Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship (OCIS) and OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship

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Overview

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) and OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowships are a collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the OCIS. 

They’re for mid-career professionals and academics who are dedicated to promoting academic activities that encourage a more informed understanding of the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies. 

Fellows will learn how to engage with complex global challenges through the lens of Islamic thought, diplomacy, and contemporary policy, while deepening their understanding of international relations, interfaith dialogue, and leadership in diverse cultural contexts. 

The fellowship will take place at the OCIS. 

Duration

The duration of this fellowship is five months.

• Start: October
• End: March

More about the programme

Are you ready to explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and global policy, and contribute to meaningful dialogue and understanding between the Islamic world and the wider international community? 

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) and the OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for six exceptional candidates to undertake self-directed research focusing on their own project.

Fellows will have the opportunity to:: 

• Explore the culture, civilisation, and historical trajectories of Muslim societies 

• Foster inter‑civilisational dialogue and academic exchange 

• Discuss issues relating to the Islamic world, including Islamic history, classical Islamic sciences, economics and Islamic finance, public health, science and technology in the Muslim world, and the study of Muslims in the West 

Fellows will gain: 

• Access to world-class academic resources and mentorship 

• Opportunities for intercultural dialogue and intellectual exchange 

• Enhanced leadership skills and policy insight 

When submitting your application, you should be prepared to outline a short proposal on the area of academic research you would like to conduct. The proposal should include a main research question and how you intend to conduct this research while in residence at the centre. 

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship (OCIS) and OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship selection process involves two rounds of interviews. The first interview will be with British embassies and high commissions. You should be prepared to explain your suitability and motivations for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship, and you should also be prepared to explain your research interests. Successful candidates will be invited to a second and final interview with representatives from OCIS, which will focus further on your research interests. 

Eligibility

In addition to meeting our standard eligibility criteria, you must:  

• Be a citizen of one of the following countries and resident in one of these countries at the point of application: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan (if applying for the Chevening OCIS Fellowship) 

• Be a citizen of and resident of Turkey at the point of application (if applying for the Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship) 

• Hold a postgraduate level qualification (or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area) at the time of application 

• Have significant professional and/or academic research experience (at least five years) 

Funding and benefits

Each fellowship includes: 

• Five-month period of research at OCIS 

• Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship 

• Return economy airfare  

• Allowance package for research-related activities 

Hear from our fellows