Imam University Scholarship 2025/2026 for International Students in Saudi Arabia ( Fully funded )

Imam University Scholarship 2025/2026 for International Students in Saudi Arabia

Last Updated: October 11, 2025

Application Deadline: October 31 

If you are seeking a solid academic experience within a comprehensive Islamic environment in Saudi Arabia, the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Scholarship stands out as one of the best options for international students in fields such as Sharia, Arabic Language, and Islamic Studies, in addition to programs in Humanities and Social Sciences. The scholarship offers a clear academic path with reduced or fully/partially funded tuition fees according to university regulations, along with key benefits such as university housing, healthcare, and annual travel tickets in accordance with official regulations.

The university offers two main types of government scholarships for non-Saudi students: internal scholarships for legal residents in the Kingdom and external scholarships for applicants from outside Saudi Arabia. Scholarships are also classified as full, partial, or paid according to the executive regulations of the University Council, giving applicants flexibility to choose the track that best fits their situation.

Important Note: Details and regulations change periodically, so always rely on the official scholarship page of Imam University and the electronic application portal mentioned below.

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A Brief Overview of Imam University

The university was established in 1953 and developed into a comprehensive institution by 1974, combining adherence to Islamic values with academic excellence. It provides a scientific and cultural environment that serves the needs of both Saudi and global communities.

Read also : Al Qasimia University Scholarship in UAE

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Why Choose the Imam University Scholarship?

• A specialized academic environment in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language, with pathways in Social and Human Sciences.
• Important student benefits such as healthcare, accommodation, and annual travel tickets, in addition to other privileges available to fellow students.
• Diversity in scholarship types (full/partial/paid), broadening admission opportunities.
• A clear electronic admission portal for application and follow-up.

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Types and Benefits of Imam University Scholarship

Types of scholarships for non-Saudi students:

• Internal scholarships: for students residing legally inside the Kingdom.

• External scholarships: for applicants from outside the Kingdom.

Based on funding and benefits:

• Full scholarships: students receive all approved benefits.

• Partial scholarships: students receive limited benefits (e.g., seat only, or seat + housing).

• Paid scholarships: students bear the tuition or most of the cost.

Typical benefits (as stated in official Saudi scholarship guidelines and Imam University policies):

• Healthcare for the student (and family upon sponsorship approval).

• Financial allowance upon arrival (amount determined by regulations).

• On-campus housing (when available) and student privileges equal to local peers.

• Annual travel tickets per official regulations.

These benefits apply according to university rules and government regulations and may differ depending on scholarship type and study level. Always consult the official page below.

Available Colleges and Majors at Imam University

Important: College and program openings depend on annual capacity and regulations. External scholarships usually focus on theoretical fields rather than health/engineering programs. Always verify the official page before final submission.

1. Sharia and Language Colleges

• College of Sharia:
  Jurisprudence and Principles, Islamic Culture, Legal Systems and Laws.

• College of Fundamentals of Religion:
  Quran and Its Sciences, Hadith and Sunnah Studies, Creed and Contemporary Doctrines.

• College of Arabic Language:
  Literature, Rhetoric and Criticism, Islamic Literary Methodology, Grammar, and Linguistics.

• College of Languages and Translation:
  English Language and Literature, Translation, and other language programs.

• Higher Institute of Judiciary:
  Advanced Legal and Sharia Studies (special admission).

Read also : Fully Funded Scholarship In Saudi Arabia

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2. Humanities, Social Sciences & Media Colleges

• College of Social Sciences:
  Psychology, Sociology & Social Work, History & Civilization, Geography.

• College of Media and Communication:
  Journalism and Digital Publishing, Radio/TV/Cinema, Public Relations, Marketing Communication, Graphics, and Multimedia.

• College of Education:
  Educational Foundations, Planning and Administration, Curricula and Teaching Methods, Special Education.

• College of Economics and Administrative Sciences:
  Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance & Investment, Banking, Insurance, and Risk Management.

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3. Scientific, Engineering, and Computing Colleges

• College of Computer and Information Sciences:
  Computer Science, Information Systems, IT Management.

• College of Science:
  Mathematics & Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (varies by campus and gender).

• College of Engineering:
  Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Architectural Engineering.

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4. Health Colleges

• College of Medicine:
  (Admission regulated separately and not generally open for external scholarships. Includes multiple clinical and academic departments: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, etc.)

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Other Branches

• College of Sharia and Islamic Studies – Al-Ahsa Branch:
  Offers programs in Sharia, Linguistics, Administration, and Technology per the approved study plan.

Note for Scholarships: Historically, scholarships focus on theoretical disciplines (Sharia, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Social and Human Sciences), while health and engineering programs may require additional criteria and are not always open to external scholarships each year. Always refer to the official scholarship page for final and updated information.

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General Eligibility Criteria for the Imam University Scholarship

According to the Admission and Registration Deanship and Saudi scholarship regulations:

1. Age: 17–25 for Bachelor’s/Arabic Institute, 30 for Master’s, and 35 for PhD.
2. Approvals: Approval from the applicant’s home government (if required) and must not have received a scholarship from another Saudi university.
3. Documentation: Certificates attested by official authorities + certificate of good conduct.
4. Status: Must not have been expelled from any educational institution in the Kingdom.
5. Female applicants: Must have a legal guardian (Mahram) with a valid residence or on a scholarship.
6. Medical examination, and the university may require a recommendation letter from an authorized body.

The university’s English “Scholarships” page mentions additional requirements for certain programs (such as a minimum 80% in high school, passing an interview, good conduct, and full-time study), as well as specific details for non-resident internal scholarships. Always review the English page before applying.

Tip: The Saudi Ministry of Education provides an electronic application service for internal scholarships for non-Saudis via a central governmental portal — useful for tracking general scholarship policies.

Read also : King Saud University Scholarships 

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Required Documents

Requirements may vary by program, but generally include:

1. Valid passport.
2. Academic certificate (high school, bachelor’s, or master’s) and transcript (attested).
3. Academic recommendations (if required).
4. Certificate of good conduct from security authorities.
5. Medical report.
6. Personal photos meeting requirements.
7. Proof of language proficiency (if required) — usually waived for Arabic/Sharia programs.
8. Any additional requirements set by the University Council.

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Application Steps — Step by Step

1. Review the official scholarship pages (Arabic and English) to determine the type suitable for you (internal/external, full/partial).
2. Prepare and authenticate your documents according to your country’s procedures (Ministry of Education/Foreign Affairs/Embassy).
3. Create an account and log in to the IMSIU Scholarship Portal once applications open (dates vary annually).
4. Fill in the online application form and upload documents in PDF/image formats.
5. Track your application status and complete interviews or additional requirements if requested.
6. Upon final acceptance, obtain a study visa from the Saudi embassy in your country, then finalize your residence permit through the university’s passport office.

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Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Maintain a strong academic record (especially in Arabic/Sharia if targeting these majors).
• Obtain academic recommendations early from reputable professors.
• Ensure all documents are translated and attested by recognized authorities.
• Prepare a clear statement of purpose showing your alignment with the university’s mission.
• Follow official announcements from the Admissions Deanship.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the scholarship always fully funded?
There are full, partial, and paid scholarships according to university regulations. Each track has its own defined benefits.

Is there an age limit?
Yes: 17–25 for Bachelor’s/Arabic Institute, 30 for Master’s, and 35 for PhD. Some details may vary per regulations.

Are all majors available?
All departments are available except Medicine. Seats are allocated based on GPA and annual competition.

Is there an interview?
Yes, interviews are required for certain programs as mentioned on the English scholarships page.

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Official Links (Verified)

• Scholarships Page (Arabic) — Admission & Registration Deanship
• Scholarships Page (English) — IMSIU
• Ministry of Education 
• Study in Saudi Arabia

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Conclusion

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University offers international students a rigorous academic experience within a disciplined scientific environment, with scholarship paths ranging from full to partial and paid funding. Start by reviewing the official links above, prepare your documents carefully, and monitor the admission portal for openings. Good luck!

Note: The information above is derived from official university pages and Ministry of Education guidelines and may change without prior notice. Always rely on the official sources listed in this article.