Top 10 Country-Based Scholarships for Muslim Students Studying Abroad

While aspiring to study abroad, Muslim students often seek opportunities that align with their academic and religious values. Country-based scholarships for Muslim students studying abroad offer valuable resources of support to their educational journey while respecting their cultural and religious commitments. These scholarships are designed to help students from Muslim-majority countries or those with Islamic affiliation access high-quality at international academic institutions. By providing financial assistance, these scholarships help the students to ease the burden of most of the global educational experiences. In this blog, we will explore different country-based scholarships that can make studying abroad a reality for Muslim students. This assurance will certainly help the students with the support they need to excel academically and personally.

Scholarship for Indian Muslim Students to Study Abroad

When it comes to scholarships for Indian Muslim students to study abroad, there are few main types to learn about. Let us explore those types of scholarships from below:

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

Government-funded scholarships are provided by the government of a Muslim-majority country to support students who want to study overseas. For instance, Saudi Arabia and Turkey offer scholarships to help students from their home countries. These scholarships generally cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes the cost of travelling.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Some universities offer scholarships for Muslim students. These scholarships are available to students who are accepted into specific programs at these universities. They help with tuition fees and other expenses. Schools like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University offer these types of scholarships.

3. Private and Non-Profit Scholarships

Private and non-profit scholarships support Muslim students. Examples of such scholarships include the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) and the Zakat Foundation of America. They often cover various expenses like tuition and books and are open to students pursuing a wide range of fields.

Each type of scholarship for Muslim students has its own application process and requirements, so it is a good idea to research each one to find out which fits best with your goals and needs.

Also Read: Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students

Top 10 Country-Based Scholarships for Muslim Students Studying Abroad

Find the top 10 country based scholarships for muslim students studying abroad with informative list and insightful description:

Name of Scholarship	Category	Country	Amount of Scholarship (in INR)
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship	Merit-Based	Multiple IsDB member countries	INR 20,00,000 to INR 35,00,000
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship	Merit-Based	Saudi Arabia	INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000
Türkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarship)	Merit-Based	Turkey	Monthly Stipend INR 26,000 per month
AI Qasimia University Scholarship (UAE)	Need-Based	United Arab Emirates (UAE)	INR 15,00,000 to INR 25,00,000
Zakat Foundation of America Scholarships	Need-Based	USA	INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 approx
Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF)	Faith-Based	USA	INR 8,20,000
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships	Faith-Based	Qatar	INR 6,70,000
Waqf Fund Scholarship	Zakat or Waqf-Based	Malaysia	INR 10,00,000 to INR 15,00,000
Saudi Government Scholarships	National	Saudi Arabia	INR 18,000 per month
Qatar University Scholarships	National	Qatar	INR 22,000 per month

1. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

Islamic Development Bank offers fully funded scholarships for students from Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) member countries. The scholarship supports the undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D. and post-doctoral programs in different fields of study. IsDB aims at fields related to the development of agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. 

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and the cost of travel. The scholarship is ideal for students who are looking for overall financial support.

Scholarship Type	Merit-Based
Details	This scholarship supports undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and post-doctoral students from IsDB member countries.
Coverage	This scholarship supports undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and post-doctoral students from IsDB member countries. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.
Eligibility	Academic excellence, commitment to community service, and citizenship of an IsDB member country.

2. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) provides full scholarships to students who wish to pursue Master’s or Doctoral programs in Science and Technology. The scholarship is highly competitive and focuses on advanced fields such as engineering, environmental science and computing. 

KAUST scholarships cover full tuition fees, housing, health insurance, and a simple monthly stipend. The scholarship also gives students access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers.

Scholarship Type	Merit-Based
Details	This Saudi Arabia-based scholarship provides full financial support for Muslim students pursuing master’s and PhD programs in science and technology fields.
Eligibility	Academic merit, especially in STEM-related disciplines.

3. Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarship)

The Turkiye Burslari program is a government-funded scholarship for international students who wish to study in Turkey. It is available for undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., and research programs across a wide range of disciplines. 

The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, a monthly stipend, and a one-year Turkish language course. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in studying in a culturally rich environment.

Scholarship Type	Merit-Based
Details	Offered by the Turkish government, this fully-funded scholarship supports Muslim students globally in various undergraduate and graduate programs.
Eligibility	High academic performance and leadership potential.

4. AI Qasimia University Scholarship (UAE)

AI Qasimia University in the UAE offers fully funded scholarships for international students at the undergraduate level. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and provides a monthly allowance. 

The university focuses on a curriculum that blends Islamic teachings with modern academic disciplines, offering programs in Islamic studies, Sharia law, economics, and media studies. Students benefit from a diverse cultural environment and high-quality education.

Scholarship Type	Need-Based
Details	Al Qasimia University offers full scholarships to Muslim students worldwide, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate levels.
Eligibility	Muslim students with financial need and a good academic record.

5. Zakat Foundation of America Scholarships

The Zakat Foundation of America provides scholarships to students with financial need and academic excellence. These scholarships are available for students pursuing various levels of education, including college and graduate programs. 

While not restricted to any particular field, the foundation supports students who intend to use their education to give back to their communities and contribute to societal development.

Scholarship Type	Zakat-Based
Details	Scholarship foundation provides scholarships funded by zakat contributions, helping underprivileged Muslim students access higher education globally.
Eligibility	Financial need, academic performance, and involvement in the community.

6. Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF)

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) offers scholarships to Muslim students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in fields that impact public opinion and policy, such as journalism, law, public policy, and media studies. 

ISF aims to increase Muslim representation in areas where the community is underrepresented. Scholarships cover tuition and fees, providing financial relief to talented students working towards meaningful careers.

Scholarship Type	Faith-Based (Specifically for Muslim Students)
Details	Focused on empowering Muslim students in the USA, ISF provides financial support for students in fields such as law, policy, and media, aiming to encourage Muslim participation in fields that impact public policy and perception.
Eligibility	Muslim students studying in the USA, with a focus on specific fields.

7. Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar offers scholarships to students from around the world. The scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in various fields, including science, engineering, law, and public health. 

HBKU scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and travel expenses. The university is known for its focus on research and innovation, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.

Scholarship Type	University-Specific (Faith-Based)
Details	Fully-funded scholarships for international students, including Muslims, in various fields like Islamic studies, science, engineering, and more.
Eligibility	Muslim students with a strong academic record, pursuing undergraduate or graduate programs.

8. Waqf Fund Scholarship

The Waqf Fund Scholarship supports students interested in pursuing higher education in Islamic finance and banking. Offered by institutions that manage waqf (endowment) funds, this scholarship is ideal for students aiming to build careers in Islamic financial institutions. 

The scholarship generally covers tuition fees and offers living stipends, encouraging students to contribute to the growing field of Islamic finance.

Scholarship Type	Waqf-Based
Details	Scholarship provides financial assistance to Muslim students studying in Malaysia, particularly in Islamic studies, medicine, and engineering, funded through the Islamic Waqf system.
Eligibility	Muslim students demonstrating financial need and strong academic performance.

9. Saudi Government Scholarships

The Saudi government provides generous scholarships for international students to study in Saudi Arabia. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in various fields, including Islamic studies, engineering, medicine, and science. 

The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and provide a monthly stipend. They are designed to attract top talent from across the world to Saudi universities.

Scholarship TypeDetails	National Scholarship
Details	The Saudi government offers fully-funded scholarships for international students (including Muslims) to study at various Saudi Arabian universities. This includes tuition, health insurance, and monthly stipends.
Eligibility	Academic merit and acceptance into a Saudi university.

10. Qatar University Scholarships

Qatar University offers scholarships for international students who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and provides a monthly allowance. 

Qatar University is renowned for its academic excellence and offers programs in fields like engineering, business, law, and the arts. This scholarship is ideal for students looking to study in a dynamic, fast-growing region with a strong emphasis on education.

Scholarship Type	National Scholarship
Details	Scholarship offers full financial support to international Muslim students, including undergraduate and graduate programs at Qatar University. It covers tuition, housing, and living expenses.
Eligibility	Muslim students demonstrating academic excellence.

The amounts of the scholarships are based on current exchange rates. It is advisable to refer to the official website of the scholarships or contact the scholarships providers directly.

Also Read: Scholarship in Technical University of Munich: Waiver Fees, Merit and Need Based and more

Application Process for Scholarships for Muslim Students Studying Abroad

Applying for scholarships for Muslim students studying abroad can be a straightforward process if you know what to expect. Here is a general rundown of the steps involved:

Step 1: Start by identifying scholarships that fit your educational goals and background. Look for opportunities from your home country, as well as international scholarships aimed at Muslim students.

Step 2: Each scholarship has specific requirements, such as academic performance, financial need, or field of study. Make sure you meet these criteria before applying.

Step 3: Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, proof of financial need, and a valid passport. Gather these documents in advance to streamline the application process.

Step 4: Your personal statement should highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the scholarship. Be sure to emphasise how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and contribute to your community.

Step 5: Follow the application instructions carefully. Pay attention to deadlines and ensure all required documents are submitted correctly. Some scholarships may require online submissions, while others might need physical copies.

Step 6: Some scholarships include an interview process. If invited, be ready to discuss your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.

Step 7: After submitting your application, keep track of any updates or additional requirements. If you are selected for an interview, respond accordingly.

By staying organised and following these steps, you can effectively explore the application process and increase your chances of securing scholarship for Muslim students.

Conclusion

Securing a scholarship for Muslim students studying abroad can be a step toward achieving your educational and career aspirations. These scholarships not only provide essential financial support but also open doors to diverse academic and cultural experiences. By investing time in researching opportunities, preparing thorough applications, and aligning your goals with the scholarship’s mission, you enhance your chances of success. 

Remember, these scholarships are designed to support and empower students like you, helping you to excel academically while embracing your cultural and religious identity. 

Also Read: Top University of New South Wales Scholarships for International Students

FAQs

We hope this blog gives you a complete overview of scholarships for muslim students as an international student. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!

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