Top Muslim-Friendly Scholarships for Study Abroad

If you are a Muslim student dreaming of studying abroad, you might be wondering:

• Will I find halal food?
• Will my religious values be respected?
• Can I get funding without compromising my beliefs?

The good news is, yes, you can.

There are many Muslim-friendly scholarships that offer full or partial funding to help you study in some of the best universities around the world — while respecting your faith, modesty, prayer routine, and cultural identity.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Scholarships specifically for Muslim or Islamic students

• Countries and universities known for Islamic-friendly environments

• Fully funded opportunities from Islamic organizations

• Tips to apply successfully as a Muslim student

• Real benefits you should look for beyond just money

🌍 Why Muslim-Friendly Scholarships Matter

Traveling abroad to study is a big step — and for Muslim students, it can come with additional challenges:

✅ Halal food availability
✅ Prayer accommodations (salah time & place)
✅ Ramadan support
✅ Modesty in dress codes
✅ Freedom to practice Islam openly
✅ Financial aid that aligns with Islamic values (no interest-based loans)

That’s why Muslim-friendly scholarships are growing in demand — and many universities and foundations now consider these needs when offering scholarships.

🎓 Top Muslim-Friendly Scholarships for International Students

Let’s explore some of the best options available in 2025:

1. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Program

✅ Fully Funded
✅ For Muslim students from member countries and Muslim communities worldwide
✅ Covers BSc, MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral research

Benefits:

• Tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance

• Health insurance

• Travel tickets

• Language training (if needed)

• Focus on community service and development

Host Countries: Worldwide (including Malaysia, UK, Canada, France, Turkey, and more)

Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of an IsDB member country or a Muslim student in a non-member country

• Good academic record

• Intention to return home and serve the community

• No other scholarship

🔗 Apply here: www.isdb.org/scholarships

2. Turkey Türkiye Burslari Scholarship

✅ Fully Funded
✅ Offered by the Turkish government
✅ Muslim-majority, Islamic-friendly country

Benefits:

• 100% tuition waiver

• Monthly stipend

• Accommodation

• Turkish language course (1 year)

• Flight tickets

• Full health insurance

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and research

Why It’s Muslim-Friendly:

• Prayer spaces in universities

• Halal food everywhere

• Islamic cultural values are respected

• Friday prayer time is considered in schedules

🔗 Apply here: www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

3. Qatar University Scholarships

✅ Fully Funded and Partial Options
✅ For international students, especially from Muslim countries

Scholarships Include:

• Outstanding Performance Scholarship

• GCC States Scholarships

• International Student Scholarships

Benefits:

• Full or partial tuition

• Textbooks

• Accommodation (for full scholarships)

• Health insurance

Environment:

• Strong Islamic identity

• Halal food everywhere

• Prayer rooms in every building

• Female-only spaces available

🔗 Visit: www.qu.edu.qa

4. Al-Azhar University Scholarships (Egypt)

✅ Fully Funded for Islamic Studies
✅ For Muslim students who want to study Islam, Arabic, or related fields

Why Choose Al-Azhar:

• One of the oldest Islamic universities in the world

• World-respected curriculum in Islamic sciences

• Halal food, Islamic dress codes, and prayer spaces everywhere

Eligibility:

• Strong academic and moral standing

• Commitment to learning and spreading Islamic knowledge

• Good Arabic understanding (or willingness to learn)

🔗 Visit local Egyptian embassies or Islamic institutions to apply.

5. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

✅ Fully Funded by Malaysian Government
✅ Muslim-majority country, very welcoming to international Muslim students

Covered Degrees: Master’s and PhD

Benefits:

• Full tuition

• Monthly allowance

• Visa support

• Cultural integration support

Why It’s Muslim-Friendly:

• Malaysia blends modern education with strong Islamic values

• Halal food everywhere

• Supportive student communities

• Prayer rooms on every campus

🔗 Apply here: www.moe.gov.my

6. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarships – Saudi Arabia

✅ Fully Funded for MSc & PhD Programs
✅ Especially for science, engineering, and management fields

Benefits:

• Free tuition

• Monthly stipend

• Free housing

• Books, healthcare, and airfare

Why Choose KFUPM:

• Islamic environment

• No need to worry about halal food or Islamic dress

• Advanced labs and research opportunities

• Prestigious alumni network in the Middle East

🔗 Visit: www.kfupm.edu.sa

7. Indonesia Darmasiswa Scholarship

✅ Cultural Exchange Program (1-year, Non-Degree)
✅ Muslim-friendly country, focused on language and culture studies

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend

• Living allowance

• Visa support

• No tuition fees

Why It’s Great:

• Great for students wanting to explore Southeast Asia

• Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world

• Cultural diversity and Islamic hospitality

🔗 Apply here: darmasiswa.kemdikbud.go.id

🕌 Muslim-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad

These countries are known for welcoming Muslim students:

🌟 Malaysia – Blends modern education with strong Islamic identity
🌟 Turkey – Advanced education with rich Islamic heritage
🌟 Qatar – Home to top universities and a halal lifestyle
🌟 UAE – Growing hub for international students
🌟 Indonesia – Largest Muslim-majority country with student-friendly cities
🌟 Germany & UK – Though non-Muslim, they offer prayer spaces, halal food, and anti-discrimination laws

✅ Tips for Muslim Students Applying Abroad

🔹 Always check if the scholarship or university respects your Islamic needs
🔹 Reach out to local Muslim student associations in your target school
🔹 Ask about halal food options, prayer space, and Ramadan policies
🔹 Choose cities or neighborhoods with existing Muslim communities
🔹 Check for interest-free scholarships or grants (avoid loans with riba)
🔹 Include your community service and Islamic values in your motivation letter

 And finally

Studying abroad doesn’t mean compromising your faith. With the right scholarship, you can access quality education, expand your worldview, and still proudly practice Islam.

These Muslim-friendly scholarships are not just about funding your studies — they are about respecting your lifestyle, values, and dreams.

Start preparing your documents now, and choose a destination where you feel at home — both academically and spiritually.