For students seeking a world-class education at the University of Oxford, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarship offers a remarkable opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies with full financial support. Designed to support talented students who are committed to contributing to the development of Muslim communities and the wider Muslim world, this prestigious scholarship provides funding for eligible master’s and doctoral (DPhil) programmes at one of the world’s leading universities.

The OCIS Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a generous living-cost grant of at least £20,780 per year. In this comprehensive guide, CertiBridge explains everything you need to know about the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship 2027, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, application process, and important deadlines.

About the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) is a recognized independent academic institution within the University of Oxford. Established in 1985, the Centre promotes the scholarly study of Islam and the Muslim world while serving as a bridge between Western and Islamic traditions of learning.

Through research, academic collaboration, and educational initiatives, the Centre supports a deeper understanding of Islamic civilization and its contemporary relevance. The OCIS Scholarship was established to enable outstanding students to undertake advanced studies that will contribute positively to Muslim societies and communities around the world.

The Centre works closely with scholars, universities, and research institutions across numerous countries, fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange on issues relevant to the Islamic world.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s Degree, DPhil (PhD)

Host Institution: University of Oxford

Study Destination: United Kingdom

Eligible Courses: All eligible full-time Master’s and Ph.D programmes offered by the University of Oxford

Duration:

• Master’s Programmes: Typically 1 Year
• DPhil Programmes: Typically 3 Years

Application Deadline: December 2026 or January 2027 (depending on the admission deadline for your chosen course).

Scholarship Benefits

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package that allows students to focus entirely on their academic and research pursuits.

Successful applicants receive:

Full Tuition Coverage

The scholarship covers 100% of university tuition fees and associated course costs.

Generous Living Allowance

Recipients receive a living-cost grant of at least £20,780 per year to help cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential expenses while studying at Oxford.

Study at a World-Leading University

Scholars gain access to Oxford’s exceptional academic resources, globally renowned faculty, extensive research facilities, and an international network of scholars and professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Language Requirement

Applicants must satisfy the English language requirements established by the University of Oxford for their chosen programme.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must either:

• Be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and belong to a Muslim community, with preference often given to candidates from financially disadvantaged backgrounds; or
• Be a national and ordinarily resident in an eligible country across Asia, Africa, or other designated regions.

Eligible countries include:

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.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Apply for a new full-time Master’s or DPhil programme at the University of Oxford.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong intellectual potential.
• Intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their studies.
• Plan to undertake research or study that is derived from, relevant to, or beneficial to the Islamic tradition or the Muslim world.

Ineligible Programmes

The scholarship does not support:

Postgraduate certificate programmes

Postgraduate diploma programmes

Part-time courses

Non-matriculated courses

Ineligible Applicants

Candidates holding deferred offers for the 2026–2027 academic year are generally not eligible for consideration.

How to Apply for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship

Follow the steps below to apply for this prestigious scholarship:

Step 1: Apply for Admission to Oxford

Submit an application for an eligible full-time Master’s or DPhil programme at the University of Oxford before the relevant December 2026 or January 2027 admissions deadline.

Because scholarship consideration is linked to your academic application, meeting the programme deadline is essential.

Step 2: Create an Application Account

Access Oxford University’s online graduate admissions portal, create an account, and complete your programme application.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Prepare and submit all documents required for your chosen course, which may include:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Academic references
• English language test results (IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, where required)

[Book Your Resume, SOP and Proposal Writing service HERE] 

Important Notes for Applicants

Before applying, keep the following points in mind:

• Every Oxford programme has its own admission requirements and statement of purpose guidelines.
• English language requirements vary by course.
• Application deadlines differ between departments and programmes.
• Scholarship consideration is automatic once you submit an eligible course application and complete the required scholarship documentation.

Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements of their chosen programme before applying.

Step 4: Submit the OCIS Supporting Statement

Applicants seeking consideration for the scholarship must also complete and upload the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Supporting Statement as part of their application.

This document allows candidates to demonstrate how their academic goals align with the objectives of the scholarship and how their studies will contribute to Muslim communities and societies.

Step 5: Await Admission Decision

Only applicants who receive an offer of admission from the University of Oxford following the relevant January admissions deadline will be considered for the scholarship.

Applications carried forward for later review rounds or placed on waiting lists are generally not eligible for scholarship consideration.

Why Apply for the OCIS Scholarship?

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship offers much more than financial assistance. It provides talented students with the opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities while developing the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider Muslim world.

For students who aspire to combine academic excellence with social impact, the OCIS Scholarship represents one of the most valuable fully funded opportunities available in the United Kingdom.

Official Website

For detailed eligibility requirements, programme updates, and application information, visit the official Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship webpage HERE