Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

The Islamic University of Madinah (also called Jamiat al-Islamiyyah bi al-Madinah al-Munawwarah) is one of the most prestigious and spiritually rewarding places to study in the world. Founded in 1961 by royal decree, its primary mission is to spread authentic Islamic knowledge globally while offering free, high-quality education in both religious and modern sciences.

Every year, the university awards fully funded scholarships to hundreds of international students from over 170 countries. For the 2026 intake, applications are now open or opening soon (Bachelor deadline: mid-June 2026; Master/PhD: October 2026 in most cases).

This guide compiles everything you need — benefits, eligibility, programs, documents, deadlines, application steps, student life, challenges, real experiences, and success tips — drawn from official university information and direct accounts of current and former students.

1. Why Study at Islamic University of Madinah?

1. Located in the blessed city of the Prophet ﷺ
2. Direct access to Masjid an-Nabawi (daily free transport)
3. World-class scholars teaching authentic knowledge
4. Fully funded education + monthly stipend
5. Diverse student body (170+ countries)
6. Opportunity to perform Hajj/Umrah easily
7. Strong alumni network worldwide
8. Environment that strengthens iman while building academic excellence

Many graduates become imams, teachers, researchers, and community leaders back home.

2. Scholarship Benefits (2026 Intake)

The scholarship is 100% free and covers:

1. Full tuition fee waiver
2. Monthly stipend (approx. $220–$500 depending on level & performance)
3. Free furnished on-campus accommodation
4. Free annual round-trip air ticket (home ↔ Madinah)
5. Free medical care at university hospital
6. Subsidized meals at university cafeteria
7. Free books & academic materials allowance
8. Free daily transport to Masjid an-Nabawi
9. Organized Umrah trips
10. Sports, library, gyms, and extracurricular facilities
11. Extra allowance for excellent academic performance
12. Graduation gift (3 months stipend + book shipment)

3. Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor Programs

1. Muslim male
2. Age 17–25 years
3. Completed high school / intermediate (minimum 80% or equivalent preferred)
4. Physically and mentally fit
5. Good moral character
6. No previous dismissal from any university

Master Programs

1. Completed Bachelor’s degree
2. Strong academic record (minimum CGPA 3.75/5.0 or equivalent)
3. Age usually under 30–35

PhD Programs

1. Completed Master’s degree
2. Research proposal & strong academic background

Language Requirements

1. No Arabic required for initial admission (you will study Arabic first)
2. For Master/PhD: English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80 / Duolingo 120) or Arabic proficiency

4. Available Programs (Faculties)

Islamic Faculties (most popular)

1. Faculty of Shariah
2. Faculty of Hadith & Islamic Studies
3. Faculty of Noble Quran & Islamic Studies
4. Faculty of Dawah & Usul al-Din
5. Faculty of Arabic Language

Scientific Faculties

1. Faculty of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
2. Faculty of Computer Science & Information Systems
3. Faculty of Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)

After Arabic Institute (2 years max), students join one of the above faculties.

5. Application Process – Step by Step (2026)

1. Visit the official portal: studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa (or directly via Islamic University of Madinah website)
2. Create new account (use personal email & phone)
3. Fill personal details, education history, passport info
4. Upload all required documents (Arabic + English translations)
5. Choose up to 3 programs/faculties in order of preference
6. Submit application
7. Track status online
8. If shortlisted → interview / medical / final acceptance
9. Receive electronic visa acceptance letter
10. Complete attestation, Muqaddama, embassy stamping, medical test
11. Book ticket → arrive in Madinah

Important: Apply early. Seats are limited.

6. Required Documents (2026)

Mandatory

1. Valid passport (min. 1 year validity)
2. High school / Bachelor / Master certificate + transcript
3. Birth certificate
4. Police clearance certificate
5. Medical fitness report (recent)
6. Character / recommendation letters (2–3)
7. Passport-size photos

Recommended (boosts chances)

1. Arabic / Quran memorization certificates
2. English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
3. Personal statement / motivation letter

All documents must be translated into Arabic + English and attested.

7. Deadlines 2026 (Approximate – confirm on portal)

1. Bachelor programs: Mid-June 2026
2. Master/PhD programs: October 2025 (some earlier)

8. Student Life in Madinah – Real Picture

Dorms Two students per room (bed, study table, wardrobe, AC). Clean, safe, but simple. Married students can apply for family housing after 1–2 years.

Food University cafeteria: breakfast 1 SAR, lunch/dinner 2 SAR. Very affordable. Many cook in dorm kitchens.

Daily Routine

Fajr → Quran/Arabic → classes → Dhuhr → more classes → Asr → library/halaqah → Maghrib → Masjid Nabawi → Isha → review/memorization.

Transport Free buses to Masjid Nabawi. Taxis cheap when shared.

Challenges Students Face

1. Arabic difficulty in first year
2. Homesickness
3. Managing finances on stipend
4. Marriage + studies balance
5. High academic pressure

How Successful Students Overcome

1. Daily Quran routine
2. Strong brotherhood & accountability
3. Financial planning (summer jobs / family support)
4. Realistic expectations
5. Consistency over perfection

9. Real Experiences from Students

1. Many say the first 6–12 months are hardest (Arabic + adjustment)
2. Those who bring family early face more financial pressure
3. Graduates emphasize: “Be consistent, make dua, avoid sins”
4. Dropout reasons: unrealistic expectations, weak Arabic foundation, marriage without planning, homesickness, lack of discipline

10. Final Advice & Motivation

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thousands apply, few are chosen. If you are accepted, you are carrying the trust of your family, community, and Ummah.

Action Steps Today

1. Start learning basic Arabic (Medina books recommended)
2. Memorize Quran daily
3. Prepare documents early
4. Build strong character & routine
5. Make sincere dua

May Allah make it easy for every sincere student who wants to study in Madinah for His sake.

If you have any specific question (documents, Arabic prep, marriage, finances, faculties), comment below or message me.

JazakAllahu khairan. Keep striving. The Prophet ﷺ is waiting for you in Madinah.