Educational Background: Hold a postgraduate qualification or have equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
- Professional Experience: Possess at least five years of professional and/or academic research experience.
- Language Proficiency: Have a strong command of English, as assessed during the application process.
- Citizenship Restrictions: Not hold British or dual-British citizenship.
- Employment Restrictions: Not be an employee, former employee, or close relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government or related entities within the last two years.
Deadline
The application window for the Chevening OCIS Fellowships closes on 5 November 2024 at 12:00 GMT.
How to Apply for the fellowships?
To apply for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Prepare a Research Proposal: Outline a concise research proposal detailing the main research question and the methodology you intend to use during the fellowship.
- Submit an Application: Applications must be submitted online through the Chevening application portal by the specified deadline.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Ensure that all required references and educational documents are submitted by 19 February 2025.
Additional Information:
- Selection Process: Applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria, with shortlisted candidates invited for interviews at British embassies and high commissions between 26 February and 25 April 2025.
- Program Timeline: The fellowship will run from October 2025 to March 2026, offering fellows an enriching experience in the heart of Oxford.
Note for Afghan Applicants:
Due to ongoing eligibility reviews, applications for the OCIS Afghanistan Award are currently closed. Applicants are advised to monitor the Chevening website for updates regarding the 2025/2026 cycle.
