Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 Announced for Master’s and DPhil Students

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 have officially been announced, offering a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students from Muslim communities and eligible countries across Asia and Africa to study at the University of Oxford. These prestigious scholarships are aimed at supporting academically excellent candidates whose research and academic goals contribute to the understanding, development, and advancement of the Islamic world and Muslim societies.

Established by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies—an independent academic institution affiliated with the University of Oxford—the OCIS Scholarships are among the most competitive funding opportunities available for postgraduate students interested in Islamic studies, social sciences, humanities, and related fields.

A Prestigious Opportunity at the University of Oxford

The OCIS Scholarships 2026 allow recipients to pursue full-time master’s or DPhil (doctoral) degrees at Oxford, one of the world’s most respected universities. The program encourages interdisciplinary research and academic excellence while fostering dialogue between scholars from the Muslim world and the West.

Students awarded this scholarship gain access to Oxford’s world-class faculty, extensive research resources, and a globally recognized academic environment. The scholarship not only supports higher education but also aims to develop future leaders, researchers, and policymakers who can positively impact Muslim communities worldwide.

What the OCIS Scholarships 2026 Cover

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships 2026 are fully funded and provide comprehensive financial support throughout the duration of the approved course. The funding typically includes:

100% coverage of tuition fees for the entire course duration
A living cost stipend, usually at least £20,780 per year for postgraduate students
Funding for the full period of fee liability as determined by the University of Oxford
In some cases, the OCIS award may be offered alongside other funding sources. However, the total scholarship value will be carefully assessed to ensure fair allocation.

Eligibility Criteria for OCIS Scholarships 2026

To be considered for the OCIS Scholarships 2026, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Candidates must:

Apply for a new, full-time master’s or DPhil program at the University of Oxford
Be ordinarily resident in the UK and from a Muslim community, preferably from a financially disadvantaged background, or
Be a national and resident of an eligible country in Asia or Africa, including (but not limited to) Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Algeria, and Kuwait
Demonstrate a clear intention to return to their country of residence after completing their studies
Choose a field of study that is relevant to the Islamic tradition or beneficial to Muslim societies
The scholarship is not available for part-time courses, postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, non-matriculated programs, or deferred offers for the 2026–27 academic year.

Application Process for OCIS Scholarships 2026

Applicants must first secure admission to the University of Oxford to be considered for the OCIS Scholarships. The application process involves the following steps:

Apply for a full-time master’s or DPhil program through Oxford’s official graduate admissions portal.
During the application, select the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship option under the University of Oxford Scholarships section.
Submit a supporting statement for the OCIS Scholarship, clearly explaining academic goals, financial need, and relevance to Muslim communities.
Ensure the complete graduate application is submitted by the December or January deadline, depending on the chosen course.
Only applicants who receive an offer of admission and meet the deadline will be considered for the scholarship. Successful candidates will be notified of the outcome by June 2026.

Focus on Research with Real-World Impact

A defining feature of the OCIS Scholarships is their emphasis on impact-driven research. Scholars are expected to pursue studies that contribute meaningfully to the intellectual, social, economic, or cultural development of Muslim societies.

Fields such as Islamic studies, law, economics, public policy, education, history, international relations, and social sciences are particularly relevant, provided applicants can demonstrate a strong connection between their research and the needs of the Muslim world.

Tips to Strengthen Your OCIS Scholarship Application

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare carefully to improve their chances of success:

Write a focused supporting statement that aligns clearly with the mission of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Highlight academic excellence and leadership potential, supported by past achievements
Demonstrate relevance, explaining how your studies will benefit Muslim communities
Apply early, as scholarship consideration depends on timely submission of the Oxford application
A strong, well-structured application can significantly enhance competitiveness for this highly selective scholarship.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 represent a life-changing opportunity for talented students committed to academic excellence and meaningful contributions to the Muslim world. With full tuition coverage, a generous living stipend, and access to one of the world’s leading universities, the scholarship removes major financial barriers to higher education.

For eligible candidates, early preparation, a compelling supporting statement, and a clear academic vision are essential. As global interest in Islamic studies and Muslim-focused research continues to grow, the OCIS Scholarships remain a powerful gateway to world-class education and lasting impact.