The Islamic University of Madinah (also widely known as Medina University) remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international students pursuing authentic Islamic education. Each year, the university offers fully funded scholarships to qualified male applicants worldwide through a centralized online application system managed in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Education. This article provides a detailed, evidence-based guide to the application process and required documents for the 2026 admission cycle, synthesizing current official procedures and patterns observed in recent application rounds.

Introduction

The application for Medina University scholarships 2026 is conducted exclusively through the official “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal. The process has become significantly more streamlined in recent years, moving entirely online and eliminating many of the paper-based requirements that existed before 2022–2023. Understanding the precise sequence of steps and preparing the correct documents well in advance remains the single most important factor determining whether an applicant reaches the shortlisting or interview stage.

Background: Evolution of the Application System

Until approximately 2021, many applicants relied on local representatives, embassies, or third-party agencies to submit physical documents. Since the 2022–2023 cycle, the Saudi government has consolidated international scholarship applications under a unified digital platform (studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa). This change has:

1. Reduced processing time
2. Minimized document loss
3. Increased transparency through real-time application tracking
4. Removed the need for physical attestation in the initial stage for most applicants

These reforms have made the Medina University scholarship application more accessible while simultaneously raising the importance of accurate digital submission.

Step-by-Step Application Process (2026 Cycle)

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Visit the unified scholarship portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa (or navigate through the official Islamic University of Madinah website → Admissions → International Students)

Step 2: Account Creation

1. Click “Create New Account” (or “Register”)
2. Provide:
3. Valid personal email address
4. Active mobile phone number (preferably with international roaming)
5. Full legal name (exactly as in passport)
6. Verify email and phone via OTP

Note: Using temporary or frequently used shared emails often leads to account access problems later.

Step 3: Complete the Personal & Academic Profile

Fill in the following sections carefully:

1. Personal information (nationality, date of birth, marital status)
2. Passport details (number, issue date, expiry date)
3. Educational history (high school / previous degrees with exact graduation year and percentage/CGPA)
4. Language proficiency self-declaration (Arabic / English)

Step 4: Select Program Level and Preferences

Choose:

1. Degree level: Bachelor / Master / PhD
2. Up to three program preferences in order of priority Common choices include:
3. Faculty of Shariah
4. Faculty of Hadith
5. Faculty of Qur’an & Sunnah
6. Faculty of Arabic Language
7. Faculty of Engineering / Computer Science (limited seats)

Tip: Most successful applicants place the Arabic Language Institute as their first or second choice if they are non-native speakers.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

All files must be:

1. Clear scans (not photographs)
2. PDF format preferred
3. Maximum size usually 2–5 MB per file
4. Translated into Arabic and/or English when the original is in another language

Step 6: Review and Final Submission

1. Review every section for accuracy
2. Submit the application
3. Save or screenshot the application reference number immediately

Step 7: Track Application Status

Log in periodically to check:

1. “In Progress”
2. “Under Review”
3. “Shortlisted for Interview” (rarely communicated via portal)
4. “Accepted” / “Rejected”

Step 8: Post-Acceptance Stages (if shortlisted)

1. Receive conditional acceptance letter via email/portal
2. Complete medical examination at an approved panel clinic
3. Obtain police clearance certificate
4. Attest academic documents through Saudi Cultural Attaché / Embassy
5. Receive final visa issuance

Important deadlines (2026 cycle – subject to official confirmation):

1. Bachelor programs: mid-June 2026 (often 14 June)
2. Master & PhD programs: late October 2025 (often 31 October)

Required Documents – Comprehensive Checklist

Figure 1: Typical Application Timeline (Conceptual Flow)

Analysis: Most Common Reasons for Early Rejection

Evidence from multiple application cycles indicates that the following issues frequently lead to automatic filtering:

1. Expired or unclear passport scan
2. Missing or non-attested academic certificates
3. Age exceeding the limit (especially for bachelor applicants >25 years)
4. Incomplete recommendation letters
5. Applying after the published deadline
6. Submitting low-resolution or compressed images

Applicants who carefully follow the document checklist and submit at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline significantly improve their chances of advancing to the review stage.

Conclusion

The application process for Medina University scholarships 2026 is now more transparent and accessible than ever before due to the fully digital platform. However, precision in document preparation, strict adherence to deadlines, and early submission remain decisive factors. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to begin gathering and translating documents at least 4–6 months in advance and to regularly monitor the official portal for any last-minute changes to requirements or dates.

Success in this highly competitive process is not merely a matter of academic merit, but also of meticulous preparation and disciplined execution.