Frequently Asked Questions

We are looking for academically gifted students who are committed to a rigorous program. Students should ideally be at least eighteen years of age; however, maturity and a track record of achievement matter more than age alone. Basic Islamic knowledge and Arabic proficiency are recommended but not required for all programs.

The academic year begins in September and concludes with graduation in May. Year 1 orientation typically takes place in early September; check the Academic Calendar for the most current dates.

Yes. Students will receive an ijāza that attests to their having heard specific texts with the teacher, thus incorporating them into the blessed chains of the righteous and the scholarly predecessors. For specific ijāzāt you may receive, please contact us, as these vary by program and instructor.

At this time, Tayseer Seminary is not accredited. While we are happy to provide academic transcripts for coursework completed, we cannot make assurances about whether courses will be accepted by other institutions for transfer credit.

Yes! We welcome campus visits and encourage prospective students to experience our community firsthand. Please contact us in advance so we can arrange a tour of our facilities, schedule meetings with faculty, and time your visit with classes or community events when possible.

Program pricing lives on our Tuition and Fees page, which covers all program types. Events are priced separately, as shown on each event page. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Yes. We work case by case to make Tayseer accessible and try to accommodate every student. See our Tuition and Fees page for details, and reach out to [email protected] to discuss your situation.

No. Tayseer Seminary does not provide student housing, so students arrange their own accommodations in Knoxville. As of May 2026, average rent in Knoxville is around $1,750 per month overall, and a typical one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,400. Many students bring their costs down to roughly $700 to $850 per person by sharing a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment or house with fellow students, and the seminary community is happy to help connect incoming students who are looking for roommates.

Knoxville is a welcoming mid-sized city that offers an excellent quality of life: a vibrant and growing Muslim community, multiple masajid and Islamic centers, an affordable cost of living (14% below the national average), proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, and rich cultural opportunities in a vibrant university town.

Knoxville has a warm, established Muslim community. Families benefit from Annoor Academy of Knoxville, a full-time Islamic school, the Muslim Community of Knoxville masjid, and the Qur’an Center, along with several musallahs, Friday jumuʿah prayers, and halal food options around the city.