Islamic University Of Madinah Scholarship

For a Muslim student, few opportunities in the world carry the spiritual and academic weight of studying at the Islamic University of Madinah. This is not simply a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia. It is an opportunity to pursue your education in one of the holiest cities in Islam, a few kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque, in an institution that was established specifically to spread authentic Islamic knowledge to the entire world. Every year, the Islamic University of Madinah opens its doors to international Muslim students through a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly allowances, healthcare, airfare, and much more, all at no cost to the student.

In this guide, we are going to walk through everything you need to know about the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship for 2026. We will cover the history and mission of the university, the complete list of scholarship benefits, all available faculties and degree programs, who is eligible to apply, the full list of required documents, both application tracks and their deadlines, the step-by-step application process, what life as an IUM scholarship student looks like, and practical tips to give your application the strongest possible foundation. Whether you are a secondary school graduate hoping to begin a bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s graduate planning postgraduate research, this guide covers every aspect of the opportunity that matters.

About the Islamic University of Madinah

The Islamic University of Madinah, known in Arabic as Al-Jamiah Al-Islamiyyah Bil-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, is a public university located in the city of Madinah in western Saudi Arabia. It was established by a Royal Decree, specifically Royal Decree No. 11 dated 25/3/1381 AH (corresponding to 1961 CE), under the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz. It was the first institution of its kind to be established as an international Islamic university with the explicit mandate to serve Muslim communities from all over the world, not only Saudi citizens.

The university describes itself in its own founding documents as “international Islamic in its goal and Saudi Arabian in affiliation.” This dual identity is what explains the scholarship program. From its very foundation, the IUM was designed to attract the most dedicated and qualified Muslim students from every corner of the globe, educate them in Islamic and contemporary sciences, and send them back to their countries equipped to contribute to da’wah (the invitation to Islam), education, research, and community leadership. The scholarship is not a side program. It is the central mechanism through which the university fulfills its founding mission.

Today, the Islamic University of Madinah is one of the most internationally diverse universities in the entire Muslim world. At any given time, its campus hosts students from dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Walking through the university’s courtyards, you encounter fellow students from Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Senegal, the United Kingdom, and virtually every Muslim-majority or Muslim-minority country on earth. This extraordinary diversity within a shared Islamic framework creates a learning environment that is genuinely unlike anything available at most other universities worldwide.

The university’s academic focus has evolved since its founding. While it began with a primary emphasis on Sharia and Islamic sciences, it has expanded significantly over the decades to include engineering, computer science, information technology, and other applied science disciplines alongside its core Islamic studies offerings. This expansion reflects the university’s recognition that serving the Muslim world’s development needs requires producing graduates in fields beyond religious scholarship.

Key Program Details at a Glance

University Name: Islamic University of Madinah (IUM / Al-Jamiah Al-Islamiyyah)

Location: Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

Founded: 1961 by Royal Decree under King Saud bin Abdulaziz

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

Funded By: Saudi Ministry of Education / Government of Saudi Arabia

Study Levels: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)

Open To: International Muslim male students from all countries (non-Saudi)

Application Deadline (Undergraduate): June 14, 2026

Application Deadline (Master’s): Accepted year-round / October 31 in previous cycles

Application Fee: None. Completely free.

Application Platform: Study in Saudi Arabia official portal

Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship Benefits: Full Financial Coverage

The IUM Scholarship is described as fully funded, and it genuinely covers the complete academic and living costs for the duration of your study period. Here is a detailed breakdown of every benefit included in the scholarship package.

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship covers all tuition and academic fees for the entire duration of your approved degree program. There is no tuition payment required from the student at any point. This applies whether you are enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s program, a two-year master’s degree, or a doctoral research program. The government of Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Ministry of Education, funds the academic costs in full.

Monthly Living Allowance

Every scholarship holder receives a regular monthly financial allowance to cover living expenses throughout their studies. This stipend is designed to cover day-to-day costs including personal items, study materials, and other regular expenses. The university also provides an additional excellence allowance for students who achieve distinction-level grades, which incentivizes and rewards high academic performance during the course of study.

Free Furnished Accommodation

Unmarried scholarship students receive free furnished accommodation on the university campus or in university-managed housing for the full duration of their degree program. This is one of the most practically significant benefits of the scholarship because it removes one of the largest and most unpredictable costs of studying abroad: rental accommodation. Students do not need to search for housing, sign a lease, or budget for monthly rent at any point during their studies.

Meals at the University Restaurant

The scholarship includes access to meals at the university restaurant for a small monthly fee. The food is subsidized by the university, making this far more affordable than independent meal preparation in a private apartment. The restaurant serves a range of food appropriate for a diverse international student population, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the campus community.

Free Healthcare at the University Hospital

All scholarship students have access to quality healthcare at the university’s own hospital at no additional cost. This eliminates the need to arrange and pay for private health insurance, which is a significant ongoing expense for most international students studying abroad. Medical consultations, treatment, and hospitalizations at the university hospital are covered for enrolled scholarship holders.

Round-Trip Airfare

The scholarship provides a free airline ticket to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of your studies. It also provides a free return ticket at the end of each academic year, subject to the specific guidelines and procedures communicated by the university at the time of admission. This annual travel benefit allows students to return home during summer breaks without bearing the cost of international flights themselves, which is a particularly meaningful benefit for students from distant regions such as West Africa or Southeast Asia where airfares can be significant.

One-Time Settling-In Allowance

New scholarship holders receive a one-time settling-in allowance when they first arrive at the university to help cover the initial costs of establishing themselves in a new country and city. This includes early expenses such as essential household items, communication setup, and other start-up costs that invariably arise during the first weeks in a new environment.

Clothing Allowance

A clothing allowance is provided to scholarship students to help with the cost of appropriate attire for the Saudi academic and social environment. This benefit reflects the university’s holistic approach to student welfare, recognizing that new students arriving from very different climates and fashion environments need financial support to dress appropriately for their new setting.

Transportation to the Prophet’s Mosque

This is one of the most distinctive and spiritually significant benefits of the IUM scholarship. The university provides free daily transportation for scholarship students to and from the Prophet’s Mosque, which is one of the most sacred sites in Islam and is located in central Madinah a short distance from the university campus. For Muslim students, the ability to pray regularly at the Prophet’s Mosque is a deeply meaningful and profoundly transformative experience that goes far beyond the academic dimension of the scholarship.

Organized Umrah Trips

The university also organizes regular Umrah (minor pilgrimage) trips for scholarship students, providing access to the holy city of Makkah and the performance of Umrah at organized intervals throughout the academic year. For most international Muslim students, the ability to perform Umrah regularly during their years in Saudi Arabia is an extraordinary spiritual privilege that amplifies the value of the scholarship far beyond its financial dimensions.

Access to University Facilities

Scholarship holders have full access to the university’s social, training, sports, and recreational facilities. This includes the university library, which holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic texts and contemporary academic resources in the Muslim world, laboratories, sports courts, and communal social spaces that are shared by the university’s diverse international student community.

Scientific and Cultural Programs

Students also have the opportunity to participate in organized scientific conferences, cultural programs, and academic events hosted by the university throughout the academic year. These programs provide platforms for students to present research, engage with visiting scholars, and build networks within the global Islamic academic community that is uniquely accessible through the IUM campus.

Printing and Academic Materials Support

Support is provided to cover the cost of academic printing, which is a practical but often overlooked benefit that reduces the out-of-pocket costs associated with printing study materials, research papers, and course resources throughout the academic program.

Faculties and Degree Programs Available at IUM

The Islamic University of Madinah offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple faculties at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here is a comprehensive overview of the faculties and fields of study available to scholarship students.

Faculty of Sharia

The Faculty of Sharia is the oldest and most prominent of the university’s faculties. It focuses on Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), principles of Islamic law (Usul al-Fiqh), comparative law, and the Sharia sciences. Graduates from this faculty go on to serve as Sharia scholars, judges in Islamic courts, legal advisors, and educators in Islamic law across many countries. The faculty offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Foundations

The Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Foundations is focused on training students in the science and methodology of Islamic propagation and comparative religion. It prepares graduates to engage with non-Muslim audiences, to articulate Islamic principles in contemporary contexts, and to serve as da’wah practitioners in diverse national and cultural environments. This faculty produces some of the most globally influential graduates from the IUM system, as its alumni go on to work in Islamic centers, mosques, and educational institutions in non-Muslim-majority countries around the world.

Faculty of the Quran and Islamic Studies

This faculty is dedicated to the memorization, recitation, and scholarly study of the Holy Quran, as well as to the sciences of Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) and related disciplines. It attracts students who have a strong background in Quranic memorization (Hifz) and who want to deepen their scholarly engagement with the Quran at an academic level. Graduates from this faculty serve as Quran teachers, reciters, and Islamic scholars in communities worldwide.

Faculty of Hadith and Islamic Studies

The Faculty of Hadith and Islamic Studies focuses on the science of Hadith, which is the body of recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It covers the principles of Hadith authentication (Mustalah al-Hadith), the study of major Hadith collections, the science of narrators (Rijal), and related Islamic sciences. This is a specialized and rigorous academic field that produces scholars capable of contributing to Islamic research and education at the highest levels.

Faculty of Arabic Language

The Faculty of Arabic Language offers programs in Arabic linguistics, rhetoric, literature, and language teaching. Given that Arabic is the language of the Quran and of Islamic scholarship, and given that many IUM students come from non-Arab-speaking countries, this faculty plays an important role in building the language foundation that enables students to engage fully with the university’s Islamic sciences curriculum. Graduates go on to teach Arabic language at Islamic schools and universities in their home countries.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science represents the contemporary science dimension of the IUM curriculum. It offers programs in pure and applied sciences including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and environmental science. This faculty was developed as part of the university’s broader mission to serve the Muslim world’s development needs by producing graduates who are grounded in Islamic values and simultaneously equipped with modern scientific knowledge.

Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering offers bachelor’s degree programs in various engineering disciplines, contributing to the university’s contemporary academic profile. Engineering programs at IUM are available to international scholarship students and prepare graduates for technical roles in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing infrastructure sectors and in their home countries.

Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

The Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology offers programs that address the growing demand for technology professionals across Muslim-majority countries. Programs cover areas including software development, information systems, network administration, and data management. Given the centrality of digital technology to contemporary development, this faculty is one of the most practically impactful offerings for students from developing countries.

Eligibility Criteria for the IUM Scholarship 2026

The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship has specific eligibility conditions that every applicant must meet. Here is a clear and complete breakdown.

Religion and Gender

Applicants must be Muslim. This is a firm and non-negotiable condition of the scholarship given the university’s Islamic mission. Additionally, applicants must be male. The Islamic University of Madinah does not currently offer scholarship programs for female international students under this general scholarship framework. Female students interested in studying in Saudi Arabia should explore other scholarship programs available through other Saudi institutions.

Nationality

Applicants must not be Saudi Arabian citizens. The scholarship is specifically designed for non-Saudi international students from any country in the world. Saudi nationals have access to separate government funding mechanisms and are not eligible for this international scholarship program.

Age Requirements

For undergraduate scholarship applicants, the age range is 17 to 25 years old at the time of application. For postgraduate applicants applying for master’s or doctoral programs, the upper age limit is 30 years old. Applicants who are under 18 years old at the time of application must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian. These age limits are applied strictly and applicants outside the stated ranges are not considered regardless of their academic qualifications.

Academic Qualifications

For undergraduate programs, applicants must hold a Secondary School Certificate or its recognized equivalent, issued by a government school or a recognized private institution outside Saudi Arabia. The certificate must not be older than five years at the time of application. This means for the 2026 application cycle, your secondary school certificate must have been issued in 2021 or later. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent in your country’s grading system, is required. For postgraduate programs, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university at the appropriate level for their target degree.

Medical Fitness

Applicants must be medically fit. A medical report confirming that the applicant is free from infectious diseases and is in good general health is required as part of the application documents. Applicants whose medical conditions could pose a risk to other students or faculty in an educational environment are not eligible.

Character and Conduct

Applicants must be of good moral conduct and character. A testimony of good conduct from a recognized authority, such as a school principal, community leader, or religious authority, is required as part of the application. The university expects all scholarship holders to abide by its rules and regulations, which are grounded in Islamic principles of behavior and academic integrity.

No Concurrent Scholarship

Applicants must not be currently benefiting from another scholarship or government funding arrangement. If you are already receiving funding from another program, you must disclose this and resolve it before your IUM scholarship can be confirmed. Double funding is not permitted.

Commitment to University Rules

Successful scholarship applicants are required to formally commit to abiding by all rules and regulations of the Islamic University of Madinah for the duration of their studies. This includes academic regulations, residential rules, dress code requirements, behavioral standards consistent with Islamic values, and any other conditions specified in the scholarship offer letter.

Required Documents for the IUM Scholarship Application

Preparing your documents correctly and completely before submitting your application is essential. Documents must be in either Arabic or English. Documents in any other language must be accompanied by a certified Arabic or English translation. After admission, accepted students are required to present original documents attested by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in their country, or by an authority recognized by the university in countries where no Saudi Embassy is present. Here is the complete list of required documents.

Valid International Passport: A clear copy of your current, valid international passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected arrival date in Saudi Arabia. The name and personal details on your passport must match all other submitted documents exactly.
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, clear passport photograph meeting standard photo requirements, typically on a plain background with your face clearly visible.
Secondary School Certificate (Undergraduate Applicants): Your official secondary school completion certificate or equivalent qualification, clearly showing your subjects, grades, and the year of completion. It must be issued by a government school or a recognized private institution outside Saudi Arabia and must not be older than five years.
Academic Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended, showing your grades and academic record across all years of study. For undergraduate applicants, this is your secondary school transcript. For postgraduate applicants, this includes your undergraduate degree transcripts.
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (Postgraduate Applicants): Official copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate or graduation confirmation for applicants applying to master’s or PhD programs.
Medical Report: An official medical fitness certificate from a recognized hospital or registered medical authority confirming that you are in good health and free from infectious diseases. This report should be recent, typically not more than three months old at the time of submission.
Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age: An official document confirming your date of birth. This can be a birth certificate issued by the relevant civil authority in your country, or a sworn declaration of age if a formal birth certificate is not available in your country’s administrative system.
Recommendation Letter: A formal letter of recommendation from a recognized authority such as a school principal, Islamic institution, mosque leader, or respected community figure who can attest to your academic capability, Islamic character, and suitability for study at the IUM. The letter must be on official letterhead, signed, and stamped.
Certificate of Good Conduct: A document confirming your good conduct and moral character, issued by your school, local authority, police department, or another recognized institution. In some countries this may be called a criminal clearance certificate or a character reference from a recognized official.
Proof of Financial Means or Guarantee: Documentation indicating that you have financial support for initial travel expenses or other costs not immediately covered by the scholarship upon first arrival. This is a practical requirement to ensure students can support themselves during initial administrative formalities before scholarship payments begin.
Written Parental or Guardian Consent (for applicants under 18): If you are younger than 18 years old at the time of application, a written and signed consent letter from your parent or legal guardian is required authorizing your application and your potential relocation to Saudi Arabia for study.

Understanding the Two Application Tracks

The Islamic University of Madinah operates two distinct application tracks for its scholarship program, and it is important to understand which one applies to your academic level before beginning your application.

Undergraduate Scholarship Track

The undergraduate scholarship track is for applicants who hold a secondary school certificate and are seeking a bachelor’s degree at IUM. This is the larger and more competitive of the two tracks, drawing applicants from secondary school graduates across the entire Muslim world. The application deadline for the undergraduate track in the 2026 cycle is June 14, 2026. This is a firm deadline that is not extended in most years, and late applications are not accepted. The application window for the undergraduate track typically opens several months before this deadline, giving applicants time to gather their documents and complete the online form carefully.

Undergraduate scholarship placements are competitive. The university receives applications from many thousands of students globally each year and selects a limited cohort for each faculty. Academic performance, the quality and completeness of your application documents, and your conduct profile are all factors in the selection process.

Postgraduate Scholarship Track

The postgraduate scholarship track is for bachelor’s graduates applying to master’s or PhD programs at IUM. According to current available information, the postgraduate scholarship is accepted on a year-round or rolling basis, meaning there is no single fixed annual deadline for the master’s track in the same way as the undergraduate track. In previous cycles, October 31 has been stated as the postgraduate deadline, but students are encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting for a deadline, as rolling admission means earlier applications may receive earlier consideration.

For PhD applicants, the application process follows a similar online route through the IUM’s postgraduate portal, and accepted students are expected to have a clear research proposal and to meet the academic standards for doctoral-level study in their chosen faculty.

How to Apply for the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2026: Step by Step

The application process for the IUM Scholarship is entirely online. No paper applications are accepted at the initial stage, and no agents or intermediaries are required or should be paid to assist with the application. Here is the complete step-by-step process.

Step 1: Visit the Official IUM Scholarship Application Portal

The application for the IUM Scholarship is submitted through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform, which is the official Saudi government portal for international student applications to Saudi universities. Navigate to the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship section on this platform to access the application form. The platform is available in both Arabic and English, which makes it accessible to the broad international audience that IUM serves.

Step 2: Create Your Account on the Portal

Register on the platform using an active email address and a secure password. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport during registration, because this information is used for identity verification throughout the application review process. After registering, log in to access the scholarship application form.

Step 3: Select Your Target Scholarship Track and Faculty

Choose either the undergraduate or the postgraduate track based on your academic level. Within your chosen track, select the specific faculty and degree program you are applying to at IUM. Take time to research the available programs before making this selection. Your choice of faculty should reflect genuine academic interest and alignment with your background, not just availability. Applications that show a clear and specific motivation for the chosen faculty tend to be more compelling during the review process.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill in all sections of the application form accurately and completely. This includes personal information, academic history, language background, employment history if applicable, contact details, and any additional information requested by the platform. Ensure that every piece of information you enter matches your supporting documents exactly. Discrepancies between form entries and uploaded documents are a common cause of application delays and disqualifications.

Step 5: Upload All Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents as specified in the application form. All documents must be in Arabic or English. If your original documents are in another language, upload certified translations alongside the originals. Ensure all scans are clear, complete, and legible. Blurry or cut-off scans of critical documents like your secondary school certificate or passport will result in an incomplete application that cannot be processed.

Step 6: Submit Your Application and Note Your Reference Number

Review your entire application before submission to ensure accuracy and completeness. After submission, save or screenshot your application reference number. You will need this reference number for any subsequent communication with the university about your application status.

Step 7: Wait for Admission Decision and Prepare Original Documents

After the application deadline, the university reviews submitted applications and notifies accepted students by email through the portal. If you are accepted, you will receive an offer letter specifying your admission conditions and the next steps. At this stage, you will be required to present original documents attested by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in your country, or by an authority recognized by the university if there is no Saudi Embassy in your country. Begin the attestation process as soon as you receive your offer letter, as embassy attestation can take several weeks and must be completed before your visa and travel arrangements can be finalized.

Step 8: Apply for Your Saudi Student Visa

With your admission letter and attested documents in hand, apply for a Saudi Arabian student visa through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your country. The visa application process and requirements vary by country of origin. Your university admission letter is the primary document supporting your student visa application. Keep in touch with both the university’s international admissions office and the Saudi Embassy in your country throughout this process to ensure all requirements are met on time.

Ready to begin? Apply directly through the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform to access the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship application. For full program information, degree offerings, and official application guidelines, visit the official Islamic University of Madinah website.

Life as an IUM Scholarship Student: What to Expect

Understanding what daily life at IUM looks like before you apply helps you prepare mentally and logistically for the experience. Here is an honest and comprehensive picture of student life in Madinah.

Madinah is one of the most unique cities in the world. It is the second holiest city in Islam, home to Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The city has a calm, contemplative character that is shaped profoundly by its sacred significance. Non-Muslims are not permitted in the central holy areas of the city, which means the entire environment within which the university operates is exclusively Muslim in character. For Muslim students, this creates a living and studying environment unlike anything they will have experienced anywhere else.

The academic environment at IUM is demanding and serious. Students are expected to engage deeply with their chosen field of study, to attend all classes and required university activities, and to participate in the Islamic scholarly tradition of intensive engagement with texts, debates, and research. The academic calendar is structured around the Islamic year and Islamic obligations including Friday prayers, Ramadan adjustments, and Hajj season, which affects campus life significantly during those periods.

The international character of the student body is one of IUM’s most defining features. Sitting in a lecture, you will be surrounded by classmates from Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Senegal, Russia, and dozens of other countries. This constant cross-cultural interaction within a shared Islamic framework produces a depth of international experience and global Islamic networking that continues to benefit alumni throughout their careers.

Students who are far from home, studying in a new language (Arabic for many), and adjusting to a new climate and culture do face real challenges during the first year especially. The university’s structured support system, including the daily transportation to the mosque, organized social and spiritual activities, and the community of fellow international students, provides a meaningful support network. Students who approach the experience with patience, genuine curiosity about both the academic and spiritual dimensions of life in Madinah, and a commitment to engaging fully with the community around them consistently describe their IUM years as among the most formative of their lives.

Tips to Strengthen Your IUM Scholarship Application

The IUM Scholarship is competitive globally. Here are the most effective practical steps you can take to improve your application’s chances.

Submit your application as early as possible within the application window. The June 14 undergraduate deadline is firm, but students who apply in the early weeks of the window generally have their applications processed more smoothly than those who submit in the final days when the portal experiences high traffic. Early submission also gives you more time to resolve any document issues that arise after submission.

Ensure your secondary school certificate is well within the five-year validity window. A certificate from 2021 or later is required for the 2026 cycle. If your certificate is from 2020 or earlier, you do not meet the eligibility condition regardless of your grades. If you are in this situation, exploring other scholarship programs or accelerating your application timeline for the current cycle is important.

Get your recommendation letter from someone with genuine standing in an Islamic educational or community context. A letter from a school principal, an imam of a recognized mosque, or a respected Islamic scholar carries significantly more weight than a letter from a neighbor or an unrecognized acquaintance. The letter should speak specifically about your Islamic character, your academic commitment, and your suitability for study at an institution with IUM’s mission.

Prepare your Arabic language skills even before applying. While the application process is available in English, and while IUM provides Arabic language preparation courses for international students who need them, arriving with at least foundational Arabic reading and speaking skills gives you a meaningful advantage both during the admission process and in the early months of your academic program. Arabic is the primary language of instruction for most programs at IUM, and the sooner you can engage with the language, the more you will gain from your studies.

Be honest and accurate about your conduct history. The university places significant emphasis on Islamic moral character as a selection criterion. Any attempt to misrepresent your conduct history or to obtain a falsified character reference will be discovered during the attestation and verification process and will result in permanent disqualification. A clean and honestly represented record, even if imperfect in minor ways, is far better than a fabricated one.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IUM Scholarship

Can female students apply for the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship?

The general international scholarship program at IUM currently supports male Muslim students. Female students seeking study opportunities in Saudi Arabia should explore other scholarship programs available through Saudi universities, including some programs at Umm Al-Qura University or through the Saudi Cultural Attaché programs in their home countries.

Do I need to know Arabic before applying?

Arabic language proficiency is not an absolute prerequisite for applying, as IUM provides Arabic preparatory courses for admitted students who need language support before beginning their academic programs. However, prior Arabic language skills are a significant advantage both during selection and during your studies. Most academic programs at IUM are conducted in Arabic, and students with stronger Arabic language foundations settle into the academic environment more quickly.

Can married students receive the free accommodation benefit?

The free furnished accommodation provided by the scholarship is specifically for unmarried students. Married students are not included in the free accommodation package and would need to make their own housing arrangements. This condition should be factored into your financial planning if you are married or plan to marry during your studies.

Is the scholarship renewable each year?

Yes. The scholarship is provided for the full duration of the approved degree program, subject to the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress and abiding by all university rules and regulations. Academic reviews take place at the end of each academic year, and scholarship continuation is contingent on meeting the required academic standards.

What happens if there is no Saudi Embassy in my country?

If there is no Saudi Embassy in your country, document attestation should be completed by an authority that is recognized by the Islamic University of Madinah. Contact the IUM admissions office directly to confirm which alternative attestation authorities are accepted for applicants from your specific country.

How will I be notified if my application is successful?

Successful applicants are notified through the email address registered on the Study in Saudi Arabia application portal. It is therefore essential to use an active, regularly checked email address when registering on the portal and to monitor both your inbox and spam folder regularly after the application deadline has passed.

Final Thoughts

The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship is far more than a financial award. It is an invitation to one of the most spiritually and intellectually rich educational experiences available to any Muslim student anywhere in the world. Full tuition, furnished accommodation, monthly allowances, healthcare, round-trip airfare, daily transportation to the Prophet’s Mosque, organized Umrah trips, and access to a global Islamic scholarly community: the package is genuinely comprehensive, and the spiritual dimension of studying in Madinah adds a dimension of personal growth that simply cannot be quantified.

The eligibility conditions are specific. You must be a non-Saudi Muslim male, between 17 and 25 for undergraduate study, with a secondary school certificate not more than five years old. The undergraduate deadline of June 14, 2026 is firm. The application is free. And the experience, for students who are serious about their faith, their scholarship, and their contribution to their communities after graduating, is genuinely life-changing.

Start your application now by visiting the official Study in Saudi Arabia application portal and selecting the Islamic University of Madinah from the scholarship listings.