FIKR’s Scholarship Fund is open to full-time students of the Islamic Sacred Sciences, particularly students working towards a college degree in another field or degree-holders with plans to engage in interdisciplinary work.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a scholarship you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, DACA recipient, or permanent U.S. resident
- Be a full-time student at an institute of higher Islamic learning (madrasa/seminary, Islamic college, Islamic university, etc…)
- Maintain a minimum of a 3.1 GPA (if applicable)
- Be committed to completing an Islamic Studies program
The level and amount of funding will be determined based on:
- The level of your program of studies (undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate)
- The financial need of applicants, even in the case of merit-based scholarship awards
- The number of students currently being supported
Undergraduate scholarships range from $1,000-$3,000 annually. Graduate and postgraduate scholarships range from $3,000-$5,000 annually.
All applications will be reviewed by an approval committee. Applicants may be requested to provide additional financial information, beyond what is requested in the application form.
Candidates include all categories of students in the field of Arabic and Islamic Studies, even if priority is given to students with interdisciplinary aspirations or backgrounds.
Application Requirements
Applications must be completed online before the deadline date. Shortlisted candidates will then be requested references and their proposals discussed with our advisors and trustees. Candidates may be interviewed in person or over the phone. Successful candidates will be informed of the decision within 30 days of the deadline date.
Application Timeline
For 2023-2024 applications, please see the below timeline:
March – June: Application Submissions
We will start accepting applications in March and close applications in late June. Exact deadlines will vary from year to year.
June : Application Reviews
Our Selection Committee will review all the applications from April to May. New applications will not be accepted during this period.
July: Interviews
Finalists are contacted about interviews in June. Interviews may take place virtually or in person.
July – Scholarships Awarded
Scholarship awards begin to be distributed in July and as late as September based on circumstances.
Submit Your Application
FAQs
Is the Scholarship Program open to international students?
The program is currently only open to students who are U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents, or DACA recipients.
Does FIKR support majors other than Arabic and Islamic Studies?
As our focus is providing funding to the underfunded major of Islamic Studies, we do not offer scholarships to students majoring in other fields, such as health, economics, law, engineering, psychology, education, business, etc… Students who are majoring in Islamic Studies with a focus on interdisciplinary work, however, are candidates for FIKR scholarships.
Does FIKR offer merit-based scholarships?
We are currently prioritizing need-based scholarships. If you are a student who may not qualify for a need-based scholarship but you are a committed Islamic Studies student and are seeking financial support for your education or a specific academic project, please feel free to fill out our need-based scholarship application form and include the details of your project and/or your academic accomplishments in the essay portion of the application.
Are there restrictions on the use of FIKR scholarship funds?
Scholarship money may be used for all avenues conducive to a student’s learning, including but not limited to: housing, tuition, food expenses, transportation, internet, office and/or school supplies, etc…
How many scholarships do you award?
The exact number of scholarships available, as well as the amounts awarded, varies from year to year.
I finished my application. What happens now?
If you’re selected as a semi-finalist, we will contact you by e-mail and ask you to submit a few additional documents, like transcripts, family tax returns, cost of attendance, and financial aid information of your school. Then, if you’re selected as a finalist, we may ask you to come to our offices for an interview. Final awards are also announced by e-mail.
What if I haven’t decided what program I am enrolling in?
Enter your first choice for now. You’ll be able to update your application and change it at any time before the application deadline. If you change schools after the deadline, just e-mail us to let us know. Students who have decided on a program are awarded first, so update us on your choice of program as soon as possible.
How important is the short essay about goals on the application?
Because we may have never met you, taking the time to write a thoughtful, cohesive short-essay response can be a big boost to your scholarship chances. We are looking for committed, talented, and motivated applicants. The essay is your opportunity to showcase some of your talents and goals.
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