By TechGono Editorial Team | Updated: January 13, 2026
Imagine studying in the second holiest city in Islam, with your tuition, housing, and airfare completely paid for.
The Islamic University of Madinah (IU Madinah) is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. While famous for its Islamic Science programs, the university has rapidly expanded into Engineering, Computer Science, and Science to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
This scholarship is 100% Fully Funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is designed to nurture not just religious scholars, but future leaders in technology and innovation.
This guide details the 2026 application process, the monthly stipend benefits, and the essential tools you need to survive as an international student in Saudi Arabia.
Table of Contents
1. Scholarship Benefits: What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?
This is one of the most generous scholarships in the world. The Kingdom covers almost every expense.
- Tuition: 100% Waived.
- Monthly Stipend: Approx. SAR 840 (USD $224) for living expenses.
- Accommodation: Free furnished student housing.
- Meals: Subsidized meals at the university cafeteria.
- Airfare: Free round-trip annual tickets to your home country.
- Transport: Free daily transport to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi).
💰 Financial Tip: Your stipend is paid in Saudi Riyals (SAR). To transfer savings home or pay for online subscriptions without losing money to exchange fees, you need a specialized student bank account. Read our guide on the Best International Student Bank Accounts for 2026
2. Available Fields of Study (It’s Not Just Sharia)
While the university is the global hub for Islamic Theology, it now offers competitive scientific degrees.
Islamic Sciences (The Classics)
- Sharia (Islamic Law)
- Quran and Sunnah
- Dawah and Usul al-Din
- Arabic Language
Scientific & Tech Programs (The New Focus)
- Faculty of Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering.
- Faculty of Computer Science: Information Systems, Computer Science, and IT.
- Faculty of Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Why choose Tech at Madinah? Saudi Arabia is investing billions in “Neom” and tech infrastructure. Graduates with Arabic + Tech skills are in high demand across the Middle East.
3. Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To apply, you must meet the following strict criteria:
- Gender: Male applicants only (currently).
- Religion: Must be a Muslim of good conduct.
- Age:
- 17 – 25 years for Undergraduate (Bachelor’s).
- Older age limits apply for Master’s and PhD.
- Health: Must be medically fit.
- Education: Must hold a High School Certificate (or equivalent) issued within the last 5 years.
4. Required Documents (Prepare These Now)
All documents must be scanned clearly. If they are not in English or Arabic, you must attach a certified translation.
- High School/College Diploma.
- Academic Transcripts (Mark sheets).
- Birth Certificate.
- Passport (Must be valid).
- Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance).
- Medical Report (Proving you are free from infectious diseases).
- Tazkiyah (Recommendation Letters): Two letters from Islamic centers or well-known scholars in your country.
5. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is 100% online. Do not pay any “agent” to apply for you.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the Official Minhaty Portal (Saudi Scholarship Portal) or the IU Madinah Admission Page.
- Create an Account: Use your email to register.
- Select Program: Choose “External Scholarship” (for non-Saudis).
- Upload Documents: Upload PDFs of your translated documents.
- Submit: Once submitted, you will receive an Application Number. Save this number.
Tech Tip: The application portal can be slow. We recommend using a fast browser and compressing your PDFs to under 1MB. 5 Tech Tools Every International Student Needs
6. Living in Madinah: Costs & Tech Essentials
Living in Madinah is spiritually rewarding but requires preparation.
- Internet & Tech: Saudi Arabia has 5G everywhere. You will need a good laptop for your studies, especially if you join the Engineering faculty.
- Cost of Living: The free housing and food subsidy mean your SAR 840 stipend is mostly “pocket money.” However, electronics and clothes can be expensive in Saudi malls. Buy your gear before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is IELTS required for the Islamic University of Madinah?
No. For Islamic Studies, the medium of instruction is Arabic. If you don’t speak Arabic, you will be enrolled in a 1-2 year Arabic Language Preparatory Course first. For Engineering/Science, English proficiency may be helpful but is rarely mandatory for admission.
Q: Can I bring my family?
Undergraduate students generally cannot bring their families. Master’s and PhD students may be eligible to bring their wives and children, but this requires special approval and visa processing.
Q: When is the deadline?
Applications are usually open year-round or have specific windows in September/October for the following year. It is best to apply as early as possible.
Q: Is there an application fee?
No. The application is completely free.
Official Links
- Official Website: Islamic University of Madinah
- Apply Here (Ministry Portal): Study in Saudi Arabia Portal