About the Fellowship
The Barakat Trust Grants Programme 2026 supports outstanding research, education, conservation and publication projects connected to the art, architecture, archaeology and material culture of the Islamic world before circa 1920 CE. These prestigious awards enable students, early career researchers, established scholars and heritage professionals to advance specialist knowledge, safeguard cultural heritage and widen global access to Islamic art history. Funding supports academic study, fieldwork, conservation training, digital heritage initiatives and major scholarly publications. Hosted and administered through The Barakat Trust (Oxford, UK), these grants strengthen international collaboration and capacity building across museums, universities, heritage organisations and research institutions. The programme aligns with global goals of heritage preservation, intercultural understanding and scholarly excellence in Islamic art and archaeology.
The Barakat Trust Grants Programme offers a range of funding schemes covering postgraduate study, early career travel research, major heritage projects, publication support and prestigious Oxford-based residencies. Research must remain focused on Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, conservation and material culture before 1920 CE. Projects may involve archival research, field investigation, conservation practice, digitisation, exhibitions, education and scholarly dissemination. Awards vary from short-term travel grants to large-scale project funding and residential fellowships in Oxford. All grants are competitive and designed to support international scholars and professionals working within clearly defined Islamic heritage disciplines.
Fellowship / Grant Details
- Position Title: Multiple Grants and Scholarships under the Barakat Trust 2026 Programme
- Host Institution: The Barakat Trust
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: The Barakat Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Location: Oxford, United Kingdom (some awards international; some Oxford-based residencies)
- Research Field(s): Islamic art history, Islamic architecture, Islamic archaeology, material culture, conservation, heritage studies, museum studies
- Fellowship Type: Studentships, Research Grants, Travel Grants, Major Project Awards, Publication Grants, Visiting Scholarship, Postdoctoral Scholarship
- Level: Postgraduate, Early-career, Established scholars, Senior scholars
- Fellowship Duration: Varies by scheme (from short-term travel to 9-month Oxford residency)
- Expected Start Date: 2026–2027 academic cycle (varies by award)
- Working Hours: As per project or host institution norms
- Funding/Compensation: £2,000 to £25,000 depending on grant category
- Required Degree/Diploma: Discipline-relevant postgraduate degree or doctorate (varies by award)
Grant Categories Under the 2026 Programme
A1 – Barakat International Studentship (Up to £25,000)
- For a student from the Islamic world accepted to a taught Master’s course in Islamic art, architecture, archaeology or heritage.
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
A2 – Postgraduate Student & Early Career Award (Up to £2,000 travel)
- For postgraduate and early career researchers (PhD after 30 June 2020). Supports research travel.
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
A3 – Barakat Major Awards (Up to £10,000)
- For established scholars and heritage professionals undertaking major research, conservation, digital or exhibition projects.
- EOI Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Full Application (by invitation): 15 March 2026
A4 – Iradj Bagherzade Publication Grants (Up to £6,000)
- For major scholarly publications on Islamic art, archaeology and conservation.
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
B1 – Barakat Senior Scholar Visiting Scholarship (£10,000)
- Three-month research residency in Oxford for an established scholar from the Islamic world.
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
B2 – Barakat Postdoctoral Scholarship (£20,000)
- Nine-month Oxford residency for a postdoctoral scholar from the Islamic world (PhD after 30 June 2020).
- EOI Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Full Application (by invitation): 31 March 2026
B3 – Barakat Oxford Masters Studentship (Covers one year of fees)
- A student from the Islamic world accepted to Oxford MSt/MPhil in Islamic Art & Architecture.
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Islamic art and architectural history before 1920 CE
- Islamic archaeology and field investigation
- Conservation of Islamic artefacts, buildings and material culture
- Museum, library and exhibition work on Islamic heritage
- Digital heritage and digitisation of Islamic material culture
- Heritage education and professional training
- Scholarly publications and academic dissemination
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Relevant academic background in Islamic art, archaeology, architecture or heritage
- Degree completion timelines as specified per grant
- Many awards prioritise applicants from the Islamic world
- Research must focus on pre-1920 Islamic material culture
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong academic record and research proposal
- Publications or professional heritage experience
- Institutional affiliation or museum/heritage collaboration
Not Eligible:
- Projects outside the Islamic art, archaeology and heritage scope
- Applications without institutional payment arrangements
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Funding up to £25,000, depending on the award
- Support for tuition, travel, research or living expenses
- Access tothe Oxford research environment (for B1 & B2 scholars)
- Professional visibility through the Barakat Trust network
- Heritage conservation and research capacity building
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality research within Islamic heritage fields
- Produce publications, reports or conservation outcomes
- Engage with academic or heritage institutions
- Present research through lectures, seminars or exhibitions
- Submit final reports and financial documentation
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Download the relevant application form after registering for email access
- Save the form before completing
- Submit online with required supporting materials before the deadline
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Academic CV
- Research proposal or project statement
- Reference letters (submitted separately by referees)
- Proof of academic acceptance (for studentships)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Currently Open
- Deadline: Varies by grant — See above for deadlines
- Results Announced: 31 May 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: The Barakat Trust
- Official Fellowship Notification: Barakat Trust Grants Programme 2026
- Apply Online Here: Click here
Contact for Queries: applications@barakat.org
