The Institute of Ismaili Studies

Applications for STEP 2024 entry now open

The Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) is for practising and prospective teachers wishing to embark on a career in teaching within the wider Aga Khan network of institutions, with a particular focus on teaching The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Secondary Curriculum at the Ismaili Religious Education Centres (RECs) to students aged 11-16.

Apply now

Student voices: A journey of love

GPISH graduate and Farhad Daftary scholarship recipient Farhan Feroz Ali talks about his experience as a student at IIS.

European IIS Alumni AGM focuses on Migration, Refugees and Muslim Diaspora

The European Chapter Group of the IIS Alumni Association recently organised their Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 centred on Migration, Refugees and Muslim Diaspora.

Members of the IIS Alumni's European Chapter Group in the Atrium of the Aga Khan Centre, London

About us

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 as an academic institution of higher education dedicated to the study of Islam, with a particular focus on its Ismaili and broader Shi‘i traditions.

Two STEP students reading the STEP curriculum and discussing something with each other

Graduate studies

The IIS currently offers two graduate programmes which attract students from world-wide Ismaili communities.

A student picking out a book from the library stack

Short courses

IIS Short Courses are designed to introduce participants to a social, cultural and civilisational approach to the study of Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili contexts.

Two scholars working on a manuscript with gloves

Fellowships and Scholarships

The IIS offers various scholarship and fellowship programmes to suitable candidates with a focus on Islamic Studies or other areas of interest to the IIS.

Learning Centre

The learning centre hosts a variety of additional educational materials such as reading guides for IIS publications, lists of recommended readings, for further exploration of several themes and topics.

Discover our research

Research at the IIS seeks to contribute to the field of Islamic studies in general, with a particular focus on Shi ‘i and Ismaili studies.

Explore our publications

The IIS publishes works by its own scholars as well as from the academic community outside the Institute.

Announcement

Launch of IIS Digital Curriculum promotional video

The Department of Curriculum Studies is pleased to launch a three-minute promotional video to raise awareness and promote the IIS Digital Curriculum (IISDC) e-book platform.

An image of the screen of log in for the IIS Digital curriculum

Student voices: Transcending the comfort zone

As he approaches the start of his second year of the IIS’ Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities, Aqil Visram is reflecting on his journey so far, and the year ahead.