The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 are among the most distinguished awards offered by the University of Oxford. These scholarships were established to support outstanding graduates whose studies aim to promote the development and understanding of the Muslim world.
The OCIS, a recognized independent centre of the University of Oxford, serves as a global hub for multidisciplinary engagement with Islamic societies and cultures. It promotes intellectual exchange between the Western and Islamic worlds, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding through advanced study and research.
Host Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Funding Body: Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS)
Study Level: Master’s or Doctoral (DPhil)
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationalities: Muslim communities in the UK and eligible Muslim-majority countries
Application Deadline: December or January (depending on your chosen course)
Result Announcement: June 2026
Successful scholars under the OCIS Scholarship 2026 will receive:
Full Tuition Fees: 100% coverage for the entire duration of the degree program.
Living Expenses: A generous annual grant of at least ÂŁ20,780 to cover accommodation, meals, and personal costs.
Duration: The scholarship covers the full fee-liability period of the course.
Additional Funding: Scholars may combine this award with other funding sources, but total funding will be adjusted to avoid duplication.
To qualify for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
Apply for a new full-time Master’s or DPhil program at the University of Oxford.
Be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and from a Muslim community, preferably from a financially disadvantaged background,
OR
Be a national and resident of one of the following eligible countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Intend to return to your country of ordinary residence after completing the course.
Demonstrate academic excellence and a proven record of leadership or community engagement.
Show financial need.
Pursue a field of study related to Islamic tradition or one that contributes to the progress and development of the Muslim world.
The OCIS Scholarship does not support:
Part-time or non-matriculated programs.
Postgraduate certificates or diplomas.
Deferred offers for the 2026–27 academic year.
Follow the steps below to apply for the OCIS Scholarship 2026:
Apply for admission to a full-time Master’s or DPhil program at the University of Oxford.
Select the OCIS Scholarship option in the Funding section of your graduate application form.
Submit your graduate application by your course’s December or January deadline (check the official Oxford course page for details).
Upload the OCIS Supporting Statement (available under “Related Documents” on the official Oxford Scholarships page) with your application.
Ensure all details—such as nationality, country of residence, and academic background—are accurately provided.
Only those who receive an official offer of admission in the December/January round will be considered.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Oxford Course Application Deadline | December 2025 or January 2026 |
| Scholarship Result Announcement | June 2026 |
| Program Commencement | October 2026 |
Study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Join a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to Islamic and intercultural research.
Receive full financial support to focus entirely on your studies.
Contribute to building academic and cultural bridges between Muslim and Western societies.
Gain access to global networking, mentorship, and research opportunities at Oxford.
1. What does the OCIS Scholarship cover?
It covers 100% of tuition fees plus a living stipend of at least ÂŁ20,780 per year.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Applicants from Muslim communities in the UK or nationals of eligible Muslim-majority countries who are applying for a full-time Master’s or DPhil program at Oxford.
3. Are part-time or diploma students eligible?
No, only full-time Master’s and DPhil students are eligible.
4. Is financial need considered?
Yes. Candidates are selected based on both academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.
5. What kind of programs are supported?
Programs rooted in or related to Islamic studies, or those contributing to the social, economic, or cultural development of Muslim societies.
6. Can I defer my offer to 2027?
No. Deferred admissions are not eligible.
7. How will I know if I’m selected?
Successful applicants will be notified by June 2026.
8. Can I combine this scholarship with other funding?
Yes, but the award amount will be adjusted to ensure no duplication of funds.
9. How do I submit the OCIS Supporting Statement?
Upload it directly with your Oxford graduate application before the course deadline.
10. Where can I get more information?
Visit the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships page on the University of Oxford’s official website.
Final Thoughts
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship 2026 offers more than just financial aid—it is a platform for transformative learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and leadership development. By supporting scholars dedicated to advancing the Muslim world through research and education, the OCIS Scholarship continues to foster global understanding and excellence at the highest academic level.