Are you a mid-career professional or academic passionate about the rich heritage and evolving realities of Islamic culture and Muslim societies? The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowships offer a prestigious platform for Nigerians and other nationals to deepen their knowledge, expand global networks, and contribute meaningfully to international research.
What Is the Chevening OCIS Fellowship?
A collaboration between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, the Chevening OCIS Fellowship is a five-month fully funded research opportunity in Oxford, UK. It supports those working in fields connected to Islamic history, society, culture, and public life, offering them time and space to pursue self-directed academic research.
This fellowship includes:
- The Chevening OCIS Fellowship (for eligible countries, including Nigeria)
- The Chevening OCIS Abdullah Gül Fellowship (exclusive to Turkish citizens)
Fellows will join a multidisciplinary community of scholars at OCIS, where they can explore a wide range of topics — from Islamic economics and classical sciences to contemporary issues like Muslim communities in the West or digital innovation in Islamic societies.
Why Nigerians Should Apply
Nigeria, with its rich Islamic heritage and growing community of thinkers in the humanities and social sciences, is a prime candidate country for this fellowship. Chevening OCIS is especially ideal for:
- Academics with at least five years of experience
- Policy professionals shaping conversations around religion, identity, and society
- Cultural scholars and thought leaders focused on Islamic development in Africa
Whether you’re a university lecturer, NGO director, journalist, or policy adviser, this programme offers an unmatched opportunity to pursue research in one of the world’s top academic environments — at no personal financial cost.
Apply for the 2026 Chevening Scholarship to Study in the UK
What’s Covered?
Selected fellows receive:
- Five months of fully-funded academic research
- Return airfare to the UK
- Monthly living allowance
- Research-related expenses
- Access to exclusive cultural events via the FCDO and Chevening Secretariat
What You’ll Do
During your time at OCIS, you’ll:
- Conduct a research project of your choosing
- Engage with global scholars and experts in Islamic studies
- Participate in seminars and dialogue sessions
- Contribute to cross-cultural understanding of Muslim societies
Note: Fellows are expected to reside in Oxford during the programme and must propose their research topic in their application.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen and resident of Nigeria (or another eligible country)
- Hold a postgraduate degree or equivalent professional experience
- Have at least five years of work or research experience
- Have a strong command of English
- Not holding dual British citizenship
- Be ready to return to Nigeria after the fellowship ends
💡 Applicants who have previously received a UK Government scholarship or fellowship must show significant career progression before applying again.
Horizon Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Tech Policy Program in DC
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025/2026 cycle are now open and highly competitive. Prepare a concise research proposal that clearly outlines your goals, research question, and how the OCIS environment will support your work.
The Chevening OCIS Fellowships are more than just a research opportunity — they are a chance to shape global discourse on Islam and Muslim societies from the heart of one of the world’s leading academic institutions.
If you’re ready to elevate your academic journey, build international partnerships, and bring your insights back home to Nigeria, now is the time to apply.
APPLY FOR THE CHEVENING OCIS FELLOWSHIP
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
