Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships 2025-2026 (Masters/PhD)

Are you an international student aspiring to pursue a master's degree at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions? Good news! The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships for 2025-2026 are now open, offering you the chance to study at the University of Oxford with full funding. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the OCIS Scholarship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process.

What is the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarship?

The OCIS Scholarships are fully funded opportunities for international students pursuing their master’s degree at the University of Oxford. Established by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, these scholarships aim to foster academic excellence and provide students with the opportunity to contribute to fields that benefit the Muslim world.

The scholarships cover 100% of the course fees and provide a living stipend of at least £19,237. This funding is designed to allow students to focus entirely on their studies without the financial burden. The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies seeks individuals who will contribute to both academic research and the Muslim world at large, encouraging scholarly study in fields that bridge Islamic traditions and modern disciplines.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarship 2025-2026 Overview

• Level of Study: Master’s degree (with some DPhil options)
• Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
• Courses Offered: All full-time master’s and DPhil courses
• Funding Coverage:
  • 100% of course fees
  • A grant for living costs (minimum £19,237)
• Eligible Countries: Applicants from Asia, Africa, and the UK are eligible. See full list below.
• Program Duration: Varies by course.
• Application Deadline: January 2025 (specific deadlines depend on your chosen course).

Benefits of the OCIS Scholarship

As an OCIS scholar, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Full Funding: The scholarship covers your entire course fee, allowing you to study without worrying about tuition costs.
• Living Stipend: You’ll receive a grant to cover living expenses, which is currently set at £19,237 for the duration of your studies.
• Global Network: As part of the University of Oxford, you will have access to a prestigious academic community and networking opportunities that can further your research and career.

These benefits enable you to focus entirely on your academic pursuits, making it easier to engage with the resources and opportunities available at Oxford.

Eligibility Criteria for OCIS Scholarships

To be considered for the OCIS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality:

   • Must be either ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom (from a Muslim community, with preference for financially disadvantaged households) or a national from one of the eligible countries in Asia and Africa (list below).

2. Academic Standing:

   • Applicants should be applying for a new full-time master’s or DPhil course at Oxford.
   • Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit.

3. Field of Study:

   • Your chosen course must be relevant to Islamic studies or contribute to areas that benefit the Muslim world.

4. Intended Return:

   • After completing your course, you must intend to return to your country of ordinary residence.

5. Exclusions:

   • This scholarship is not available to candidates applying for postgraduate certificates, diplomas, part-time courses, or non-matriculated courses.

6. Deferred Offers:

   • If you hold a deferred offer to start in 2025-2026, you will not be considered for this scholarship.

Eligible Countries for OCIS Scholarships

The OCIS Scholarships are open to students from a wide range of countries, primarily focusing on nations in Asia and Africa. Some of the eligible countries include:

• Afghanistan
• India
• Pakistan
• Indonesia
• Palestine
• Algeria
• Iran
• Saudi Arabia
• Bangladesh
• Nigeria
• Egypt
• Morocco
• Turkey
• Malaysia
• Sudan
• Yemen
• Tunisia
• And many more.

You can view the full list of eligible countries on the official website.

How to Apply for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarship

The application process for the OCIS Scholarship involves two main steps:

1. Apply to Oxford University:

   • You must submit your application for graduate study at Oxford by the relevant January 2025 deadline. Visit the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions page and select your course.
   • Create an account and complete the online application, including all required documents such as transcripts, recommendations, and standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

2. Submit the OCIS Supporting Statement:

   • After applying to your chosen program, you will need to submit a separate supporting statement for the OCIS Scholarship here. This statement must outline your academic goals, how your studies relate to the Islamic tradition, and how they will benefit the Muslim world.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Application Deadlines: Each course has its own specific deadline, so make sure to check the deadlines for your program. Applicants must meet the relevant January 2025 deadline to be considered for the scholarship.
• Offer of Admission: To be considered for the OCIS Scholarship, you must first be offered admission to your chosen course at Oxford.
• Course Eligibility: Only full-time master’s and DPhil courses are eligible for consideration for this scholarship.

Conclusion

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue higher education at one of the world’s leading universities. With full funding for tuition and living expenses, this scholarship is designed to support students dedicated to academic excellence and contributing to fields that are of benefit to the Muslim world.

To learn more and start your application, visit the official Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies website.

Start your academic journey today with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarship and unlock endless opportunities for your future.

For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the official website of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

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