Islam is the second largest religion in the world with billions of followers worldwide. It has a strong traditional connection with education and scholarship with early Muslim scholars founding public libraries, finding numerous medical advancements, and contributing to literature and mathematics. Muslim students can continue in the spirit of the Islamic Golden Age by pursuing a higher education with a little assistance from a scholarship dedicated to helping Muslim students.

While there are many Muslims worldwide, the Muslim population in the United States is limited. As a result, there are not a large number of national scholarships available to specifically help Muslim students. Those that are can be quite competitive, and students should expect to maintain good grades and an active role in their religious community in order to qualify for support. Those with the greatest financial need will often be given preference.

Most scholarships for Muslim students will be given out through private organizations that promote the study of Islamic theology and culture. Students will also find some scholarships that are offered by smaller schools, local businesses and other community organizations as well. The best way to find out if your community has these kind of resources is to contact your local place of worship which should be able to give you more information.

Unfortunately for many students hoping to attend colleges within the U.S. many of the available scholarships out there require students to enroll with a college or university that is outside of the United States. Though for students looking to study abroad this can be a valuable opportunity, as many scholarship programs will even cover travel and lodging expenses for the duration of the student’s stay.

Muslim Scholarships

• Islamic Development Bank Scholarship for High Technology: Varied amounts go to students age 18-24 studying the fields of science and technology.
• American Muslim Women’s Association Scholarship: $1,000 to five undergraduate, female Muslim students.
• Al-Ameen Scholarship: Up to $3,000 awarded each year to up to two Muslim undergraduate students.
• King Faisal Foundation Scholarship: Full tuition to a varied number of Muslim graduate students studying science, medicine or engineering.
• Fadel Educational Foundation Annual Award Program: $400 to $2,000 awarded each year to 20 - 45 Muslim undergraduate and graduate students.