Admissions

The Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary seeks practicing Twelver-Shīʿī Muslims who demonstrate strong academic potential and capabilities. In keeping with Islamic values and tradition, we have striven to keep our eligibility requirements as flexible as possible.

Our eligibility requirements are described below:

• The completed Application Form for Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is strongly encouraged
• An SAT or ACT score for students who have not completed at least two years of undergraduate study at an accredited institution
• Transcripts from the last education institution attended
• One letter of recommendation from a qualified Shi`ah Muslim scholar attesting to the applicant’s religious faith, character, and integrity.
• One academic letter of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s academic abilities.
• A Statement of Purpose of between 500 and 1,000 words
• A Personal Interview

In keeping with Islamic values the Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, national identity, gender, ethnic origin, physical disability, or other factors that do not affect an individual’s ability or integrity in the admission of applicants or in consideration for financial aid or other programs.

Please submit the completed application form, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation either electronically or by mail at the following address:

info@aiseminary.org

Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary
485 S. Bartlett Rd,
Streamwood, IL 60107

Once an application has been reviewed, we will contact qualified applicants to schedule an interview.

The following documentation will be required for application:

• The completed Application Form for the Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary.
  
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is strongly encouraged. In exceptional cases, students without a Bachelor’s degree who can demonstrate academic ability will be accepted. An SAT or ACT score is required for students who have not completed at least two years of undergraduate study at an accredited institution.
  
• Transcripts from the last academic institution attended. Acceptable documents include college transcripts, high school transcripts, a GED, or other equivalents. Please allocate ample time for each institution to process transcript requests so that the application is complete by the deadline. If the applicant is in the process of completing their requirements for a diploma or degree, they must submit a transcript detailing all coursework to date.
  
• Two letters of recommendation attesting to the student’s character and academic abilities. One should come from a qualified Shi`ah Muslim scholar, and one should come from an academic source. Please give recommenders adequate notice so that the application is complete by the deadline.
  
• A Statement of Purpose of between 500 and 1,000 words describing the applicant’s intellectual influences and academic and religious goals.
  
• A Personal Interview. Students who meet the basic admission requirements will be called for a personal interview; in some cases interviews will be conducted in person. During the interview, the applicant will be required to demonstrate competence in the English language as well as a basic familiarity with Islamic belief and practice. The interview also allows the applicant to expand upon his/her reasons for studying at the Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary as described in the Statement of Purpose.