Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2026/27: Fully Funded Study in Saudi Arabia
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Level
- Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
- Funding
- Fully funded
The Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) offers one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia, and it is uniquely appealing to Muslim students because of both its academic reputation and its location in one of Islam's holiest cities. Founded in 1961 by royal decree and funded by the Saudi Ministry of Education, IUM has educated international students from around the world for decades.
Here is a clear guide to what the scholarship covers, who qualifies, what you can study, and how to apply. This is a genuinely fully funded opportunity, so the main task is meeting the eligibility criteria and applying on time.
At a glance
- University: Islamic University of Madinah (IUM), Saudi Arabia
- Level: Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, allowance, accommodation, healthcare, airfare)
- Best known for: Islamic sciences, with modern and technical fields also offered
- Who it's for: Muslim international students residing outside Saudi Arabia
- Application fee: None
What the scholarship covers
This one genuinely earns the label. Successful applicants receive free tuition, a monthly living allowance, free furnished accommodation (for non-married students), and quality healthcare at the university hospital. The scholarship also provides a free plane ticket upon admission and a return ticket at the end of each academic year, with an extra allowance for students who achieve excellent grades. Beyond the essentials, students benefit from meals at the university restaurant for a small monthly fee, free daily transport to the Prophet's Mosque, and organised Umrah trips, reflecting the university's unique spiritual setting.
What you can study
IUM is most renowned for its Islamic sciences, including Sharia, Quran, Hadith, Dawah, and Arabic language, and these remain the heart of the university. In recent years it has also expanded into modern and technical fields such as engineering, computer science, and other sciences. The exact programmes available to scholarship students can vary by intake, so check the current list before applying.
Who can apply
- You are a Muslim international student of good conduct
- You are a non-Saudi residing outside the Kingdom
- For undergraduate study, you are generally 17 to 25 years old with a high school diploma (about 12 years of education)
- For master's study, you hold a bachelor's degree, often with a minimum GPA of around 3.75
- You are in good health, supported by a medical report
One honest note on eligibility: the scholarship has historically been primarily for male students. Female applicants should check the current intake to confirm which programmes, if any, are open to women.
How to apply
- Confirm your eligibility, including the Muslim-student requirement and the age or academic criteria for your level.
- Prepare your documents, typically your passport, academic transcripts and certificates, and a medical report, with certified translations where needed.
- Apply online, often through the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform, by creating an account and selecting the Islamic University of Madinah. There is no application fee.
- Submit before the deadline for your level.
- Await shortlisting, and if selected, you may be invited for an interview and then receive an offer letter with further instructions.
Deadlines
The scholarship runs annually. In a recent cycle, the undergraduate deadline was around 14 June, while master's and PhD applications were accepted later in the year or on a rolling basis. Because these dates change each year, always confirm the current deadlines on the official sources before applying.
Apply and confirm the details
Check the current programmes, eligibility, and deadlines, and apply, through the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform (selecting the Islamic University of Madinah): Study in Saudi Arabia, official platform.
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Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Islamic University of Madinah or the Saudi government. Details change each year, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It is a comprehensive Saudi government scholarship covering free tuition, a monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, healthcare at the university hospital, and round-trip air tickets (on admission and annually), along with extra benefits such as organised transport and pilgrimage trips. There is no application fee.
Who is eligible?
The scholarship is for Muslim international students of good conduct who are non-Saudi and residing outside the Kingdom. Undergraduate applicants are generally 17 to 25 years old with a high school diploma, while master's applicants need a bachelor's degree, often with a minimum GPA around 3.75. Historically the scholarship has been primarily for male students, so female applicants should check current programme availability.
What can I study?
The university is best known for Islamic sciences such as Sharia, Quran, Hadith, Dawah, and Arabic language, but it also offers modern and technical fields including engineering, computer science, and other sciences. Availability varies by intake.
When is the deadline and how do I apply?
The scholarship runs annually. In a recent cycle, the undergraduate deadline was around 14 June, while master's and PhD applications were accepted later or year-round. You apply online, often through the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform. Confirm the current dates on the official sources.