In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful...
OVERVIEW
Located in the beloved city of our Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam), the Islaamic University of Al-Madeenah was founded by the government of Saudi 'Arabia by a royal decree in the year 1381, intending to spread the teachings of Islaam all over the world.
Studies at the College of Sharee'ah, the first of the University’s faculties to be opened, started that year.
The main objectives of the university are, as mentioned on their website:
"To convey the eternal message of Islaam to the entire world by means of dawah, call to Islam. We aim to do this through University education and post-graduate studies.
Inculcating and fostering the community upon practicing the teachings of Islam and worshiping the only true God, Allah alone, with utmost sincerity and devotion.
Imparting religious knowledge to students who come from different parts of the world and fostering them to become highly qualified scholars, specialized in various Islamic and Arabic disciplines.
Collecting, verifying, and publishing works relating to Islamic heritage.
Maintaining and fostering scholarly and cultural ties with other universities and scientific institutions and organizations throughout the world to serve the noble cause of Islam and its great objectives..."
Students who do not know 'Arabic have a chance to study the 'Arabic Language in a two-year world reknown 'Arabic Institute. If they qualify with an overall 80% average or better, they can then enter one of the university's colleges and focus on Islaamic Studies.
The school reviews applications yearly. The academic year starts in September and ends in June and consists of two seperate semesters.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
To be considered for admission, male applicants should be 25 years old or younger with a high school diploma and generally good grades. Their application must include photographs, copies of passport, birth and health certificates, high school transcripts and a copy of the diploma, all verified by the Saudi Embassy of their country. Also, letters of recommendation from known Islaamic organizations or personalities should be included. The applicant must review the application carefully and be sure to include all necessary information and documents.
ESTIMATED COSTS AND LIVING EXPENSES
Tuition is free. The school provides the students with a monthly salary of SR 840 (about $225) and a round-trip plane ticket yearly. The monthly salary is sufficient for single students living in the dormitory. Married students who have children will find it very difficult to be accepted and have their families with them. They should expect their living expenses to be $6,000 to $12,000 yearly, depending on their standard of living, number of children, etc. Since the university does not have a women's branch, the university's policy is not to grant visas to students' wives
