How to Apply for an Al Nour Loan:

Application Status: Closed
Applications are accepted annually from January 1 through April 30.

Applications for the 2027 - 2028 academic year open on January 1st, 2027. Loans are distributed on a rolling basis while funds remain available.

Early submission is strongly encouraged, as funding is limited.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Al Nour Qard Hasanah (Interest-Free Loan) Program, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

  • Be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited graduate or professional program in the United States.

  • Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Demonstrate verifiable financial need.

  • Show active involvement in community service, leadership, or volunteer efforts— ideally within a masjid, MSA, or Islamic organization.

Application

Each application is evaluated with great care by the Al Nour Advisory Board and Loan Committee.
Selections are based on the applicant’s:

  • Financial need and responsibility

  • Academic achievement

  • Alignment with Al Nour’s mission of ethical education and community service.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions are made as funds become available. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee approval; selection depends on both evaluation and available funds.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials with their online application:

  • Transcript – Official or unofficial transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended.

  • Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance – Verification that the applicant is currently enrolled in, or has been accepted to, an accredited graduate or professional program in the United States.

  • Personal Statement – A written statement (maximum 2,000 words) describing your background, educational goals, financial need, and how you plan to serve the community.

  • Proof of Financial Need – Documentation demonstrating genuine financial need, such as a FAFSA Student Aid Report, tuition bill, or cost-of-attendance breakdown.

  • Resume or CV – A current resume outlining academic, professional, leadership, and community involvement.

  • Photo ID – A valid student ID or government-issued photo ID for identity verification purposes.

  • Recommendation Letters –

    • Academic Recommendation (Preferred): From a professor, advisor, or similar academic reference.
      This letter is preferred but not required. However, applicants who provide it will receive priority consideration during the selection process.

    • Community Recommendation (Required): From an imam, sheikh, or community leader who can attest to your service and character.

      (Both recommendation letters should be signed and dated, preferably on letterhead.)

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Interview

Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Please expect:

  • The interview will last approximately 30–60 minutes and may be conducted either virtually or in person, depending on the applicant’s location.

  • Candidates should expect questions about their educational background, career goals, financial planning, and commitment to serving the community. Applicants will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the loan structure, repayment expectations, and Al Nour’s mission.

  • Following the interview, applicants will be notified of the final decision within several weeks, inshaAllah. Participation in an interview does not guarantee selection.

Maintaining Eligibility

Students approved for an Al Nour loan must maintain satisfactory academic and ethical standing throughout their program.

Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, remain in good academic standing, and complete all required coursework. Failure of a course or withdrawal without valid reason may result in suspension or termination of future disbursements.

Borrowers must communicate with Al Nour if they experience academic or financial hardship. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis when students demonstrate sincerity and transparency.

Repayment Terms

All loans provided by Al Nour are interest-free (Qard Hasanah). Recipients agree to repay the principal amount in full after graduation or completion of their program.

Repayment typically begins six to twelve months after graduation, with flexible monthly payment options. All repayments go directly toward supporting future students in need.

Failure to maintain communication or make scheduled payments without valid cause may result in loss of future eligibility and potential legal collection of the principal balance only (no interest or penalties). Repayment is considered an amānah (trust) and an act of worship, ensuring that others can benefit from the same opportunity.

Final Notes

Al Nour’s Interest-Free Loan Program operates on the principle of Qard Hasanah — a trust-based, interest-free form of assistance rooted in Islamic values. Each loan provided is funded by community contributions and the repayments of previous recipients. By honoring repayment commitments and maintaining academic excellence, students ensure that the cycle of giving continues and future generations benefit, inshaAllah.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the Al Nour Qard Hasanah Loan will open January 1st and remain available through April 30th.
Click below during this period to begin your application.

Continue to Application →