Islamic University of Madinah Opens Distance Bachelor's Program in Sharia for International Students

Free scholarships from the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Waqf (dedicated to his parents) · Admission for 1448 AH (2026/2027 academic year)

الجامعة الإسلامية بالمدينة المنورة

The Islamic University of Madinah, established by royal decree in 1381 AH (1962), has announced the launch of a Bachelor's program in Sharia via distance (e-)learning, aimed specifically at male and female students from outside Saudi Arabia. The program runs in partnership with the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Waqf, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, established in honor of his parents — the Waqf covers the cost of study for every admitted student who meets the eligibility requirements.

The program's aim is to enable students from around the world to study Islamic Sharia according to the university's approved curriculum, using modern e-learning technology while maintaining academic quality and flexibility. The program's motto: "Begin your journey studying Sharia ... and graduate with a Bachelor's degree from the Islamic University of Madinah."

Who can apply: general admission requirements

1. The applicant must not be a Saudi national and must not be a resident of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2. The applicant must hold an academic qualification recognized by the university — no lower than a general secondary certificate (high school diploma) or its equivalent.
3. The applicant must not have previously been dismissed from any educational institution for academic or disciplinary reasons.
4. The applicant must have full command of the Arabic language.
5. If the applicant's prior education was not conducted in Arabic, they must pass an Arabic language proficiency test.
6. The applicant must commit to abiding by the university's academic and behavioral regulations.
7. Admission is preliminary and conditional on completing all official procedures and verifying documents; the university reserves the right to decline any applicant without stating a reason.
8. The applicant must comply with the terms of the granting entity — the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Waqf; the university may revoke the scholarship if any of these terms are violated.
9. The applicant must be medically fit, with no health condition that would prevent distance study.
10. The applicant must fulfill any additional conditions set by the university or the Waqf during the application process.
11. The applicant must attach copies of the original documents: secondary school certificate, academic transcript, certificate of no criminal record, and a valid passport. Applications missing these documents, or containing a copy made from another copy rather than the original, will not be considered.

How to apply: enrollment steps

1. Apply through the distance-education electronic portal and confirm eligibility.
2. Open a student account in the distance-education system using personal information.
3. Pay the registration fee (non-refundable).
4. Wait for the university to review the file — a university ID number is issued upon acceptance.

Application fees

What the scholarship covers

The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Waqf provides admitted students with a free scholarship covering:

Conditions for keeping the scholarship:

• Compliance with the Waqf's terms;
• Compliance with the university's regulations;
• Maintaining the required academic standing throughout study.

The university may cancel the scholarship if any of these conditions are violated.

Admission timeline

Requirements for the Bachelor's degree

The Bachelor's degree in Sharia (distance) is awarded after completing all requirements of the program's approved curriculum, in addition to the following:

1. Passing all accredited courses and study units.
2. Achieving the cumulative GPA required for graduation under the university's academic regulations.
3. Passing the comprehensive exam in person at a location designated by the university.
4. Meeting all other graduation requirements set out in the university's academic regulations.

General provisions

1. The language of instruction is Arabic.
2. Applications are accepted only through the electronic portal.
3. The university's regulations, executive rules, and official guides are binding in all academic procedures.
4. The student must comply with the granting entity's terms throughout the period of study.
5. The university has no offices or agents anywhere in the world for receiving enrollment applications.
6. Admission applications are accepted only through the dedicated electronic portal available at the time of application.
7. Applicants must submit their own application and are responsible for safeguarding the credentials issued upon completing it.
8. Submitting an application does not obligate the university to admit the applicant unless notified of acceptance through the official application portal.
9. Information entered in the application is only considered valid if supported by documentation.
10. Application fees are non-refundable in case of withdrawal or cancellation from the process.
11. Students must have a computer equipped with a camera and microphone, with the browser and software specified by the university installed, since all electronic exams are conducted through them; smartphones and tablets are not accepted for taking exams.

Student declaration

The applicant affirms that all information provided in the application is accurate, and that all supporting documents and certificates are free of alteration or forgery. Should the contrary be proven, the university reserves the right to cancel the applicant's admission without any financial or legal liability, while retaining the right to pursue further regulatory action. The applicant must also comply with the terms of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Waqf governing the scholarship.