The Islamic University of Madinah is a world-renowned Saudi university that combines Islamic studies with scientific and other academic disciplines. Pakistani students interested in studying there should understand the university's international admission requirements, Arabic language test, application process and scholarship conditions before applying.
Pakistani applicants can explore eligible international programmes through the official Study in Saudi platform. The university's published requirements for its 2026 undergraduate scholarship application included an age range of 17–25 years and a secondary-school qualification obtained within the previous five years. Its stated application period was 19 April to 21 May 2026, which has passed. The university also requires applicants from non-Arab countries to take its Arabic language proficiency test (AKFA).
Official University & Ministry Portals:
- • Islamic University of Madinah: https://iu.edu.sa/
- • Official International Admission Requirements: iu.edu.sa/international-qualifications
- • Study in Saudi Official Portal: https://studyinsaudi.sa/en/home
- • Official University Profile on Study in Saudi: Study in Saudi Institutional Profile
1. What Is the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship?
The Islamic University of Madinah is located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Its academic offerings include Islamic disciplines as well as scientific and other fields. The programmes available to international applicants depend on the current catalogue and the university's admission conditions.
For Pakistani students, it is important to understand that a university listing does not automatically mean that every programme is open to every international applicant or that every course offers full funding.
The official Study in Saudi catalogue distinguishes between full scholarships, partial scholarships and paid study. The university's listed programmes may have different applicant categories, languages, durations and funding arrangements.
2. Can Pakistani Students Apply?
Pakistani applicants can explore the university's international admission route if they meet the current requirements for the programme and scholarship category they choose. For the university's published undergraduate scholarship requirements, the following conditions are particularly important:
Official Published Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must hold a general secondary-school certificate or equivalent (FSc, FA, ICS, or equivalent).
- Applicants to scientific-track colleges must have the required scientific specialisation or equivalent qualification.
- No more than five years should have passed since the secondary-school qualification was obtained.
- The published age range is 17 to 25 years.
- Applicants must meet the university's conduct and other admission requirements.
- Applicants must not have been dismissed from another university for disciplinary reasons.
- Applicants must not already hold another scholarship from an educational institution in Saudi Arabia.
- A certificate confirming no criminal record (Police Clearance Certificate) is required under published conditions.
- A formal recommendation from an organisation, institution or verified academic figure in Pakistan is required.
- Applicants must be medically fit and complete any announced tests or interviews.
The university's official requirements page is the controlling source. Check it again before applying, because eligibility rules and application periods can change.
3. What Is the Age Limit for the Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship?
The university's published requirements for full and partial scholarship students list an age range of 17 to 25 years for the relevant undergraduate scholarship route.
5-Year Qualification Recency Rule:
The official portal explicitly states that no more than five years should have passed since the applicant received their secondary-school certificate or equivalent.
These requirements should not be generalised to every Saudi university or every postgraduate programme. If you are outside the stated age range or your qualification is older than five years, check the latest official guidance for the exact programme before assuming that you are eligible or ineligible.
Uncertain about your age, certificate date, or Arabic test?
Speak directly with our specialized Saudi scholarship advisors for document evaluation & early alerts.
4. Does the Islamic University of Madinah Require IELTS?
The university's published international-student information focuses on its Arabic language proficiency test for applicants from non-Arab countries. This does not establish a blanket IELTS exemption for every programme. An English-language requirement, where applicable, must be checked against the specific programme's current admission conditions.
The Islamic University of Madinah publishes official information about its Arabic Language Proficiency Test, referred to on the university's portal as AKFA (Official Test Link).
A score of 80 or higher is required for direct admission. Applicants who score below 80 are directed to the full-time preparatory Arabic language study institute before proceeding to the degree college.
The university states that there is no specific minimum test score for acceptance, but taking the remote test is strictly required for nomination.
Not in the same way for every track. The university says all applicants from non-Arab countries must take the test remotely through the designated procedure. The test is primarily used as a diagnostic placement tool to route students to direct study or intensive language preparation.
6. Is the Scholarship Fully Funded?
Not every programme listed by the university has the same funding arrangement. The Study in Saudi catalogue distinguishes between:
Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (SR 840/month), free campus housing in Madinah, medical insurance, and annual round-trip flights.
The sponsoring entity covers part of the tuition or specified costs, while the student may need to cover remaining living expenses.
The student is responsible for tuition and living costs as stated in the programme catalogue.
Before accepting an offer, confirm in writing whether it includes tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, medical insurance and travel tickets.
7. What Was the Application Deadline for 2026?
The Islamic University of Madinah's official international qualifications page lists the application period for its 2026 undergraduate scholarship route as:
2026 Cycle Timeline (Closed)
Opening: 19 April 2026 • Closing: 21 May 2026
That application period has passed as of 26 October 2026.
The university's international-student FAQ says application timing can vary from year to year. Do not assume the next period will use identical dates. Monitor the university's portal and Study in Saudi for the next intake announcement.
8. Can Pakistani Students Apply for a Master's or PhD Scholarship?
Important Distinction from Official FAQ:
The university's published FAQ (Official FAQ Link) states that applications for external scholarships from outside Saudi Arabia through its stated route are for bachelor's-level study.
It also states that postgraduate scholarships are primarily available to graduates of the Islamic University itself. This means Pakistani applicants should not assume they can use the same external undergraduate scholarship route to apply for a master's or PhD. Check individual postgraduate catalogues and contact the deanship for any specific international openings.
9. How Pakistani Students Can Apply (8 Steps)
Step 1: Check the official university announcement
Visit https://iu.edu.sa/ and open the latest international admission news.
Step 2: Find the programme on Study in Saudi
Visit https://studyinsaudi.sa/en/home, search for the Islamic University of Madinah, and verify active status.
Step 3: Confirm your eligibility
Confirm you are aged 17–25 and that your secondary certificate was issued within the last 5 years.
Step 4: Prepare your documents
Prepare secondary certificates, Police Clearance Certificate, official character recommendation, and passport.
Step 5: Follow the Arabic test instructions
Complete the online AKFA Arabic proficiency test via the announced portal link.
Step 6: Submit through the official route
Submit the application through Study in Saudi and upload all verified documents with certified Arabic translations.
Step 7: Save your application details
Keep a secure copy of your application number, submitted files, and confirmation notice.
Step 8: Monitor your application status
Check the portal and your registered email for interview notices, nomination status, or acceptance letters.
10. Documents Pakistani Applicants Should Prepare
- A valid Pakistani machine-readable passport.
- Secondary-school certificate (Matric & FSc/ICS/A-Levels or equivalent).
- Academic transcripts with mark sheets.
- Certificate of No Criminal Record (Police Character Certificate) from the relevant district police department.
- Recommendation Letter from a recognized Islamic organization, educational institution, or prominent academic figure in Pakistan.
- Medical fitness certificate issued by an accredited healthcare provider.
- Certified Arabic translations and attestations (BISE, IBCC, MOFA) where required.
11. Common Mistakes Pakistani Applicants Should Avoid
The university requires an online Arabic test (AKFA) for non-Arab applicants.
Check whether your chosen programme offers full funding, partial funding, or paid study.
The April–May 2026 cycle has passed; wait for the next confirmed announcement.
Must be between 17 and 25 years old and certificate received within the last 5 years.
External scholarship applications are generally for bachelor's level.
Always verify through official university channels and Study in Saudi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship available for Pakistani students?
Pakistani students can explore eligible international programmes through the official Study in Saudi platform. Admission depends on the programme, applicant category and current eligibility conditions.
What is the age limit for the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship?
The university's published requirements for the relevant undergraduate scholarship route specify ages 17 to 25 and state that no more than five years should have passed since the secondary-school qualification was obtained. Check the current rules before applying.
Does Madinah University require IELTS?
Do not assume a universal IELTS rule. Check the chosen programme's English-language requirements. The university separately requires applicants from non-Arab countries to take its Arabic language proficiency test.
Is the Arabic language test compulsory?
The university says applicants from non-Arab countries must take it. For the theoretical track, a score of 80 or higher is required for direct admission; a lower score leads to the language-study track. The scientific track has no specified minimum score, but taking the test is still required.
Is the Islamic University of Madinah scholarship fully funded?
Not every listed programme is fully funded. The official catalogue includes full scholarships, partial scholarships and paid study. Check the exact benefits for your programme.
What was the 2026 application deadline?
The official international qualifications page listed 19 April to 21 May 2026. That period has passed. Check the university's official website for the next announcement.
Can Pakistani students apply for a master's or PhD scholarship?
The university's FAQ says the external scholarship application route it describes is for bachelor's study, while postgraduate scholarships are available to its own graduates. Check the individual programme listing and contact the university before assuming you are eligible.
Organise Your Madinah University Application With Precision
The Islamic University of Madinah may be worth considering if its available programmes match your academic interests and you meet current admission requirements. Before applying, verify the next deadline, the Arabic test process, your eligibility and the exact scholarship benefits.
Start with the university's official website and Study in Saudi, rather than relying on old dates or unverified promises. For professional help preparing your complete Saudi scholarship file, visit vStudyAbroad.com.
Direct Hotline & WhatsApp Contact
03044296295
Call or message for instant Islamic University of Madinah application planning
Last verified: 26 October 2026. Application dates, eligibility and programme availability may change. Confirm current information on official university and government platforms before applying.