Islamic University of al Madinah | Scholarships | Requirements
General Information
Overview of Islamic University of al Madinah
The Islamic University of al Madinah (IUM) is a public Islamic university located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Established in 1961 by royal decree, the institution was founded with the aim of providing high‑level Islamic scholarship, especially in Sharia, Qur’anic and Hadith sciences, Arabic language, and Islamic theology. Over time, IUM has evolved its mission to combine traditional Islamic studies with broader academic disciplines including science, engineering, information systems, and more, striving to integrate religious sciences with contemporary knowledge needs.
The university attracts students from around the world, offering them a unique environment combining deep Islamic tradition, rigorous scholarship, and exposure to a multicultural academic community. IUM emphasizes inclusiveness among the global Muslim community, aiming to produce scholars — both local and international — who are well-versed in Islamic sciences and capable of serving communities around the world. The campus lies in Medina — a city of historic and religious significance — which adds spiritual and cultural depth to the educational experience.
Contact Information of Islamic University of al Madinah
Address: Prince Naif Ibn Abdulaziz Road, Al Jamiah; PO Box 170, Medina 42351, Saudi Arabia
Telephone / Exchange: +966 (4) 847 4080
Fax: +966 (4) 847 4560
Admissions / General Inquiries Email: dept_prepyear@iu.edu.sa
School Facts of Islamic University of al Madinah
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1961 |
| Type | Public / State University |
| Religious Affiliation | Islam — primarily Islamic sciences and Sharia emphasis |
| Student Body (approx.) | ~22,000 students |
| International Reach | Students from over 170 countries; more than 50 languages spoken within student community |
| Institutional Accreditation | Accredited by Saudi academic authorities; recognized as leading Islamic‑studies institution |
Islamic University of al Madinah Rankings
| Ranking Source | National / Regional Rank | Global / World Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 World University Rankings | — | 1001–1200 band |
| Webometrics Global Ranking (July 2025) | 25 (within Saudi Arabia) | 2433 (worldwide) |
Islamic University of al Madinah Academics
Islamic University of al Madinah Faculties / Departments
- Faculty of Shariʿah (Islamic Law and Jurisprudence)
- Faculty of Dawah and Usul‑ud‑Din (Fundamentals of Religion, Islamic Theology, Preaching)
- Faculty of Qur’an and Islamic Studies (Qur’anic Sciences, Recitation, Interpretation)
- Faculty of Hadith and Islamic Studies (Hadith Sciences, Sunnah, Islamic heritage)
- Faculty of Arabic Language (Arabic linguistics, literature, teaching Arabic to non‑native speakers)
- Faculty of Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, other natural sciences)
- Faculty of Engineering (various engineering disciplines)
- Faculty of Computers and Information Systems (Computer Science, Information Systems, IT-related majors)
Islamic University of al Madinah Courses and Programs / Majors
The university offers a variety of undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate-level programs across its faculties. Key majors/program areas include:
- Islamic law and jurisprudence (Fiqh, Usul al‑Fiqh, Comparative Jurisprudence, Islamic Economics)
- Qur’anic sciences including Qur’an recitation (Qira’at), Tafsir (Qur’anic interpretation), Ulum al‑Qur’an (Qur’an studies)
- Hadith studies, Hadith methodology, history of Hadith literature, Sunnah sciences
- Islamic theology / Aqidah, comparative religion studies, contemporary Islamic thought
- Arabic language and literature, Arabic teaching (for non‑native speakers)
- Natural sciences: mathematics, physics, chemistry
- Engineering disciplines and computing / IT — broadening academic offerings beyond purely Islamic studies
Online Learning at Islamic University of al Madinah
IUM offers some degree of flexibility for non‑Arabic speakers: there is an Arabic language institute specifically designed for international students who may not initially know Arabic. This institute provides Arabic instruction across multiple proficiency levels to help students adapt to the academic language of instruction. While the majority of degree programs are campus-based and delivered in Arabic, this preparatory language pathway demonstrates the university’s commitment to accessibility for diverse international Muslim students. There is no widely advertised fully online degree track; education remains primarily in-person.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Indicator | Typical / Reported Score / Note |
|---|---|
| International standardized tests (SAT / ACT / GRE) | Not applicable / Not publicly reported — admissions are based on national or internal criteria rather than these international standardized tests |
| Language / Arabic proficiency (for non‑Arabic speakers) | Students admitted via the language institute undergo assessment of their Arabic skills; based on proficiency level, placed in appropriate Arabic-language preparatory classes |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Publicly available data does not specify the retention or graduation completion rates for IUM. Given its long history since 1961, and the large student body along with broad program offerings, it can be inferred that the university supports a stable academic progression across its faculties; however, no verified statistics on retention or graduation rates are publicly disclosed.
Islamic University of al Madinah Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The Islamic University of al Madinah does not rely on international standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, or GRE for admissions. Admission criteria are generally based on secondary-school completion credentials, national or internal screening, and suitability for program applied to. For non-Arabic speakers, successful completion of the Arabic language preparatory institute (or acceptable Arabic proficiency) is required before or during program enrolment, depending on the major.
Islamic University of al Madinah Acceptance Rate
| Admission Route / Note | Acceptance / Data |
|---|---|
| General admission (male, Muslim, meets criteria) | Not publicly disclosed; university does not publish a fixed acceptance rate |
| International / non‑Arabic speakers via language institute | Admission depends on language assessment and meeting admission criteria; no public rate available |
Islamic University of al Madinah Application Requirements
Applicants — typically Muslim males — must present a recognized secondary-school completion certificate or equivalent recognized by Saudi authorities, and satisfy the admission criteria set by the university. For applicants whose first language is not Arabic, they must undergo Arabic language assessment; if required, they enter the preparatory Arabic language institute before or alongside beginning their chosen degree program. For specialized faculties (e.g., Shariʿah, Qur’anic sciences), prior knowledge of Islamic sciences may be beneficial but formal prerequisites follow university admission guidelines. The application process accommodates both local and international Muslim students seeking Islamic education in Medina.
Application Process
- Submit secondary-school certificate and required documentation for application
- For non-Arabic speakers: undergo Arabic language assessment or enroll in language preparatory institute
- For accepted applicants: complete registration and orientation before beginning semester courses
Islamic University of al Madinah Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Admission Type / Intake | Notes |
|---|---|
| Annual undergraduate admissions | Admissions cycle follows Saudi academic calendar and scholarship announcements; international applicants are considered during scholarship admissions periods |
| Arabic-language institute admissions for non-Arabic speakers | Enrollment often coincides with main admission cycle, allowing language preparation before degree courses commence |
Essay Prompt
There is no publicly documented universal essay prompt for admissions at IUM. Admission is primarily based on credentials, language proficiency (if applicable), and fulfilment of university criteria rather than a standardized essay-based application.
Islamic University of al Madinah Scholarships
IUM offers scholarships for both resident and international Muslim students, enabling many to study without tuition burden or financial constraints. Scholarships may cover undergraduate as well as postgraduate (master’s and doctorate) programs. The university emphasizes inclusiveness, providing support especially to international students from diverse backgrounds who wish to pursue Islamic and academic studies in Medina.
Tuition Fee (Costs) at Islamic University of al Madinah
- SR. 20800 – 60.000
As a public university in Saudi Arabia, IUM typically offers tuition-free education to admitted students (especially scholarship recipients), in line with state-supported higher education policies. For international students under scholarship or sponsorship, tuition and support are often covered. There is no widely published standard tuition-fee table for all admitted students, since costs may vary depending on individual sponsorship, scholarship, and nationality.
Student Profile and Demographics of Islamic University of al Madinah
Student Demographics
IUM hosts a diverse international student body. The university indicates that students come from over 170 countries around the world, speaking more than 50 different languages — reflecting broad global representation among its student population. Gender policy at IUM historically admits only Muslim males as regular degree-seeking students, which affects gender demographics. The age range typically aligns with standard undergraduate and graduate cohorts; international students may vary in age, especially those entering through the Arabic language preparatory institute.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Public data does not provide a detailed breakdown of socio-economic or disability-related statistics for IUM students. However, the scholarship and sponsorship model — particularly for international students — suggests that the university supports students from a variety of economic backgrounds. For many international students, tuition and living costs may be subsidized, enhancing accessibility to students who might otherwise face financial barriers. Detailed data on students with disabilities or tailored support programs is not publicly available.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate / Reported Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students (undergraduate + other programs) | ~22,000 students |
| International Students (from many countries) | Students from over 170 countries; wide linguistic and cultural diversity |
| Male Students | All regular degree students are male |
University Diversity
The Islamic University of al Madinah stands out for its global diversity: students hail from over 170 countries and speak more than 50 languages. This international composition fosters a unique intercultural and inter-linguistic academic environment, where individuals from different cultural, national, and linguistic backgrounds converge around Islamic scholarship. The presence of a dedicated Arabic language institute makes the university accessible to non-Arab Muslims, offering them the opportunity to learn Arabic and matriculate into degree programs. The combination of traditional Islamic sciences (Shariʿah, Qur’an, Hadith) with modern disciplines (sciences, engineering, information systems) further broadens the spectrum of student academic interests and career pathways. This blend of religious tradition and modern academic diversity helps cultivate graduates who are equipped to serve Muslim communities worldwide, bridging religious scholarship with contemporary knowledge, and supporting intercultural understanding within the global Muslim ummah.
Average Earnings
There is no publicly available, systematic data on average earnings of IUM graduates. Given the university’s emphasis on Islamic sciences, Qur’an and Hadith scholarship, and related fields, many graduates pursue roles as religious scholars, imams, teachers, preachers, or in Islamic education and community services — professions where remuneration varies widely depending on the country, institution, and community service position. Some graduates may also engage in administrative, academic, or interfaith roles that could offer more stable income depending on employment context. For those with additional training or specialization (e.g., in education, languages, or community outreach), opportunities may broaden. However, without concrete data, any estimation of earnings remains speculative and will vary based on region, role, and context.
Islamic University of al Madinah Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff of IUM comprise scholars of Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’anic studies, Hadith, theology, Arabic language, as well as academics in natural sciences, engineering, and information systems — catering to the broad range of faculties. The diversity of disciplines necessitates a qualified staff capable of delivering both religious and modern academic curricula. The university emphasizes academic excellence and scholarly competence, drawing faculty proficient in classical Islamic sciences as well as contemporary scientific knowledge to meet the needs of its varied programs.
Faculty Profiles
In religious faculties (Shariʿah, Qur’an, Hadith, Dawah), faculty members are expected to have deep grounding in Islamic tradition, jurisprudence, Hadith sciences, and classical Arabic — qualifications that enable them to teach core Islamic disciplines rigorously. In faculties such as sciences, engineering, and information systems, staff include academics specialized in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and IT — reflecting the university’s integration of modern sciences alongside its traditional focus. The presence of a central library with extensive holdings — including manuscripts, contemporary academic works, and a large collection of books — supports both faculty scholarship and student learning across disciplines.
Islamic University of al Madinah Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Islamic University of al Madinah is located in Medina, on Prince Naif Ibn Abdulaziz Road, within reach of the Prophetic Mosque and the broader city area. The location offers both academic and spiritual advantages given the city’s religious significance. Campus life is deeply influenced by Islamic scholarship, daily prayers, Qur’anic recitation sessions, and religious studies — forming a strong spiritual and educational community for students of Islamic sciences. For international students, especially non-Arab speakers, the Arabic language institute offers a structured entry path. Housing for students, especially international ones, may involve university-arranged dormitory or community accommodation. Daily campus life blends academic study, religious devotion, and interaction among a diverse international student body, fostering intercultural dialogue and religious learning.
Transportation
Being situated in Medina, the university benefits from the city’s public transport infrastructure. Students commuting from within Medina or nearby areas likely rely on local transportation, taxis, or private commuting means. For international students or those coming from outside Medina, travel logistics typically involve reaching Medina via flights or other transport, then local commuting as per accommodation location. The urban setting enables reasonable access to city amenities and religious sites, integrating student life with the cultural and spiritual environment of Medina. On-campus mobility and access are facilitated by the campus’s proximity to city roads and infrastructure given its address on a main road.