Scholarship Opportunities

Special Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

PIOUS - Farooq I. Selod Scholarship (PIOUS)

History

The PIOUS - Farooq I. Selod Scholarship is named after Dr. Farooq I. Selod (d. May 2020), a respected medical doctor who was very civically engaged in both the Muslim community and the broader US society. His passion for the type of Muslim leadership training offered by The Islamic Seminary of America (TISA) was evident from the moment he was elected to TISA board in July of 2017. During his almost 3 year tenure, he made a great, positive impact on TISA’s growth. He served as board treasurer and as a founder of the TISA Endowment Fund, while always giving sage advice on a variety of critical issues. With that special twinkle in his eye, he had a kind word for just about everyone that he met. This scholarship represents part of Dr. Selod's significant legacy to the Muslim community and the society at large.

Guidelines

PIOUS – Farooq I. Selod Full Tuition and Expense Scholarship – 2 Years Full Time
Master of Arts in Islamic Studies (48 credits)
Concentrations available: Islamic Sciences and Religious Leadership

PIOUS is indeed excited to partner with the The Islamic Seminary of America (TISA) in embarking on a noble and ambitious project for young men and women by providing for them, a forum and opportunity to pursue Islamic scholarship, research, training and education to become strong voices for a balanced Islam in the United States. Therefore, in the view of the common Vision and Objectives of TISA and PIOUS, the Board of PIOUS have unanimously agreed to offer two full scholarships to Muslim students per year for two years, starting the Fall of 2022 semester full time, to pursue their noble and ambitious cause in acquiring a degree or diploma when they enroll in the curriculum offered by TISA with the following conditions:

The student must be a Muslim belonging to “Ahle Jama’at Wa Sunnah”, and will fulfill the academic requirements set by the TISA Academic Council, including a sound Islamic knowledge base as evidenced by formal study prior to being admitted to TISA.
After successful completion of the courses and after acquiring the diploma, the graduate must serve in the spirit of Islam as determined by TISA for a period of two years, for at least 20 hours per week in North America.

The above conditions are required by PIOUS in order to fulfill its Mission and Vision. The above description is adapted from a letter sent to TISA by the now deceased PIOUS Founder and Chair, Dr. Farooq I. Selod (RA), on June 19, 2019. Scholarship committee members include embers of Dr. Selod’s surviving family. Eligibility requirements can be found on the application form. APPLY HERE

For further information or questions, please contact james.jones@islamicseminary.us.

Urban Leadership Empowerment & Academic
Development Scholarship Program (ULEAD)

TISA’s Urban Initiative focuses on empowering individuals who serve Muslims in major US metropolitan areas. The ULEAD Scholarship is a part of this important initiative. We offer two tuition-free Master of Arts in Islamic Studies scholarships for those committed to enhancing Islam in urban settings, regardless of cultural, ethnic, or racial background. To be considered, please mention why you would like to receive the ULEAD scholarship in your enrollment application. APPLY HERE

For further information or questions, please contact james.jones@islamicseminary.us

Visionary Leadership Circle Scholarships (VLCS)

The Visionary Leadership Circle Scholarship is a unique opportunity funded by distinguished members of TISA’s Visionary Leadership Circle. The Visionary Leadership Circle is comprised of a prestigious group of donors who are dedicated to supporting the long-term vision and mission of TISA. These are the individuals who go beyond dreaming of better communities & stronger leaders by investing in their vision to bring it to fruition.

VLC Members who opt to directly support leadership development through a VLC scholarship, in addition to their VLC commitment, fund a full-tuition scholarship in either the MA in Islamic Studies program (2 years) or the MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy or Religious Leadership & Islamic Chaplaincy (3 years). Members may choose specific foci for leadership development based upon the needs of their community, such as promoting women in leadership, expanding mental health expertise in leadership, or establishing urban initiatives, for example. Each VLC scholarship is, thus, unique to the member who sponsors it.

Those interested may mention specific VLC scholarships from this page for consideration in their application. All applications are reviewed for any open scholarship qualifications, grants and financial aid available at the time of submission. Available VLC scholarships are listed below.

Dr. Rubina Khan's
MDiv VLC Scholarship

In Loving Memory of Parents Amjad Husain Khan & Mahmooda Begum, and Ahmad Ali Anwar & Moina M. Anwar

Visionary Leadership Circle Member, Dr. Rubina Khan, is sponsoring a Full M-Div degree tuition-only Scholarship ($36,000 over 3 years) dedicated in the memory of her parents, Ahmad Ali Anwar & Moina M. Anwar, and the parents of Aslam Khan: Amjad Husain Khan & Mahmooda Begum.

Established in Fall 2024

VLC Scholarship

More info coming soon!

VLC Scholarship

More info coming soon!

Women's Initiative in Learning & Leadership Scholarship

At The Islamic Seminary of America (TISA), we recognize the pivotal role that women play in shaping our communities, institutions, and the future of Islamic leadership. That’s why we are proud to introduce the Women’s Initiative in Learning & Leadership (WILL), a special project under our Visionary Leadership Circle (VLC). WILL is dedicated to empowering Muslim women through education, leadership training, and active involvement in the development of our institution.

WILL Scholarship recipients have the following opportunities:

Earn a Tuition-Free Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies at TISA (2 years)
Earn a Tuition-Free MDiv Degree in Religious Leadership & Islamic Chaplaincy (3 years)
Earn a Fully-Funded Islamic Leadership & Management (ILM) Certificate (5 courses)

Our generous Visionary Leadership Circle Members fund two full-tuition MA or MDiv scholarships and five fully-funded Islamic Leadership Certificates per year to qualified female students at TISA. If interested in applying for this scholarship, please mention the WILL Scholarship and your program of interest in your application. If you are already an active student, please contact our Student Services department to be considered for this scholarship. LEARN MORE APPLY HERE

Islamic Academic Merit Scholarship (IAMS)

The Islamic Academic Merit Scholarship (IAMS) is awarded to certified graduates of well known Islamic studies institutions. In the past, this 100% tuition-free scholarship has been awarded to graduates of Al-Azhar, Islamic Open University and the Islamic University of Madinah.

Those interested should ensure that a transcript from their Islamic institution has been included in their admission application.

LEARN MORE

The Islamic Academic Merit Scholarship (IAMS) serves as a beacon of educational empowerment, aiming to recognize and support the academic achievements of individuals who have dedicated themselves to the rigorous study of Islamic sciences. More than just a financial award, the IAMS represents a commitment to nurturing and fostering scholarly excellence within the Islamic community.

At the heart of the scholarship’s purpose lies the belief that education is the cornerstone of progress and enlightenment. By providing 100% tuition coverage, the IAMS not only alleviates financial barriers but also affirms the intrinsic value of knowledge acquisition and dissemination within the Islamic tradition. Through this scholarship, recipients are not only granted access to higher education but are also encouraged to continue their pursuit of intellectual enrichment and spiritual growth.

The alignment of the IAMS with the mission of The Islamic Seminary of America (TISA) is unmistakable. TISA, as an institution dedicated to the advancement of Islamic scholarship and learning, seeks to cultivate a cadre of knowledgeable and compassionate leaders who are equipped to engage with the challenges of the contemporary world while remaining rooted in the teachings of Islam. By extending support to graduates of esteemed Islamic studies institutions such as Al-Azhar, Islamic Open University, and the Islamic University of Madinah, the IAMS not only recognizes the academic rigor and authenticity of their education but also invests in their potential to become catalysts for positive change within their communities.

Moreover, the requirement for applicants to submit transcripts from their respective Islamic institutions underscores the scholarship’s commitment to academic integrity and excellence. By ensuring that recipients have demonstrated proficiency in their chosen field of study, the IAMS upholds the highest standards of scholarship and seeks to uphold the reputation of Islamic education worldwide.

In essence, the Islamic Academic Merit Scholarship stands as a testament to the enduring values of knowledge, excellence, and service within the Islamic tradition. By supporting the educational aspirations of talented individuals, it not only enriches the lives of its recipients but also contributes to the broader mission of TISA in nurturing a vibrant and intellectually engaged community committed to the pursuit of truth and righteousness.

Leadership Enhancement Initiative Scholarship (LEIS)

The Leadership Enhancement Initiative Scholarship (LEIS) is awarded to persons who demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for providing leadership for Islamic institutions and programs in North America. Applicants are usually awarded 90% of their tuition.

Those interested should indicate all leadership history in their admission application and offer references who can vouch for their leadership qualities.

LEARN MORE

The Leadership Enhancement Initiative Scholarship (LEIS) is designed specifically for individuals who exhibit a fervent commitment to advancing the leadership landscape within Islamic institutions and programs across North America. With a keen focus on nurturing leadership potential and fostering a culture of proactive engagement, LEIS goes beyond a goal of mere financial support—representing a strategic investment in the future stewards of Islamic community development and progress.

At its core, the LEIS is driven by a multifaceted purpose aimed at empowering emerging leaders to navigate the complexities of contemporary societal challenges while remaining steadfastly anchored in Islamic principles and values. By awarding recipients with 90% tuition coverage, the scholarship not only facilitates access to higher education but also underscores the intrinsic value of cultivating leadership skills and competencies within the Islamic community. Through this support, LEIS endeavors to equip individuals with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to assume leadership roles effectively and ethically, thereby fostering a cadre of capable and visionary leaders poised to make meaningful contributions to the enrichment and advancement of Islamic institutions and programs.

Moreover, as an institution dedicated to the holistic development of individuals who are equipped to serve as catalysts for positive change within their communities, TISA places a premium on nurturing leadership qualities grounded in a deep understanding of Islamic teachings and values. By offering this scholarship, our institution not only demonstrates its commitment to identifying and supporting emerging leaders but also actively contributes to the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity and richness of the Islamic tradition.

The emphasis on applicants indicating their leadership history and providing references who can vouch for their leadership qualities further underscores the scholarship’s commitment to identifying individuals who possess not only the potential but also the demonstrated capacity to lead effectively and inspire others. By ensuring that recipients have a track record of leadership experience and the endorsement of credible references, LEIS upholds the highest standards of leadership excellence and integrity, thereby reinforcing its role as a catalyst for positive change and transformative leadership development within the Islamic community.

In essence, the Leadership Enhancement Initiative Scholarship represents a strategic investment in the future leadership landscape of Islamic institutions and programs in North America. By empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to lead with vision, integrity, and compassion, LEIS not only enriches the lives of its recipients but also advances the overarching mission of TISA in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of leaders dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, service, and positive impact.

Community Partner Scholarships

Need-Based Scholarships

Although TISA has limited economic resources, our financial aid philosophy has been to never turn any qualified students because of their inability to pay. We have maintained that philosophy since we opened in the Fall of 2019 and continue to offer general need-based scholarships to all eligible students through our application process HERE. To further our efforts to meet the needs of underserved populations, in the Fall of 2022 we launched a new series of need-based tuition free scholarships funded by our donors and co-sponsored by organizations who share our vision of a world constantly bettered by religious scholarship and ethical leadership. SCHOLAR is awarded to persons affiliated with any organization that TISA has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with. At present, these include the Muslim Alliance in North America, A Continuous Charity Foundation, the Muslim Endorsement Council, Tayba, the Muslim Student Association at the University of Texas at Arlington, Masjid Al-Islam Dallas, The Islamic Schools League of America, Rabata and the Association of Muslim Chaplains. Applicants interested in this 100% tuition-free scholarship should have the point of contact of their organization reach out to TISA and endorse them. *If you are a community organization and are interested in partnering with TISA to provide scholarship opportunities to your members, beneficiaries or program participants, please email us at: info@islamicseminary.us *Not eligible for zakat and don’t qualify for a scholarship? Please visit our partner, A Continuous Charity, to learn about interest-free loans for higher education. https://www.acceducate.org for more information.

Through our strategic partnership with the Tayba Foundation, we are offering need-based, full-tuition scholarships to individuals recommended by Tayba leadership to pursue their Master’s level education at TISA. Tayba Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families impacted by incarceration. Tayba believes in the power of human change through holistic education, guidance, and support. Their work is organized into three interrelated program areas: Education, Life Skills, and Reentry, and their mission deeply aligns with TISA’s efforts to develop leadership from and for underserved populations in the Muslim American community.

Learn more about Tayba Foundation at: www.taybafoundation.org

Our new partnership with the Muslim Alliance in North America will enable us to reach more indigenous Muslim Americans who are motivated to serve as community leaders, educators, and chaplains, continuing to strengthen the foundation of our faith and traditions across North America. TISA is excited to offer need-based, full-tuition scholarships to individuals recommended by MANA leadership, who meet the necessary admission requirements for our Master’s level program. MANA is a broad-based coalition of Muslims dedicated to strengthening underserved and African American Muslim communities and institutions, assisting converts, striving for justice, and promoting the life-giving truth of Islam. Learn more about MANA on their website at: www.manajustice.org

The Islamic Schools League of America envisions and works towards the day when Islamic schools will be the preferred centers for learning and leadership that nurture and encourage America’s youth to develop their innate creativity and inquisitive nature in the pursuance of academic excellence while anchoring their hearts and souls in a moral framework of a God-centered life. TISA is dedicated to supporting the development of stronger leaders in American Muslim communities across the nation. Our exciting new partnership with ISLA will enable us to, not only empower educators with the necessary tools and training to better meet the needs of their diverse student populations, but also to inspire the next generation of leaders who fill the seats of classrooms, cafeterias, and youth centers across America.

Learn more about the ISLA on their website at: www.theISLA.org

Rabata works to build a better society through the educational and spiritual development of women by women, amplifying the female voice in scholarship and publishing, and graduating teachers and religious leaders ready to serve their communities. Rabata envisions a rising tide of Muslim women teachers, faith leaders, and community stewards in every digital and local neighborhood around the world. In our efforts to diversify leadership in American Muslim communities and empower women to take on the crucial roles of community and organizational leaders, educators, chaplains, and youth leaders, our strategic partnership with Rabata offers women recommended by Rabata leadership the opportunity to study at the Master’s Degree level at TISA and deepen their education and training as future Muslim leaders. Learn more about Rabata on their website at: www.rabata.org

The Muslim Endorsement Council’s mission is to provide a structure and process for the official endorsement and support of Muslim chaplains based on Islamic and pastoral principles and to establish a national standard for such endorsement to develop consistency and integrity in the field of Islamic chaplaincy. TISA works hard to train and develop Muslim Chaplains to meet the growing need for qualified professionals in prisons, hospitals, educational institutions, military, and mental health facilities across the nation. Our partnership with the MEC enables us to identify, train, and cultivate Muslim Chaplains to the highest ethical and academic standards ensuring that every segment of our community has the professional support they need to spiritually thrive. Learn more about MEC on their website at: https://muslimendorsementcouncil.org/

The MOMNetwork’s goal is to Empower, Engage, and Establish programs for MOMs and their families. MOMNetwork’s mission is to develop a community where MOMs receive the tools and support needed to be advocates for their families and themselves and provide a forum where women can take an active role in protecting their well-being and happiness. TISA is excited to offer need-based, full-tuition scholarships to those MOMS recommended by MOMNetwork’s leadership, who meet the necessary admission requirements for our programs. In our efforts to diversify leadership in American Muslim communities and empower all women to take on the crucial roles in their community and educate children and families. Learn more about MOMNetwork on their website at: https://www.momnetworkusa.com/

UTA-MSA is a student organization whose objective is to sustain a community that works towards pleasing Allah (SWT) through the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We are striving towards the goal that no matter the cultural, social, or ethnic background, we can work together as Muslims to connect, build, and uphold a lifelong impact as the biggest Muslim-interest organization on campus through excellence in service, intellectual standard, character, and spirituality. The TISA Scholarship Program provides full tuition scholarships to eligible Muslim students who will be designated as “UTA-MSA’s Scholars” from underserved demographics to complete a 48 credit masters in Islamic Studies degree or a 72 credit MDiv program at TISA. Learn more about UTA-MSA at: utamsa.weebly.com

ACC promote the spiritual and intellectual development of Muslims throughout North America by providing interest-free loans for higher education. By doing this, they hope to bring about a generation of graduates that will have a strong Muslim identity and be well-versed in their fields, using both for the benefit of mankind. Many students have a hard time getting a higher education because of the soaring costs of colleges and universities. Our partner ACC can make it easier for them. Our strategic partnership with ACC offers students recommended by ACC leadership the opportunity to study at the Master’s Degree level at TISA to deepen their education and training as future Muslim leaders.

Learn more about ACC on their website at: www.acceducate.org

The Association of Muslim Chaplains (AMC) is a professional association that supports Muslims chaplains by ensuring they have access to the resources, tools, and training to provide the highest quality spiritual care in public and private institutions in the United States while advancing the field of Islamic chaplaincy. The TISA-AMC Scholarship Program provides full tuition scholarships to eligible Muslim students who will be designated as “TISA-AMC Scholars” from underserved demographics to complete a 48 credit masters in Islamic Studies degree or a 72 credit MDiv program at TISA. Learn more about AMC on their website at: www.associationofmuslimchaplains.org

Masjid Al-Islam – Dallas, TX (MAI) is recognized as the first Mosque in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Muslim community has been in Dallas, Texas for over sixty(60) years. They are part of the legacy and association that includes Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X and the leadership of the late Imam W.D. Mohammed. Masjid Al-Islam has played a pivotal role in pioneering the efforts of interfaith relations in Dallas.

The Mission of Masjid Al-Islam is to serve as an instrument to promote human excellence, integrity and guiding principles through the teachings of orthodox Islam found in the Quran and the life example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The TISA-MAI Dallas Scholarship Program provides full tuition scholarships to eligible Muslim students recommended by MAI Dallas who will be designated as “MAI Dallas Scholars” to complete their masters in Islamic Studies or MDiv program. Learn more about MAI on their website at: https://masjidalislam.org/

Qurtuba Institute is an educational initiative of ADAMS Center, a non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive education in the foundations of Islamic sciences for the general Muslim community, and to prepare serious students for advanced Islamic studies and becoming scholars, thinkers, leaders, and exemplary role models in society. The TISA-Qurtuba Institute Scholarship Program provides full-tuition scholarships to eligible Muslim students who will be designated as “Qurtuba Institute Scholars” to complete a 48-credit master’s in Islamic studies degree or a 72-credit MDiv program at TISA. Visit their website: https://qurtuba.institute/

For More Information Email: daoud.nassimi@adamscenter.org

Young Muslims (YM) is a pioneering national youth organization that has been on the youth scene since the early 90’s. We have established a well-organized network of local youth groups called NeighborNets (a network of neighbors) across the United States and Canada. Each NeighborNet is a dynamic youth group that attempts to build a solid understanding of the principles of Islam amongst its members by helping them put these principles into practice. The TISA-YM Scholarship Program provides full-tuition scholarships to eligible Muslim students who will be designated as “YM Scholars” to complete a 48-credit master’s in Islamic studies degree or a 72-credit MDiv program at TISA. For more info: https://ymsite.com/ Email YM Brothers: rayyan.hasan@youngmuslims.com Email YM Sisters: nc@ymsisters.com