The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Female Students

The Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) stands as a beacon of Islamic knowledge, attracting students from across the globe. While traditionally known for its programs catering to male students, the university has been expanding its horizons. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application process for female students aspiring to study at this prestigious institution.

Introduction: A Gateway to Islamic Education

The Islamic University of Madinah, founded in 1961 by a royal decree in the holy city of Medina, is an international Islamic institution with a Saudi Arabian affiliation. It was established by the Royal Decree No. 11, dated 03/25/1381 AH, and followed by Royal Decree No. 21 dated 04/16/1381 AH ratified by the Senior Advisory Council System for Universities. On 18/05/1386 AH the Royal Decree No. M/18 for the approval of the university system was issued. Then another system was issued for the university in accordance with the Royal Decree No. The university specializes in Islamic jurisprudence and its principles, teaching Islamic studies and various supporting sciences. It aims to provide quality higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while allowing students to experience the spiritual benefits of studying in Madinah, one of the holiest cities in Islam.

Academic Programs and Specializations

The Islamic University of Madinah offers a wide range of degree programs. The university comprises several faculties, each specializing in a specific area of Islamic studies:

Faculty of Islamic Law (Sharia): Specializes in Islamic jurisprudence and its principles, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The faculty includes departments such as Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Principles of Jurisprudence (Usool ul Fiqh), and Judging and Islamic Politics. The faculty offers a bachelor’s degree in Islamic law, and a higher diploma in judging and Islamic politics, as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate in its various fields of specialization.
Faculty of Theology (Usul al-Din): Focuses on Islamic creed and theology, providing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The faculty includes departments such as Creed, Islamic Preaching, and Islamic History. The faculty offers a bachelor’s degree in preaching and theology, and a higher diploma in Islamic preaching, as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate in its various fields of specialization.
Faculty of the Holy Quran and Islamic Studies: Specializes in Qur’anic sciences, including memorization and interpretation, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The faculty includes the Department of Qur’anic Recitations (Al-Qiraa’aat). The faculty offers a bachelor’s degree in the Holy Qur’an and Islamic studies, as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate in its various fields of specialization.
Faculty of Hadith Studies: Centers on the Prophetic tradition (Hadith) and its sciences, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The faculty includes the Department of Jurisprudence of the Sunnah (Fiqh-us-Sunnah) and its sources. The Faculty offers a bachelor’s degree in Hadith and Islamic Studies, as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate in its various fields of specialization.
Faculty of Arabic Language: Focuses on Arabic language studies, linguistics, and literature, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The faculty includes departments such as Linguistics and Information System. The faculty offers a bachelor’s degree in the Arabic language, as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate in its various fields of specialization.

Scholarship Opportunities for Female Students

The Islamic University of Madinah offers fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships aim to support high-achieving Muslim students in pursuing quality higher education.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Islamic University Madinah Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. The scholarship typically includes:

Free tuition
A monthly allowance
Free furnished accommodation (for non-married students)
Quality healthcare at the university hospital
A free plane ticket upon admission and at the end of each school year (following certain rules)
Free daily transportation to and from the Prophet’s Mosque
Regular organized ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) trips
Use of the social, training, and sports facilities at the university
An extra allowance for students who achieve the grade of excellence
Discounted meals at the university restaurant

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Islamic University Madinah Scholarship, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Gender: While traditionally focused on male students, the university is expanding its opportunities for female students. It's essential to check the latest announcements for specific programs open to women.
Nationality: Applicants must be international students from all countries.
Religion: Applicants must be Muslim.
Educational Qualifications:
- For undergraduate programs: Applicants must hold a high school education (12 years) or its equivalent.
- For master’s programs: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or 16 years of education with a competitive GPA (e.g., 3.75 out of 5).
Age: For undergraduate degrees, applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old.
Health: Applicants should be in good physical and medical health.
Conduct: Applicants must be of good conduct.
Language Proficiency:
- Required Language: English.
- For Master's programs, applicants from Gulf Countries must score at least 65 on the Post-Graduate General Aptitude Test (QIYAS), with the degree earned within the last five years. Applicants from outside Saudi Arabia must score at least 130 on the GRE test's quantitative section, with graduation no more than two years prior. Alternatively, a minimum score of 450 on the TOEFL-PBT or its equivalent is required, with the test taken within the last two years. The Faculty Council may waive this condition.
Commitment: Students should be interested in finishing their degrees and must follow the university’s rules and regulations.

Application Process

The application process for the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship is typically conducted online. Here are the general steps:

Online Application: Visit the university's official website and navigate to the scholarship application portal. For undergraduate scholarships, apply online through the provided link.
Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, which may include:
- High school diploma or bachelor’s degree certificate
- Transcripts of grades
- Passport copy
- Birth certificate
- Letter of recommendation (if required)
- Personal statement or essay
- Passport-sized photographs
- Language proficiency test scores (if applicable)
Document Attestation: In case of admission, the accepted student must bring their original documents, attested by the Saudi Embassy.
Submission: Submit the application along with all required documents through the online portal.
Follow-Up: Regularly check the application status and respond to any requests from the university.

Key Considerations for Application

Application Timing: Applications can be submitted throughout the year. However, the university has a limited number of slots allocated for each country. If these slots are filled before the end of the year, excess applications will be considered for the next year.
Weekend in Saudi Arabia: Note that the weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday and Saturday, so the university is closed on both days throughout the year.
Preference: Preference is given to the indigenous population of the country.
References: Attaining strong references for your application, learning some Arabic, improving your recitation of the Quran, and seeking knowledge within your current locale can enhance your chances.
Arabic Language: It is recommended to try and study some Arabic before you apply to The University, and even more so if you accepted.
Document Translation: All required documents must be translated to Arabic. This can be done by anyone fluent in Arabic, not necessarily a professional company.
Age Limit: In general, the university does not accept students who are over 25.
Letter of Permission: After acceptance, the university requires a letter from a member of the student’s government giving them permission to study at the Islamic University.

Life at the Islamic University of Madinah

Living in Madinah as a student offers a unique and enriching experience. Here are some aspects to consider:

Cultural Adaptation: Be prepared for changes in culture, weather, language, and standard of living.
Financial Aspects: The Islamic University of Madinah pays for everything an accepted student needs. The only money you will need is enough to complete the acceptance procedures within your country. Please note, that for the first month or two after arriving at the university, you will not be receiving this allowance as you will still be entering their system.
Accommodation: The university provides free living accommodation for non-married students.
Daily Routine: The students week is generally 25 hours or less, with morning classes running from 7:30am to 12:30pm. This does not include the work which needs to be completed outside of class.

Addressing Common Concerns

Acceptance Rate: The university adopts precise criteria in selecting distinguished applicants, considering the diversity of their nationalities. Specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed.
Rejection: If you have been rejected this year, there is nothing to stop you from applying again.
Interview: Don't stress too much about the interview as it is usually relaxed. You are usually asked some general questions about Islam, as well as asked to recite from what you know of the Quran. Do not rely on the interviewer speaking a language other than Arabic. Also bring some passport-sized photos and copies of your original documents.
Married Students: Officially there are no facilities for married students unless they reach masters level.

Recent Developments and Opportunities for Women

The Islamic University has finalized everything regarding opening a Sisters college and all that is left is to find a suitable building to rent or place to build one. Yes, the university has sought and been given permission to open a women’s department. While historically the Islamic University of Madinah has been primarily focused on male students, there have been significant developments in recent years to expand opportunities for women. The university has been actively working towards establishing a dedicated women’s college, indicating a commitment to providing higher education for female students in a supportive and conducive environment.

Prospective female students should regularly check the university's official website for the most up-to-date information on available programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities specifically tailored for women. By staying informed and preparing diligently, female students can seize the chance to pursue their academic aspirations at this esteemed Islamic institution.

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