Passionate about Islamic Studies or Islamic History? Canada welcomes you! This vibrant nation boasts top universities and generous funding opportunities to unlock your academic journey.
Many people are unaware that research in Islamic Studies/History or Arabic/Religious Studies is conducted in many developed countries, including Canada and the United States. If you are interested in or have studied these subjects, you can pursue your education at a top-ranked university with a scholarship. In this post, I will provide information on a few universities where you have the opportunity to study with funding.
McGill University: Institute of Islamic Studies
The McGill Institute of Islamic Studies’ academic program focuses on Islam, the history and civilization of the Islamic world, and the dynamics of contemporary Muslim societies.
Applications to the Institute of Islamic Studies
The Institute of Islamic Studies, which is part of the Faculty of Arts, focuses primarily on the in-depth study of Islamic civilization. It emphasizes the origins of Islam, the development of civilizations inspired by Islamic faith, and the evolution and transformation of those civilizations. Its academic programs help students understand the current situation of the Islamic world in its historical context and the relationship of tradition to modernity.
University of Toronto: Islamic Studies
The (academic) study of Islam: spans from ancient times to the present and across the entire expanse of the Islamic world, using the methods of history, textual criticism, anthropology, philosophy, law, and art history to help understand Islamic tradition and Muslim life from religious, cultural, and political perspectives.
Research: There is research here on early Islam, Quranic studies, hadith literature, and Shia Islam. Students in this field work on Islam in various parts of the world, such as Canada, West Africa, and South Asia.
McMaster University: Religious Studies
Wilfrid Laurier University
Masters – Religion, Culture and Global Justice (MA)
Religious Studies (PhD)
The University of Waterloo: Religious Studies
Dalhousie University – Religious Studies
BA and BSc Degree Options
The University of Saskatchewan
M.A. in Religion and Culture
York University
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Funding Options:
a. University-Specific Scholarships: Check the websites of the universities listed above for scholarships dedicated to Islamic Studies or Middle Eastern Studies.
b. Canadian Government Scholarships:
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA): Offers scholarships for students from developing countries to study in Canada, including those interested in religious studies.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC): Provides funding for research in the humanities and social sciences, including research on Islam and Islamic societies.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS): Supports doctoral students in humanities and social sciences, including Islamic Studies.
c. Independent Scholarships and Grants:
The Barakat Trust: Offers grants for research projects related to Islamic culture and heritage, including Islamic Studies.
Institute for Islamic and Social Sciences (IRSS): Offers research grants in collaboration with the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC).
Maydan: Provides resources and information on research funding opportunities related to Islamic Studies.
Tips for Finding Grants:
Start your search early: Deadlines for applications can be months in advance.
Tailor your application: Research each grant carefully and highlight how your research aligns with their priorities.
Focus on academic merit and research potential: While your identity as a Muslim might be relevant to your research, focus primarily on demonstrating your academic qualifications and research skills.
Seek guidance from professors or mentors: They can provide valuable advice on crafting strong applications and identifying suitable funding opportunities.
Additional Resources:
Maydan Islamic Studies Centers
Remember, while specific grants might not exclusively target Muslims, your qualifications, research interests, and financial needs are what matter most. With dedication and research, you can find the funding to support your academic journey in Islamic Studies in Canada.