Transnational Islamic Higher Education

Contemporary transnational Islamic higher education is a vibrant field. Despite its growing importance, academic engagement remains limited, often oversimplifying these institutions as mere political tools or missionary efforts. This article investigates the case of the International Theology Programme (Uluslararası İlahiyat Programı) in Turkey, which has become a significant destination for foreign Muslim students, particularly from Europe, seeking Islamic higher education. Drawing on interviews with German students and alumni from the International Theology Programme, the article argues for a more complex understanding of transnational Islamic higher education that incorporates both structural influences and the proactive strategies employed by students. Furthermore, it demonstrates that while the study programme aims to serve diaspora communities by training future religious leaders, it often falls short in addressing specific needs related to students' native languages and their sociocultural experiences in their home countries.