Chevening Oxford OCIS and OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowships 2025

Oxford, November 2024 – The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowships, including the OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship, are now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 cycle. Academics and professionals committed to advancing the understanding of Islamic culture and contemporary Muslim societies are invited to apply by 5 November 2024.

The fellowships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and hosted by the prestigious Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), an institution bridging Western and Islamic scholarship. These opportunities offer a unique environment for mid-career fellows to deepen their research and engage with global thought leaders.

Programme Structure

Fellows will undertake a 5-month, self-directed research period at OCIS, focusing on a topic that explores the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies in a global context. Participants will have the chance to collaborate with scholars from diverse disciplines, expanding their academic networks and contributing to meaningful dialogues on Islamic history, public health, economics, Islamic finance, science, and the study of Muslim communities in the West.

Fellows are expected to reside in Oxford for the full duration of the fellowship, ensuring they fully benefit from the Centre’s resources and academic community. OCIS will provide guidance on accommodation options.

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full programme support for research at OCIS
• Living expenses for the fellowship period
• Return economy airfare to and from the UK
• Research-related allowances
• Access to cultural events and activities organized by the FCDO and Chevening Secretariat

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries, including Algeria, Indonesia, Jordan, Nigeria, and others.
• Hold a postgraduate qualification or have equivalent professional training in a relevant area.
• Have at least five years of professional or academic research experience.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and possess strong intellectual and interpersonal skills.
• Be prepared to return to their country of citizenship upon completion of the fellowship.
• Exhibit a strong command of English, assessed during the application and interview stages.
• Not hold British or dual-British nationality.
• Not be an employee or immediate relative of an employee of His Majesty’s Government or related bodies within the past two years.

Special Note for Turkish Applicants

The OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship is exclusively available to applicants from Turkey, providing an opportunity for Turkish nationals to further their understanding and contribute to the study of Islamic cultures and contemporary issues.

• Applications Close: 5 November 2024 (12:00 GMT)

Apply here: https://www.chevening.org/fellowship/ocis/.