Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
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The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded government scholarship for international Muslim students in Saudi Arabia. It covers full tuition, furnished housing, monthly allowances, yearly flights, and healthcare for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD study, with no application fee.
INTRODUCTION
If you have ever dreamed of studying in one of the most respected Islamic institutions in the world while living close to the Prophet’s Mosque, the Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) Scholarship 2026 could be your chance. This is a fully funded program offered by the Saudi Arabian government, and it is open to international students from almost every country.
The Islamic University of Madinah was established by royal decree in 1961, and it has since grown into one of the most prestigious centers of Islamic and scientific learning in the world. Every year, it welcomes thousands of international students to study Islamic sciences, Arabic language, engineering, and other technical fields, completely free of cost.
This scholarship covers full tuition, free furnished accommodation, a monthly stipend, annual round-trip airfare, healthcare, and several other benefits. Whether you’re finishing high school, holding a bachelor’s degree, or aiming for a PhD, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the step-by-step application process, so you can apply with confidence.
Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship
QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2026 |
| Host Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Host University | Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Funded By | Government of Saudi Arabia |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Coverage | Tuition, housing, stipend, airfare, healthcare |
| Eligible Countries | Open to international students worldwide |
| Application Deadline | Varies by program; check official portal for current cycle |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-campus |
| Duration | Length of the chosen degree program |
| IELTS Required | English proficiency required; exact test/score varies by program |
| Application Fee | None |
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Islamic University of Madinah was founded in 1961 as a center dedicated to spreading Islamic knowledge to students from around the globe. Over the decades, it has expanded well beyond religious studies to include faculties in science, engineering, computing, and other technical disciplines, while still keeping its core identity as one of the world’s leading Islamic universities.
The scholarship program is funded directly by the Saudi government, and its main objective is to give capable students from all nations — regardless of their financial background — the chance to study in Madinah at no personal cost. Thousands of applications pour in from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas every year, which makes the program highly competitive. Selection is based on academic merit, language ability, and how well an applicant meets the eligibility requirements for their chosen degree level.
Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Selected students receive a generous, well-rounded support package:
✔ Full tuition waiver — no education costs for the entire duration of the program
✔ Monthly stipend — a regular living allowance paid throughout the academic year
✔ Annual round-trip airfare — a free plane ticket home and back each year
✔ Free furnished accommodation — on-campus housing for unmarried students
✔ Arrival cash bonus — a welcome payment to help cover initial settling-in costs
✔ Excellence allowance — an extra payment for students who achieve outstanding grades
✔ Affordable meals — food available at university restaurants for a small monthly fee
✔ Comprehensive healthcare — free treatment at the university hospital
✔ Free transport to the Prophet’s Mosque — daily shuttle service, plus organized Umrah trips
✔ Access to university facilities — libraries, sports centers, research labs, and social clubs
✔ Book allowance — support for academic materials in certain programs
Because this is such a complete package, most scholars are able to focus fully on their studies without worrying about outside expenses.
Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
The Islamic University of Madinah offers programs across the following levels:
- Bachelor’s degrees — mainly in Islamic studies, Arabic language, Sharia, Hadith, Da’wah, and some science and engineering fields
- Master’s degrees — available in Islamic sciences as well as select technical and scientific disciplines
- PhD programs — advanced research degrees, primarily in Islamic studies and related fields
- Arabic language preparatory programs — for students who need to strengthen their Arabic before starting a full degree
Because the university’s core strength is Islamic scholarship, most scholarship seats go to Islamic studies and Arabic-related majors, though science and engineering options do exist for qualified applicants.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Requirements differ slightly depending on the degree level, but generally include:
For Bachelor’s Applicants:
- Must typically be between 17 and 25 years old
- Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (12 years of education)
- Certificate must be from a recognized school, issued within the last five years
- Must be of good conduct and medically fit
- Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English or Arabic, depending on the program
For Master’s Applicants:
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree (16 years of education)
- A strong GPA is required — competitive applicants often have a GPA around 3.75 out of 5 or higher
- Relevant academic background in the field applied for
For PhD Applicants:
- Must hold a relevant master’s degree
- Strong academic record and, where applicable, research or publication experience
General requirements for all levels:
- Applicants must be Muslim
- Must be applying from outside Saudi Arabia
- Must hold a valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining)
- Must be medically fit to study and live abroad
- Must agree to abide by university rules and regulations
Because requirements can shift slightly from one intake to the next, always confirm the latest eligibility details on the official application portal before applying. (Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Applicants are generally asked to prepare:
- Valid passport copy
- National ID card
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- High school diploma or bachelor’s/master’s degree certificate (depending on program)
- CV or resume
- Letters of recommendation (for postgraduate applicants)
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- English or Arabic language certificate, if applicable
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Medical fitness certificate
- Police clearance certificate (in some cases)
- Any additional documents specified for your chosen program
All documents should be submitted in Arabic or English, and it’s wise to have certified translations ready if your original documents are in another language. (Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applying is done entirely online through the official “Study in Saudi” platform. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Visit the official portal Go to the official Study in Saudi Arabia scholarship platform, where the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship is listed.
Step 2: Create an account Register with your email address and set up your applicant profile.
Step 3: Select the Islamic University of Madinah Choose IUM from the list of participating universities, and select your desired degree level and major.
Step 4: Fill out the application form Enter your personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
Step 5: Upload your documents Attach scanned copies of your passport, transcripts, medical report, and other required files.
Step 6: Submit and track your application Review everything carefully, submit your form, and keep checking your account and email for updates on your application status.
There is no application fee, so be cautious of anyone asking you to pay to apply.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Typically announced a few months before the deadline |
| Application Deadline | Varies by degree level and intake — bachelor’s and postgraduate cycles often close at different times of year |
| Document Verification | After the deadline closes |
| Selection/Interview | Following document verification |
| Results Announcement | A few weeks to a couple of months after selection |
| Visa Processing | After official admission confirmation |
| Arrival & Orientation | Ahead of the academic term start |
| Classes Start | Per the university’s academic calendar |
Because exact dates shift from year to year and even by program, always check the official portal for the current intake’s deadline rather than relying on a fixed date. (Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship)
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Official Islamic University of Madinah website — https://iu.edu.sa
- Undergraduate scholarship apply link (Study in Saudi, as linked by IUM) — https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
- IUM applicant login/portal — https://eservices.iu.edu.sa/Dashboard
- Saudi Ministry of Education — https://moe.gov.sa
(Always apply only through the official government portal — never through third-party agents claiming to guarantee admission.)
SELECTION PROCESS
- Initial screening — your application is checked for completeness
- Eligibility verification — your age, academic background, and documents are reviewed against the requirements
- Document verification — transcripts and certificates are checked for authenticity
- Interview — some applicants may be contacted for a short interview or assessment
- Final selection — successful candidates are chosen based on merit
- Scholarship award notification — selected students receive an official offer letter
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES
- Submit a clear, honest, and well-written motivation letter
- Keep your CV updated and relevant to your chosen field
- Apply as early as possible within the application window
- Make sure every document is complete, translated if needed, and correctly formatted
- Highlight any Islamic studies background, Arabic language ability, or relevant coursework
- For postgraduate applicants, a strong GPA and clear research interests can make a real difference
- Double-check your passport validity and medical fitness before applying
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Submitting your application close to or after the deadline
- Uploading incomplete or blurry document scans
- Using the wrong file format for uploads
- Writing a generic, copy-pasted motivation letter
- Providing an inactive or incorrect email address
- Applying with a passport that’s near expiry
- Ignoring specific eligibility requirements for your degree level
- Missing required signatures on official forms
LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA
Life as a student in Madinah is generally comfortable, especially with a scholarship covering most core costs:
- Cost of living: Manageable, and largely offset by the monthly stipend and free housing
- Accommodation: Furnished on-campus housing typically provided for unmarried students
- Food: Available at university restaurants for a small monthly fee
- Transport: Free shuttle services connect students to the Prophet’s Mosque; public transport is also available around the city
- Weather: Hot and dry for much of the year, with milder winters
- Healthcare: Covered through the university hospital
- Safety: Madinah is considered one of the safer cities in the region
- Student life: A close-knit international community, with access to sports, social, and religious activities
- Part-time work: Generally limited for international students on a study visa, so budgeting around the stipend is important
VISA INFORMATION
- A student visa is required to study in Saudi Arabia, and it’s processed once you receive your official university admission
- Required documents typically include your passport, admission/offer letter, medical report, and passport photographs
- Processing time varies but generally takes a few weeks after your documents are submitted
- There is usually no separate visa fee for scholarship students, as the university assists with the process
- Biometrics may be required at your local Saudi embassy or visa center
- Working rights for scholarship students are generally restricted, since the focus is on full-time study
WHY STUDY IN SAUDI ARABIA
- Access to a respected, historic center of Islamic learning
- Strong faculty and academic resources, especially in Islamic sciences
- A unique opportunity to live and study near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
- Full financial support removes the burden of tuition and living costs
- Exposure to a diverse, international student community
- Opportunities to build a global network of scholars and peers
IMPORTANT FAQs
1. Is the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship fully funded? Yes, it covers tuition, housing, a monthly stipend, healthcare, and annual airfare.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship? International Muslim students from around the world who meet the academic and age requirements for their chosen degree level.
3. Can European students apply? Yes, the scholarship is open to Muslim students from Europe as well as other regions.
4. Can African students apply? Yes, African students are welcome and regularly among the applicant pool.
5. Can Asian students apply? Yes, students from across Asia can apply, including South and Southeast Asia.
6. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply through the official portal.
7. Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian students can apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
8. Can American students apply? Yes, Muslim students from North and South America are eligible as well.
9. Is IELTS mandatory? English proficiency is generally required for certain programs, though exact test requirements can vary — check the specific program details.
10. Can I apply without an English test? Some programs, particularly Arabic-medium Islamic studies programs, may not require an English test — this depends on your chosen major.
11. Is there an application fee? No, applying is completely free.
12. Can married students apply? Married students can apply, though furnished housing benefits are generally aimed at unmarried students; policies can vary by program.
13. Can I bring my family with me? Family accommodation is limited under this scholarship; it’s best to confirm directly with the university for your specific case.
14. What GPA is required? Requirements vary by level; postgraduate applicants often need a strong GPA, commonly cited around 3.75 out of 5 for master’s programs.
15. Can I work while studying? Working rights for international scholarship students are generally limited, since the program is designed for full-time study.
16. How many students are selected each year? The number varies annually based on available seats and funding.
17. Can I apply for multiple programs at once? Typically, you apply for one specific program and degree level per application cycle.
18. Is age a factor in selection? Yes, especially for undergraduate applicants, who are generally expected to fall within a set age range.
19. What happens after I’m selected? You’ll receive an official offer, after which you begin the student visa process.
20. How competitive is this scholarship? Very competitive, since thousands of students apply from around the world each year.
21. Can I apply with a pending degree result? Requirements vary; some programs may accept provisional results while others require a completed certificate — check the specific program guidelines.
22. What expenses are not covered? Personal spending beyond the stipend, and costs related to bringing dependents, are generally not covered.
23. Can I defer my scholarship to a later intake? Deferral policies vary and should be confirmed directly with the university or scholarship office.
24. Can I apply if I already hold another scholarship? It’s best to check with the university, as holding multiple funded scholarships simultaneously may affect eligibility.
25. How will I know if I’ve been selected? Selected applicants are typically notified through their registered email and application portal account. (Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship)
FINAL SUMMARY
The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2026 is one of the most complete fully funded opportunities available to international Muslim students today. Between free tuition, housing, healthcare, and a monthly stipend, it removes nearly every financial barrier standing between you and a respected Islamic education in one of the holiest cities in the world.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t wait until the last moment — application deadlines vary by program, and seats fill up fast given how competitive this scholarship is. Gather your documents early, prepare a strong motivation letter, and apply directly through the official Study in Saudi portal. (Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship)