Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Lori Pace
Are you a Muslim woman curious about the prospect of a college degree in America? We are calling all-female Muslim students – women with different interests – because we have some exciting scholarships for you.
What are your interests? Do you prefer science, medicine, or education? Maybe arts – or perhaps finance?
Gone are the days when Muslim women lag behind women from other religions when it comes to education. Gone are the days when Muslim women sat back and witnessed their male counterparts receive a college education. Muslim women today are occupying seats of influence and power – they are excelling in their academics and changing the world around them.
According to the Quran, it is your responsibility to acquire knowledge despite your gender. The importance of education and the concept of knowledge is emphasized throughout the Quaran for both men and women.
Therefore, we look at the scholarships available for Muslim students seeking higher education in the US. If you are interested in finding out if you qualify, read on.
“Education is education, and it’s the right of every human being”
– Malala Yousafzai
How Muslim Students Can Get Full Scholarships
There are approximately 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S.
This means that the competition for resources such as financial aid is high. There are many Muslim scholarships you can qualify for to attend college. Scholarships may be in your field of study or your involvement in the Islam community.
Build a strong application by following these 5 steps:
- Research scholarships that are relevant to you.
Take time to look through scholarship portals to find scholarships that accommodate you best. There are many scholarships out there that are awarded based on different criteria.
- Prepare in advance
Get involved in the Muslim community, make sure you excel in your academics, and engage in leadership roles. This will increase your opportunities of getting into a sponsorship program.
- Apply.
Apply to as many scholarships as you can. Also, make sure to apply on time and create an application database to keep track of your application deadline.
- Make your application stand out.
Get references from teachers, supervisors, and professionals in the field you aim to study. Ensure you have at least two letters of recommendation.
- Submit an exceptional scholarship essay or cover letter.
You can already start drafting your cover letter right now. Include a personal statement to make your application more personal. Also, take enough time to have someone else look through your documents. This will ensure that you don’t have typos or writing mistakes you may have missed.
Why Muslim Students Should Apply for A Scholarship
Various organizations have a college sponsorship program available to students who belong to the Islamic community.
- Sponsorships will help ease your financial burdens because college is expensive.
- There are a significant number of scholarships available for Muslim women.
- There are no-essay scholarships if you are worried about your chances of winning essay scholarships.
- Rather than apply for student loans that you need to pay back, you don’t need to pay back scholarships.
- You can get awarded for your academic excellence through a free college education.
- Some scholarships also come with post-college support like internships and mentorship.
“Access to an education is what will empower Muslim women.”
– Malala Yousafzai
Top 5 Scholarships for Muslim Women in 2024
Below you can view 5 of the top scholarships for Muslim women and view the organization’s website to see if you are eligible. Most of the scholarships require that the applicants be members of an Islam association or community involved in community service and enrolled full-time college degree. Several organizations prefer Muslim students to study Islamic studies.
This scholarship awards Muslim students in an accredited U.S. college/university. With finance, economics, and mathematics majors. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and active engagement within the Muslim community.
Amount awarded: $2 500
This scholarship awards Muslim students in an accredited U.S. college based on merit and need. Applicants must display leadership potential.
Amount awarded: $1 0o0
This scholarship awards undergraduate and Muslim graduate students in an accredited U.S. college. With journalism and political science as their majors or enrolled programs. Applicants must have a minimum of 3.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need.
Amount awarded: $4 000
This scholarship goes to a Muslim student and active Muslim community member. Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. An undergraduate or graduate (master’s, Ph.D., or law degree) majoring in an ISF-supported major. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount awarded: $3 000 to up to $10 000
This scholarship goes to Muslim women who are 17 years or older. Entering into or currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college program. Applicants must be permanent residents of the U.S. and a resident of Illinois. Have a GPA of 3.0. Demonstrate an annual household income of $67,500 or less.
Amount awarded: $2,500.00 (to two separate Muslim women)
In Conclusion
In America today, the narrative around the oppression of Muslim women is still here. However, the truth is that more Muslim women are stepping up to change this narrative. There has been a major shift in the expectations placed on Muslim women. This is why we see more Muslim women pursuing college degrees and doing what was once considered taboo.
Applying for a scholarship program is just one more hurdle you need to overcome. So all the best with your studies. We hope this article serves as a stepping stone to your dreams.
For more information on FAFSA, or more options on scholarships for women and single moms, follow the appropriate links.
