Student must be a US citizen, green card holder, Asylee or has an active application for green card
Student must understand that this is a loan and it is the last dollar they need to get through the year
after having exhausted other sources
Student must qualify for financial need
Students must be high school graduate OR college/university/community college student enrolled in full
time or part time classes
Online college degrees and associate degrees are also eligible
Students must have a GPA > 2.5. Exceptions may be taken in some cases where the student has higher
needs and there is belief that the student may do better in the future.
US jamaat members studying abroad MAY qualify, if they are abroad for sole purpose of education and
have intent to return to US
NON-ELIGIBILITY FOR EDUCATION LOANS
Following students are NOT eligible for the loan
Students with disciplinary action against them by Jamaat.
Students from families who are not connected to Jamaat at all.
This situation must be reviewed with the local Jamaat President for genuine reasons for
the family to not be regular.
Families or members where the Jamaat President strongly recommends against the applicant.
Vocational courses, certification exams, USMLE and licensure
Exception can be made in special circumstances
International students on F-1 visa or other visas who are in the USA primarily for education.
These students are encouraged to check in with the merit-based scholarship committee for eligibility
Students who cannot provide acceptable documentation showing their enrollment.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Each applicant must submit following documents:
Copy of most recent official transcript from the most recent institution (high school, college or university)
Proof of enrollment in the fall semester.
This could be in the form of a transcript showing enrollment in the fall semester, or a letter of admission from the school, or online proof of enrollment from the website of the university.
Copy of the statement from educational institution or FAFSA that shows the tuition expense, the loans and grants awarded to the student, if requested
Signed and notarized copy of loan declaration form. Note: This is requested after the loan amount has been approved and student has been informed
Copy of resume
An essay detailing the applicant’s educational and career goals, the reasons behind the goals, the strategy to attain the goals and efforts to look for alternate sources of financial assistance.
SAT, ACT or GRE can be submitted, if the score is better than the GPA
Students may submit a copy of SAT/ACT/GRE. If necessary, the loan committee may require the official results from the testing authority.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: Is there any interest on this loan?
Answer: No. This is an interest free loan to help members of the jamaat achieve their maximum potential.
Question: If I receive other loans, will I qualify for a Jamaat loan?
Answer: Yes. You may still qualify for a jamaat loan, if other loans have a higher interest rate.
Question: Do I need to return the money received?
Answer: Yes. It’s a loan and it is your Islamic and legal responsibility to return this loan.
Question: When does this loan become due?
Answer: Loan becomes due immediately after the start of your first job.
Question: Can I pay all other loans before paying this loan?
Answer: No. Loan payment for this should also start immediately after the start of the first job.
Question: Will I get a full request amount?
Answer: Maybe. It depends on the need and number of students applying. We have a limited budget and we’ll utilize the whole budget dedicated for loans.
Question: How long will it take to find out if I’m approved?
Answer: We’ll take about 30 days to make the decision and email you with our decision and checks will be mailed within 30 days from the decision.
Question: Can the loan check mailed to me before I pay for my fall semester?
Answer: Since every college has different due dates for fall semester/quarter, we’ll mail this out at our earliest possible; however if it is delayed, this loan can be used for the second quarter/ semester.
Question: Who do I contact for the status of my loan?
Answer: If you do not hear from us in 30 days after the application submission deadline, you can send an email to education.loans@ahmadiyya.us for any questions/concerns you may have.
IMPORTANT DATES
Policy / Process messaging to local secretaries – Feb 25th
Open applications portal – March 1st
Application deadline (close application portal) – Jun 15th
