Islamic Scholarship Fund Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Islamic Scholarship Fund
About This Scholarship
The Islamic Scholarship Fund, founded in Berkeley, California in 2009, works to increase American Muslim representation in the professions that shape public opinion and policy. Over 16 years it has awarded $3.4 million across roughly 700 scholarships — including about $221,000 distributed in its 2024 cycle — to students headed into law, policy, journalism, film, and media careers.
Awards range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on funding and need. Eligibility is limited to ISF-supported majors — fields like political science, public policy, international relations, journalism, film and television production, and theater — and to undergraduate juniors and seniors or graduate students (master's, PhD, or law). Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients, be active members of the Muslim community, carry at least a 3.0 GPA, and study full-time.
The application includes a resume, transcripts, essay responses, a video introduction, work samples, and two recommendation letters; finalists complete remote interviews in late spring before awards are announced in July. Applications open in November and close in March.
Eligibility
- Muslim or active member of the Muslim community
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient
- Undergraduate junior or senior, or graduate/law student, enrolled full-time
- Majoring in an ISF-supported field (law, policy, journalism, film, media, and related)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
How To Apply
- Apply through the ISF application portal (Submittable) linked from islamicscholarshipfund.org when the cycle opens in November
- Submit the form plus resume, transcripts, essays, video introduction, work samples, and two recommendation letters
- Finalists interview remotely in late spring; awards are announced in July
Frequently Asked Questions
Can freshmen or sophomores apply?
Not for the undergraduate track — ISF limits undergraduate applicants to incoming juniors and seniors. Graduate, law, and PhD students at any stage of an eligible program may apply.