COSARAF Scholarship

Sheikh Family Scholarships, a central part of COSARAF’s ‘supporting young people to reach their potential’ workstream, identify exceptional young Muslim men and women excelling in their fields of study. The programme offers Zakat-funded scholarships and a wider package of support for successful candidates. Applicants must be studying at one of COSARAF’s partner institutions: St Anne’s College, Oxford; Downing College, Cambridge; or on the University of Warwick’s Islamic Education Programme.

At St Anne’s College in 2026/27, one award of £10,000 per year will be made, for up to three years of undergraduate study.

Applications for the 2026/27 scholarship opened in week 3 of Michaelmas term 2026. An email will be circulated to all first year undergraduates with details of how to apply (please see below).

The Scholarship

• Will award each student up to £10,000 per year towards the cost of their tuition fees and living expenses.
• Students will also have access to a personal mentor and a tailored leadership support programme, paid summer internship at a leading charity and ongoing support from COSARAF.

Eligibility

• Open to first year St Anne’s UK Muslim undergraduate students who face financial hardship and, ideally, are the first in their family to attend university. Priority will be given to those for whom the award will make most difference and who demonstrate a clear plan to give back to their communities and wider society.

 How to apply:

• Send a completed application form and CV by 5pm Monday 9th November, 2026 (start of week 5, Michaelmas Term) to development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
• Ask your Personal Tutor to send a letter of support (reference) to development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
• Interviews will take place in week 7

In addition to the Sheikh Family Scholarship, the COSARAF Foundation will work with all four institutions to provide additional support to further eligible Muslim students through its existing Hardship Fund.

Chairman of the COSARAF Charitable Foundation, Haroon Sheikh, said: “One of our core objectives is to enable young people to realise their potential and this ground-breaking programme seeks to remove barriers to Muslim applicants to leading universities, increasing their participation and helping them to make a difference within their communities.”

“However, the scholarship goes a lot further than merely boosting personal outcomes. The awards will provide long-term support to develop leadership within UK Muslim communities, fostering long-term integration and cohesion.”

Principal of St Anne’s College, Helen King QPM: “From our founding as the Society of Oxford Home-Students, in 1879, St Anne’s has always actively widened access to an Oxford education. We pioneered helping women from around the world attend lectures and tutorials, which meant addressing crucial practical measures, such as providing affordable lodgings and halls.

“This heritage became enshrined in our firm purpose to create a diverse and inclusive community and we want to be the destination of choice for the brightest and best students, including those from under-represented groups. Being one of the founding colleges for such a dynamic package of practical benefits is another key tool in ensuring their continuing involvement here.”

For information on COSARAF please see https://www.cosaraf.org, and for more information on previous COSARAF scholars, please see St Anne’s College – Cosaraf