International Islamic University Malaysia: A Garden of Knowledge and Virtue
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) stands as a unique institution of higher learning, blending Islamic principles with contemporary academic disciplines. Established on 23 May 1983, IIUM is sponsored by eight governments and the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This public university in Malaysia aims to cultivate a holistic educational environment, instilling Islamic values across all fields of study.
Conception and Establishment
The genesis of IIUM can be traced back to 1982 when Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad envisioned an international institution dedicated to Islamic education. This idea emerged during a meeting of OIC leaders focused on the Islamization of knowledge. The concept was then shared with key figures, including the then-minister of education, Sulaiman Daud, and the then-director-general of education, Murad Mohamed Nor.
The university's foundation was also influenced by the contributions of Ismail al-Faruqi, who advised political leaders in the Muslim world on integrating Islamic values with modern academic disciplines. During Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s administration, al-Faruqi contributed to the establishment of the International Islamic University in Islamabad in 1980. In Malaysia, al-Faruqi's advisory role was instrumental in the foundation of the university in 1983.
Early Years and Growth
IIUM began its academic journey with a batch of 153 students from Malaysia and abroad on 8 July 1983. Courses were initially offered under the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Laws, the Centre for Fundamental Knowledge, and the Centre for Languages. The first convocation, held on 10 October 1987, marked the graduation of this pioneering batch. Ahmad Shah of Pahang served as the founding constitutional head of IIUM from 1 July 1983. Before his death, he was replaced by his daughter-in-law, the current Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Legal Framework and Language Policy
Initially, IIUM operated as a private university due to the language of instruction being English and Arabic, which was initially prohibited by Malaysian law. It was incorporated under the Companies Act 1965. The Companies Act 1965 allowed IIUM to use English as its official language, but it was not fully exempted from Malay language usage. While IIUM is not obligated to adhere to the National Language Act 1963/1967, it also uses Bahasa Malaysia in certain courses.
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Campuses and Facilities
IIUM is headquartered at a 700-acre (2.8 km²) campus in Gombak, Selangor, and has six other campuses. These campuses are strategically located to cater to various academic disciplines. Three of the campuses are in Kuantan, Pahang, with the Centre for Foundation Studies situated at Gambang, a medical-centric campus situated at Bandar Indera Mahkota, and a clinical campus situated near Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital.
The Gombak campus in Kuala Lumpur houses the university’s administration as well as the Kulliyyah (faculties), Centre for Language and Pre-University Academic Development and IIUM Academy. The campus offers a complete range of facilities including on-campus housing, a mosque, two-state-of-the-art sports complexes with Olympic-size swimming pools, a fully equipped library with than two million printed and digital materials supported by online databases, a medical clinic, convenience stores, a post office and three Malaysian commercial banks. The other campuses are located in Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Gambang and Pagoh. The Kuantan campus is nestled within a valley surrounded by lush greenery. The Kuala Lumpur campus at Persiaran Duta houses the International Institute of Islamic Civilization (ISTAC). The Centre for Foundation Studies is located in Gambang.
Academic Profile
IIUM offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's degree and PhD courses across its 14 faculties, also known as kulliyyah. Islamic values are integrated into all disciplines, reflecting the university's motto, "Garden of Knowledge and Virtue" ("Taman Ilmu dan Budi" in Malay). The university's official motto, "Garden of Knowledge and Virtue" in English or "Taman Ilmu dan Budi" in Malay, was introduced by the third IIUM Rector, Mohd Kamal Hassan and used since 2000. IIUM also have two slogans, "Leading the Way.
Usrah and Community Engagement
IIUM distinguishes itself as the only public university in Malaysia that mandates Usrah, an Islamic study circle, for all foundation and undergraduate students. This weekly gathering aims to foster social, spiritual, and intellectual growth. Since its inception, Usrah has been a graduation requirement for IIUM students.
Furthermore, IIUM requires all students to participate in Usrah in Action, a community engagement program. Over two consecutive semesters, students organize sustainability projects to benefit local communities surrounding the university.
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Research and Think Tank
Research Management Centre of the International Islamic University Malaysia was established by the University Senate in 1991. The main objective of its establishment was to promote and coordinate the research activities of the University. On 2 September 2025, the Institute of International and Asean Studies (IINTAS) was formally established as a think tank under the IIUM during a ceremony where Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr.
Student Life and Development
The Office of the Deputy Rector (Student Development and Community Engagement) plays a crucial role in assisting students' personal and professional development, aligning with the University’s Philosophy and Objectives. Its main aim is to provide students with enriching transformative experience which combines a balance of academic education and opportunities for experiential learning. Students are engaged in meaningful holistic development of their intellectual, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual being to bring about social change and sustainable positive impact on the community. These abilities are vitally important for success in cultivating and transforming students into community leaders, dedicated to social action. The office also provides assistance to students by offering scholarships under each of its divisions to encourage excellence in commitment and contribution towards their social responsibility.
Volunteerism and Community Service
International Islamic University Malaysia has a strong tradition of volunteerism serving the surrounding community. It is in line with the University’s theme as the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue where knowledge is to be translated into actions for the benefits of mankind. In March 1995, the IIUM Management established the Centre for Community Service and Continuing Education supervised by the Office of the Rector. Its main objective was to institutionalize community engagement as the University’s contribution to the sustainable development of the surrounding community and the world at large. CENSERVE was created as a platform for staff and students to plan activities for the community. Every year hundreds of students register as CENSERVE volunteers under various clubs and project teams. The staff participate as club advisors, trainers and invited speakers during talks. CENSERVE has produced thousands of students with skills on volunteerism, humanitarian work and project management. Through CENSERVE activities, students understand that IIUM graduates shall not only be well versed in his or her field of study but even more so; they shall also be socially responsible and have a strong desire to improve the lives of the ummah and humankind. Leading the Whole Community Transformation through Spirituality and Sejahtera. RCE Greater Gombak aims to transform and empower the community towards sustainable development at all levels of community in line with the spirit of “leaving-no-one-behind” in upholding equity, ethics, and justice. Taking pride in the diversity of faith-based community as well as the strength in the indigenous settlement in the Gombak are, the RCE paved the way in the role of spirituality and indigenous knowledge through ESD. That means greater participation over a much larger and diverse population base. RCE Greater Gombak is also keen to rejuvenate and mainstream Sejahtera - a local concept of sustainable living as one of the main desired outcome of the RCE.
Rankings and Recognition
International Islamic University of Malaysia Overview International Islamic University of Malaysia Rankings Study Portals Meta Ranking Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs. QS World University Rankings 613 By TopUniversities Climbed 48 places compared to 2025 QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly. International Islamic University of Malaysia Student Reviews & Awards 5 Star 37 Reviews 4 Star 43 Reviews 3 Star 17 Reviews 2 Star 1 Review 1 Star 2 Reviews How Students Rated This University Overall Satisfaction 4.0 Student Teacher Interaction 4.3 Online Classroom Experience 4.3 Admission Process 4.6 Quality of Student Life 4.4 Career Development 4.2
Notable Achievements
In 2014, IIUM was ranked tenth out of 440 teams participated in the 35th World Universities Debating Championship. In 2016, IIUM won the United Asian Debating Championship, the Australasian Intervarsity Debate Championship, and the Asian British Parliamentary Championship. IIUM was involved in the creation of the Malaysian Shariah Index with collaboration from JAKIM and YADIM which Malaysia will be the first country in the world to adopt it. The index will measure the compliance of eight fields - judiciary, politics, economics, health, education, culture, infrastructure and environment, and social - with "maqasid syariah", or the intentions of Shariah.
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Housing and Medical Services
Since the early years of its establishment, IIUM has practiced 100% accommodation for its full time undergraduate students. For postgraduate students, accommodation is provided based on availability of rooms. Priority is given to the non-Malaysian students, especially students from the newest intake. Currently, IIUM has 16 mahallahs that accommodate about 14,000 students from various countries and cultures. Each mahallah is lead by a Principal and assisted by administrative staff and fellows. The staff concentrates on the administrative and maintenance needs of the mahallah, while the fellows focus on students' matters and activities. The IIUM Medical Centre was built based on the Private Funding Initiative with 25-year concession agreement, on 27.8 acress of land, equipped with 350 beds for inpetiets and supported by more than 133 specialists. It also includes the development of an undergraduate and postgraduate teaching hospital and tertiary referral centre, complementing the medical and allied health faculty provisions.
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