This application is used to evaluate candidates across several programs offered through our Media, Policy, and Law verticals. To be considered for any programs in which you are interested and eligible, you will need to complete one application. If you are interested in programs across different verticals, you will need to complete one application per vertical.
During this application, you will be asked to select the vertical(s) you are interested in. Once you click on a vertical, the programs within that vertical will be revealed. Please review the options carefully and select all programs you are interested in and eligible for.
Applicants may be considered for one or more programs, depending on their qualifications, availability, and the program's needs. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- An active member of the Muslim community;
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. green card holder or DACA recipient;
Programs Offered
Our programs are organized into the following verticals:
Law:
- Public Interest Internship 2026 - An ISF-funded internship that supports law students who secure their own public interest internships, helping make public interest legal experiences more accessible. (The internship must be at least 8 weeks, and recipients will receive a $3,000 stipend.)
- Public Interest Fellowship 2026 - A funded fellowship that supports recent law graduates (last 3 years) who independently secure a project with a nonprofit host organization for a year of hands-on legal experience and professional development. (The fellowship must be 12 months, and recipients will receive a $70,000 stipend and ISF mentorship.)
Policy:
- Fall Congressional Internship 2026 - A unique chance to serve in a Congressional office, build policy skills, and explore a career in public service from the inside. (10 weeks, $5,000 stipend)
- Spring Congressional Internship 2027 - A unique chance to serve in a Congressional office, build policy skills, and explore a career in public service from the inside. (10 weeks, $5,000 stipend)
- Summer Congressional Internship 2027 - A unique chance to serve in a Congressional office, build policy skills, and explore a career in public service from the inside. (8 weeks, $2,500 stipend, housing included)
- Fall Congressional Fellowship 2026-27 (1-2 years of experience) - A highly selective Congressional Fellowship providing practical legislative experience, professional growth, and a pathway into public policy careers. (9 months, $40,000 stipend)
Media:
- Zeteo Summer Journalism Fellowship 2026 - A remote, paid, part-time newsroom internship with Mehdi Hassan's Zeteo, where interns will gain hands-on experience supporting research, media, and communications projects. (9 weeks, $x stipend)
- Zeteo Fall Journalism Fellowship 2026 - A remote, paid, part-time newsroom internship with Mehdi Hassan's Zeteo, where interns will gain hands-on experience supporting research, media, and communications projects. (9 weeks, $x stipend)
Click here to watch an info webinar on funding opportunities for American Muslim students. The ISF portion of the presentation and the Q&A covered eligibility, application requirements, and tips on how to make your application stand out.
In addition, ISF will host two live webinars featuring application judges who will provide insights and answer your questions:
- Wednesday, February 4th at 3:30 PM PT – https://bit.ly/3JWH7ya
- Wednesday, March 4th at 3:30 PM PT – https://bit.ly/480BpVa
What is ISF's mission and why do we provide merit-based scholarships?
Our mission is to increase representation in media and politics in order to improve public opinion and public policy. We are achieving that goal by empowering students and professionals through academic scholarships, film grants, mentorships, internships and fellowships.
How many scholarships has ISF awarded in the past?
Since our founding in 2009, we have awarded $3.4 million to over 700 recipients, Scholarships range from $3,000-$10,000.
What is the scholarship program timeline?
ISF starts accepting applications in December for a period of 4 months. The deadline to submit a complete application is March 21st, 2026. The Selection Committee will review the applications from March-April. Finalists will move to the next round and receive remote interviews in late April/early June. The final decisions will be made in July and scholarships will be awarded shortly after.
Is the program open to international students?
At this time we are only able to accept U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, and permanent residents. To learn more, check out our website: www.islamicscholarshipfund.org/scholarship/
Minimum requirements to apply for the ISF Scholarship:
- Active member of the Muslim community;
- Enrollment full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. by August 2026;
- OR employed full-time in an ISF Supported Field and a part-time student at an accredited university in the U.S.;
- Majoring in an ISF Supported Field;
- Maintaining a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average;
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. green card holder, or DACA recipient;
- Undergraduate (incoming junior or senior) or graduate/PhD
The ideal candidate will demonstrate potential in impacting public opinion, alignment with the ISF mission and vision, excellent communication skills, and leadership.
