Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 Complete Guide

Overview

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 fund outstanding students to pursue full-time master’s or DPhil (doctoral) degrees at the University of Oxford, with a strong focus on studies relevant to the Islamic world and Muslim communities. These scholarships are designed to support academic merit and financial need while encouraging research that will benefit the global Muslim world.

Established by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, an academic institution affiliated with the University of Oxford, the programme brings together scholars from the Islamic world and the West to promote deeper cross-cultural understanding and research excellence.

OCIS Scholarships Cover

The OCIS Scholarships are fully funded awards that include:

100% of course fees for the duration of the degree
A living cost grant (usually at least £20,780 per year for postgraduate students)
Funding for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed Oxford course

Some awards may be offered alongside other funding sources, though the total value will be considered during assessment.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an OCIS Scholarship, you must:

Be applying for a new full-time master’s or DPhil course at the University of Oxford.
Be ordinarily resident in the UK and from a Muslim community, with preference for candidates from financially disadvantaged households, or
Be a national and resident in one of the eligible countries in Asia or Africa, such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, Yemen, and others.
Plan to return to your country of ordinary residence once your course is completed.
Demonstrate that your field of study is relevant to the Islamic tradition or benefits the Muslim world.

These scholarships are not available for postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, part-time, or non-matriculated programs. Applicants with deferred offers for 2026-27 are also not eligible.

Application Process

To be considered for OCIS Scholarships in 2026, follow these steps:

• Apply for admission to your chosen full-time master’s or DPhil program at the University of Oxford through the official graduate application system.
• During the application, check the box for Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship in the University of Oxford Scholarships section.
• Submit your Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships Supporting Statement along with your graduate application by the relevant December/January deadline specified for your course.
• Ensure that your graduate application is successful and received by the December/January deadline — only then will it be considered for the OCIS award.

Applicants will be notified about scholarship outcomes by June 2026.

OCIS Scholarships 2026

World-Class Education at Oxford

Studying at Oxford offers access to top faculty, rigorous academic training, and a globally respected degree.

Full Financial Support

The OCIS Scholarships provide full fee coverage and a maintenance grant, removing major financial barriers for eligible students.

Focus on Impactful Research

Scholarship recipients are expected to pursue studies that are beneficial to Muslim societies, helping contribute to academic and community development.

Tips for a Strong Application

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Highlight how your academic goals align with the objectives of the OCIS Scholarships.

Emphasize Relevance: Clearly explain how your chosen field of study will benefit the Islamic world or Muslim communities.

 Prepare Early: Since scholarship decisions depend on your degree application, submit your Oxford application well before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2026 are prestigious and highly valuable awards designed to help scholars pursue advanced study in fields relevant to Islam and Muslim societies at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. With full tuition support and a living grant, these scholarships open doors for talented applicants committed to impactful academic work. 

Planning, a well-prepared supporting statement, and a timely Oxford application are essential to maximize your chances of success.
Apply now