Ibn Battuta Arabic
Ibn Battuta Arabic Scholarships aim to reward students for their excellence and dedication to studying the Arabic language and promote the study of Arabic as a foreign language. Prospective students may apply to either one of the semester programs (fall, spring) or one of the winter and summer programs offered at the Qalam wa Lawh Center in Rabat, Morocco.

Award Value

  • Full Scholarships cover all tuition and housing costs for the duration of the program
  • Tuition Scholarships cover tuition costs for the duration of the program

Note: Transportation to/from Morocco is the responsibility of the awardees.

Requirements

Applicants must write a 600-1,000-word essay answering the following question: “What do you hope to achieve through your study of the Arabic language?” Applicants must have completed a minimum of four University semesters in Modern Standard Arabic or equivalent study (at least 240 documented contact hours at a private institution). Applicants must have three written recommendations, including at least one from an Arabic Language Instructor/Professor. Recommendations should be addressed to the Scholarship Committee at Qalam wa Lawh. Applicants must provide graded transcripts documenting previous Arabic study.

Program Durations

Session Start Date End Date Application Deadline Weeks
Fall 2025 18 Aug 2025 05 Dec 2025 30 Jul 2025 16 Weeks
Winter 2026 22 Dec 2025 16 Jan 2026 31 Aug 2025 4 Weeks
Spring 2026 05 Jan 2026 24 Apr 2026 30 Sep 2025 16 Weeks
Summer 2026 (Session D) 17 Aug 2026 11 Sep 2026 01 Mar 2026 4 Weeks

Application Deadlines

All applications must be postmarked by the specified deadline for each session. Applications sent after the deadline will not be considered.

How to apply

To apply, send the completed application form and all required attachments (photocopy of passport, recommendation letters, essay, and transcripts) via email or post to Qalam wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studies, attn: Ibn Battuta Scholarship

Download Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of winning?

We review each application carefully and grant full scholarships to candidates who demonstrate a dedication to studying the Arabic language and a potential to play a positive role in their communities and around the world. We typically receive 50 -200 applications for each scholarship session.

  • Five (5) full scholarships (tuition & housing) are awarded for each session
  • Ten (10) tuition scholarships (tuition only) are awarded for each session.

When and how will the results be announced?

The results are announced one calendar month after the submission deadline. The winners’ names are posted on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/qalamcenter . The winners are also informed of their successful candidacy via email.

Do I have to be enrolled in a university to apply?

No, you do not have to be enrolled in a university to apply. You must have acquired 240 hours of documented study of the Arabic language, but it does not have to have been through university enrollment to apply.

How should I submit my documents?

We prefer you to submit your documents via email (registrations@qalamcenter.com). Though it is possible to submit them by mail, we are not responsible for documents lost in the mail to Morocco.

What languages are acceptable for my essay and recommendations?

We accept documents in English, French, or Arabic. Translated documents should include a copy of the original.

What types of candidates are the judges looking for?

We are primarily looking for students who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in the study of the Arabic language. We are also seeking students with clear goals and plans for their Arabic skills. Students from countries where it is challenging to find Arabic courses or who have never had the opportunity to participate in Arabic immersion are also given preference.

Can my professors email my recommendations directly to the school?

Yes, your professors or Arabic instructors can email your recommendations directly to the school. Please ask them to include your full name in the subject line or in the body of the email.