Independent student guide

Study at the Islamic University of Madinah

A clear guide to the university’s academic programmes, Arabic-language pathway, scholarship support, campus facilities and the distinctive experience of studying in Madinah.

ScholarshipsBachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral routes
ArabicPreparation for non-native speakers
MadinahApproximately 10 km from Masjid an-Nabawi
GlobalAn international student community
Independent guide Not an official university website Information should be verified before applying
University overview

A distinctive academic environment

The Islamic University of Madinah combines formal higher education with Arabic immersion, an international student body and access to a rich scholarly environment in the city of Madinah.

Recognised degree routes

Undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral scholarship pathways are advertised for eligible students.

Specialist study

Students can focus on Shariah, Hadith, Qur’an, Da‘wah, Arabic and additional academic fields.

International community

Students from many countries study, live and worship together within one campus environment.

Featured campus tour
See the university

A full walk-through of student life

This video tour visits the faculties, Arabic Institute, library, medical centre, sports facilities, student accommodation, dining hall and routes to Masjid an-Nabawi.

Academic study

Faculties and areas of specialisation

The university offers a range of academic routes, including dedicated faculties for the principal Islamic sciences.

Faculty of Shariah

Fiqh, legal reasoning, evidences, usul and the analysis of scholarly positions.

Hadith and Islamic Studies

Hadith texts, transmission, evaluation and the supporting sciences.

Qur’an and Islamic Studies

Qur’anic study, recitation, qira’at and related disciplines.

Da‘wah and Usul al-Din

Creed, da‘wah, religious foundations and wider Islamic thought.

Arabic Language

Grammar, morphology, rhetoric, literature and classical Arabic texts.

Additional faculties

The university also includes fields such as computing, science and engineering.

Arabic preparation

A pathway for non-native speakers

Students who are not yet ready for degree-level Arabic may undertake dedicated preparation before entering a main faculty. The aim is to build the language needed for lectures, reading, examinations and research.

ReadingWritingGrammar MorphologyListeningSpeaking

Language immersion

Arabic is developed through formal study and daily use in lectures, student life and the wider city.

Madinah and scholarship

Learning beyond the lecture hall

The university’s location makes it possible to combine formal study with worship, Qur’an memorisation and additional scholarly lessons.

Masjid an-Nabawi

The university is situated approximately 10 kilometres from the Prophet’s Mosque.

Student transport

The tour describes university buses taking students to and from Masjid an-Nabawi.

Lessons with scholars

Students may attend additional lessons outside their formal university timetable.

Qur’an memorisation

Many students use their time in Madinah to complete or strengthen memorisation.

Focused routine

Daily life can be organised around lectures, prayer, revision and independent reading.

Research environment

Libraries, study areas, books, manuscripts and academic resources support deeper study.

Student support

Practical support for international students

Official university materials describe scholarships with financial support and services for eligible international students.

Support commonly associated with the scholarship

  • Tuition-free study for scholarship recipients
  • Student accommodation
  • Monthly stipend and eligible allowances
  • Healthcare and student services
  • Support appropriate to the university environment
  • International student administration

Campus life shown in the tour

  • Subsidised meals
  • Library and research spaces
  • Sports centre and gym
  • Swimming, football and basketball
  • Shared accommodation and Wi-Fi
  • Medical centre and pharmacy
Scholarship benefits, allowances and facilities may change. Applicants should always verify the current package and admission rules through the university’s official website.
Personal development

More than a qualification

Living and studying abroad can develop practical abilities alongside academic knowledge.

Independence

Managing time, finances, responsibilities and everyday life away from home.

Discipline

Balancing lectures, revision, worship, exercise and personal study.

International friendships

Living with students from many backgrounds can build lasting connections and perspective.

Typical pathway

From application to postgraduate study

1

Prepare and apply

Complete secondary education and submit the required documents.

2

Arabic preparation

Undertake preparatory Arabic study when required.

3

Bachelor’s degree

Enter an academic faculty such as the Faculty of Shariah.

4

Further study

Eligible graduates may apply for Master’s and doctoral programmes.

Practical realities

What the experience may require

  • Admission is competitive and is never guaranteed.
  • Arabic-medium study can be academically demanding.
  • Accommodation may be basic and shared.
  • Living overseas requires maturity, patience and organisation.
  • Applicants must check current eligibility, documentation and visa requirements.
  • The campus featured in the tour is a male campus.
Frequently asked questions

Key points at a glance

Is this an official university website?

No. Study in Madina is an independent information guide and is not affiliated with the Islamic University of Madinah or the Saudi government.

Is Arabic required?

Arabic is central to many programmes. Non-native speakers may be placed in Arabic preparation before entering their main faculty.

Are scholarships available?

The university advertises scholarship routes for resident and international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Current terms must be checked officially.

What makes the experience distinctive?

The combination of formal university study, Arabic immersion, an international student community and proximity to Masjid an-Nabawi.

What can graduates do afterwards?

Possible routes include teaching, research, community work, Arabic education, postgraduate study and other professional roles.

Official information

Always verify admissions information before applying

Eligibility rules, application windows, scholarship benefits and documentation can change. The official university website should be treated as the final source of information.

Visit the official university website