Awards in Islamic, Muslim, and Middle East Studies 2026

In Awards Tags Published 3/31/2026

 Graduate students in the Faculty of Arts whose research projects are focused on socio-cultural, historical, religious and/or political issues in Muslim contexts are encouraged to apply. 

 
 
Deadline: Students should check with their departments for internal deadlines. The deadline for the Graduate Scholarship Committee is August 17, 2026  
 
Eligibility and value: Please see the value and the eligibility criteria for each award in the particular section of each award below.  
 

  • One application suffices for all the awards except the Makhzoumi Graduate Scholarship in Lebanese Studies. This scholarship requires a separate application to demonstrate the relevance of the applicant's research to a broader context of the Lebanese Studies, and the applicant's superior academic standing (GPA: 3.5/4.0).  

Application Process: Graduate students need to submit their applications to their departments. A complete application package in a single PDF document should include the following materials:

  1. Letter of Application: A maximum of 500-word application letter describing the student’s research project and its relevance to the Award on Islamic Studies and/or Muslim Societies, indicating how the scholarship will support the research. (One page, single-sided, single-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman).

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A maximum of three-page CV highlighting the student’s academic accomplishments.

  3. Transcript of Academic Record: Downloaded/scanned copies are acceptable:

    PhD and MA transcripts for PhD students.

    BA and MA transcripts for MA students.

  4. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation.

Departments are requested to email a complete application package for each eligible student to:
The ECMC Chair in Islamic Studies, Professor Mojtaba Mahdavi at: mojtaba.mahdavi@ualberta.ca
 

The State of Kuwait Graduate Award in Islamic/Muslim Studies
 

Value: To Be Announced (TBA)

Eligibility Criteria: The Award is open to applicants in the Doctoral program (years one through five), and the Masters program (during the first two years, course-based or thesis-based) in the Faculty of Arts whose research focuses are on Islamic/Muslim Studies. Selections are based on the applicant's academic standing. This award is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals holding Canadian study permits.

 

The Khalida Quraishi Memorial Graduate Award in Islamic Studies
 

Value: $1500

Eligibility Criteria: Open to applicants in the Doctoral program (years one through six) and the Master’s program (years one through four, either course-based or thesis-based) in the Faculty of Arts, with research focusing on Islamic/Muslim Studies. Selections are based on the applicant's satisfactory academic achievement. Available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding Canadian study permits.

 

The Fatima Al-Fihri Award in Islamic Studies
 

Value: $1000

 Eligibility Criteria: Open to applicants in the Doctoral program (years one through six) and the Master’s program (years one through four, either course-based or thesis-based) in the Faculty of Arts (full-time or part-time registered). Preference is given to a female student whose research focuses on African-centric Islamic studies. Selections are based on the applicant's academic achievement. Available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding Canadian study permits.

 

The Makhzoumi Graduate Scholarship in Lebanese Studies
 

Value: To Be Announced (TBA)

 Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is available to applicants in the Doctoral program (years one through five) and the Master’s program (during the first two years, either course-based or thesis-based) in the Faculty of Arts. Applicants' research should be relevant to the broader context of Lebanese Studies. Selections are based on the applicant's superior academic standing (equivalent to a GPA of 3.5/4.0). Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding Canadian study permits.

 

The ECMC Fund in memory of Mrs. Ayesha Lynda Quraishi, Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmad Quraishi, and Mehaboob Unisa Begum
 

Value: $1000

 Eligibility Criteria: Open to applicants in the Doctoral program (years one through six) and the Master’s program (years one through four, either course-based or thesis-based) in the Faculty of Arts, with research focusing on Islamic/Muslim Studies. Selections are based on the applicant's satisfactory academic achievement. Available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding Canadian study permits.