Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship

Overview

The Islamic University of Madinah (IU Madinah) is one of the oldest and most prominent Islamic universities in the world, situated in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The university was established with a specific mission to educate Muslim students from around the world in the Islamic sciences, Arabic language, and related disciplines. Its external scholarship program brings Muslim international students to Madinah fully funded, covering virtually every cost of study and daily life.

The scholarship is fully funded, which means you pay nothing out of pocket once enrolled. Beyond tuition, it covers accommodation, meals, healthcare, transportation, and annual return airfare. Students also receive a monthly living allowance and the opportunity to perform Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) during their time in Madinah. The university organizes daily transportation to and from the Prophet's Mosque for its students.

Admission to IU Madinah is competitive, and the scholarship is intended specifically for Muslim applicants. Fields of study center on Sharia, Hadith Sciences, the Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Quranic Studies, and Da'wah (Islamic Propagation). If your academic goals align with these disciplines, this scholarship provides an opportunity to study in one of Islam's most significant cities with all financial barriers removed.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Islamic University of Madinah
Host Country	Saudi Arabia
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Fully funded: monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, meals, transport, books, medical insurance, annual return air tickets
Deadline	Annual intake (e.g., 1447 AH); undergraduate deadline around mid-June; master's applications accepted year-round
Eligible Nationalities	Muslim international students from outside Saudi Arabia
Official Website	iu.edu.sa

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma representing at least 12 years of schooling, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a standard scale. Postgraduate applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree (for Master's) or Master's degree (for PhD) with satisfactory grades. The university assesses academic certificates at the time of application, and attested documents are required.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is open to Muslim international students from outside Saudi Arabia. Being of the Muslim faith is a stated requirement for admission to IU Madinah. The university serves students from countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Language Requirements

Most programs at IU Madinah are taught in Arabic. While some programs may offer Arabic language preparation for incoming students, you should have a working knowledge of Arabic or be prepared to undertake preparatory Arabic language study before entering your degree program. Proof of Arabic proficiency may be required depending on the program applied for.

Age and Other Requirements

Undergraduate applicants are typically required to be between 17 and 25 years of age. Postgraduate applicants should check the applicable age limits with the university's admissions office. All applicants must have a clean conduct record, a valid medical certificate, and a certificate of good character from the relevant authorities in their home country.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Free tuition for the full duration of the degree program
• Monthly living allowance (exact amount not published; confirmed as part of the full package)
• Free furnished student accommodation on or near campus
• Free daily meals
• Comprehensive healthcare and medical insurance
• Annual return airfare between your home country and Saudi Arabia
• Free daily transportation to and from the Prophet's Mosque
• Free textbooks and learning materials
• Organized Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) trips for enrolled students
• Excellence award for top academic achievers
• Access to sports and social facilities on campus

How to Apply

1. Create an account on the IU e-services portal: Register at eservices.iu.edu.sa to access the online application system.
2. Complete the online application form: Fill in your personal, academic, and religious background information accurately.
3. Apply via Study in Saudi: Also register and apply through studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa, as IU Madinah participates in the national scholarship platform.
4. Prepare and upload required documents: Gather attested copies of your academic certificates, transcripts, passport, medical certificate, conduct certificate, and photographs as specified.
5. Submit before the deadline: Undergraduate applications for the main annual intake must be submitted around mid-June. Master's applications are accepted year-round — confirm current windows on the university website.
6. Track your application: Monitor the status of your application through the e-services portal and check your registered email for any communications from the university.
7. Respond to any admission requirements: If selected, follow the university's instructions for completing enrollment, visa arrangements, and travel to Madinah.

Required Documents

• High school diploma or equivalent, officially attested
• Official academic transcripts, attested
• Bachelor's degree certificate (attested) for Master's applicants
• Master's degree certificate (attested) for PhD applicants
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Medical fitness certificate
• Certificate of good conduct issued by security authorities in your home country
• Valid passport copy
• Passport-size photographs meeting the university's specifications
• Proof of Islamic faith (may be required depending on your country)
• Proof of Arabic or English language proficiency (where required by the program)

Key Dates and Deadlines

IU Madinah follows the Islamic (Hijri) calendar for its academic year. For the 1447 AH undergraduate intake, the application window closes around mid-June of the corresponding Gregorian year. Master's and PhD programs at IU Madinah accept applications on a rolling or year-round basis. Check the official admissions portal at iu.edu.sa and the Study in Saudi platform at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa for the exact dates applicable to your intake year.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Attesting all academic documents well in advance, as attestation can take weeks depending on your country
• A strong academic record, particularly in Islamic studies, Arabic, or related subjects at high school or undergraduate level
• Any prior Arabic language study that demonstrates your readiness for an Arabic-medium program
• Recommendation letters from teachers or religious scholars who can speak to your academic ability and character
• Applying through both the IU e-services portal and the Study in Saudi platform simultaneously, as the university uses both channels
• Contacting the university's student care team (care@iu.edu.sa) early if you have questions about document requirements

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting documents that have not been officially attested by the relevant embassies or ministries
• Applying past the undergraduate deadline, as the main intake has a fixed cut-off around mid-June
• Assuming language preparation is automatic — confirm whether a preparatory Arabic year is offered for your program
• Missing the good conduct certificate, which must come from your home country's security authorities and can take time to obtain
• Not applying via the Study in Saudi platform in addition to the IU portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, meals, healthcare, books, transport, and annual return airfare. You also receive a monthly living allowance. There are no tuition or living fees for scholarship recipients.

Who is eligible for the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to Muslim international students from outside Saudi Arabia. Undergraduate applicants are typically between 17 and 25 years old and must hold a high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Postgraduate applicants need a relevant prior degree.

What subjects can I study under the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

Programs focus on Sharia, Arabic Language, Quranic Studies, Hadith Sciences, Da'wah (Islamic Propagation), Islamic Studies, and related disciplines. The university does not offer engineering, medicine, or business programs.

Does the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship cover airfare?

Yes. The full scholarship includes annual return airfare between your home country and Saudi Arabia, so you can travel home and return each academic year.

Is Arabic required for the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

Most programs are taught in Arabic. If you do not have sufficient Arabic proficiency, you should check whether the university offers a preparatory Arabic language program for incoming international students before your degree begins.

How do I apply for the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

Apply through the university's e-services portal at eservices.iu.edu.sa and also through the Study in Saudi platform at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa. Both channels are used by the university for international scholarship applicants.

What is the deadline for the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

The undergraduate deadline for the main annual intake falls around mid-June of each year. Master's and PhD programs accept applications year-round. Always verify the current deadline on the official IU Madinah website, as dates follow the Hijri calendar.

Does the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship include accommodation?

Yes. The scholarship includes free furnished accommodation provided by the university. Students are housed on or near campus throughout their studies.

Can non-Muslim students apply for the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

No. The university specifically requires applicants to be Muslim. Being of the Islamic faith is a stated condition for admission and for the scholarship.

What documents do I need for the Islamic University of Madinah External Scholarship?

You will need attested academic certificates and transcripts, two recommendation letters, a medical fitness certificate, a good conduct certificate from your home country's security authorities, a valid passport copy, and photographs meeting the university's specifications.

How can I contact the Islamic University of Madinah about my scholarship application?

You can reach the university's student care team by email at care@iu.edu.sa or by calling 920022042. For application status, log in to the e-services portal at eservices.iu.edu.sa.