University of Oxford

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 offer a fully funded opportunity for exceptional graduates who wish to pursue a Master’s or DPhil degree at the prestigious University of Oxford. These scholarships are designed for students whose academic interests contribute to the understanding, development, and advancement of the Muslim world.

Established by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, the scholarship program supports outstanding scholars and promotes intellectual exchange between Islamic and Western academic traditions. Through advanced research and education, OCIS aims to encourage solutions to contemporary challenges affecting Muslim societies worldwide.

The scholarship is highly competitive and provides financial support to talented students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing positively to their communities.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship 2026 Benefits

Selected candidates for the OCIS Scholarship 2026 will receive comprehensive financial support throughout their eligible degree program at the University of Oxford.

The scholarship includes:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

Successful applicants will receive complete payment of their course fees for the entire period of their fee liability.

Annual Living Cost Support

Recipients will receive a living allowance of at least £20,780 per academic year to help cover accommodation, food, and other essential expenses while studying at Oxford.

Full Duration Funding

The award is provided for the complete duration of the approved Master’s or DPhil program, subject to meeting academic progress requirements.

Additional Funding Information

Applicants may combine the OCIS Scholarship with other funding sources. However, Oxford will consider additional funding when determining the final scholarship amount.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026

Applicants must meet specific academic, residency, and study requirements to be considered for the OCIS Scholarship at the University of Oxford.

Academic Requirements

Candidates must:

• Apply for a new full-time Master’s or DPhil program at the University of Oxford.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic ability and achievement.
• Show financial need and potential to make a meaningful contribution after graduation.
• Select a course connected with Islamic traditions or a field that supports the development and advancement of the Muslim world.

Residency and Nationality Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and belong to a Muslim community. Preference may be given to candidates from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

OR

• Be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible countries, including:

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.

Post-Study Commitment

Applicants should intend to return to their country of residence after completing their studies and use their education to contribute to their communities.

Eligible Degree Programs for OCIS Scholarship 2026

The scholarship supports applicants applying for eligible full-time postgraduate programs at Oxford.

Priority is given to courses that:

• Relate to Islamic studies, history, culture, society, or traditions.
• Address issues connected to the Muslim world.
• Support research and academic development benefiting Muslim communities globally.

Applicants should carefully review their selected Oxford course requirements before applying.

Programs Not Covered Under OCIS Scholarship

The following programs are not eligible:

• Postgraduate certificate programs
• Postgraduate diploma programs
• Part-time courses
• Non-matriculated courses
• Deferred admission offers for the 2026–27 academic year

How to Apply for Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship 2026

Applicants do not submit a separate scholarship application. They must apply through the University of Oxford graduate application system.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Apply for an Oxford Graduate Course

Choose an eligible full-time Master’s or DPhil program and complete the University of Oxford graduate application form.

Step 2: Select OCIS Scholarship Option

During the application process, select the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship option in the Oxford Scholarships section of the graduate application form.

Step 3: Submit OCIS Supporting Statement

Upload the required OCIS Supporting Statement with your graduate application before the deadline.

Step 4: Submit Application Before Deadline

Complete and submit your Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline according to your chosen course.

Applications submitted during later application rounds or placed on waiting lists will not be considered for the OCIS Scholarship.

OCIS Scholarship 2026 Important Dates

Successful applicants will receive notification by June 2026. Due to the large number of applications, Oxford does not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

Why Apply for OCIS Scholarship at Oxford?

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship provides more than financial assistance. It offers students the opportunity to study at one of the world’s most respected universities while engaging in research that can create meaningful global impact.

Recipients become part of an international academic community focused on improving understanding between cultures and developing knowledge related to Islamic societies and global challenges.

For students seeking fully funded scholarships in the UK, the OCIS Scholarship 2026 is one of the most valuable opportunities available at the University of Oxford.