Al-Azhar University, based in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the oldest and most respected Islamic institutions in the world. Founded in 970 CE, it is renowned for its deep scholarship in Islamic studies, Arabic language, and Shari’ah. Every year, students from across the globe dream of studying at this prestigious center of Islamic learning.
If you are an international student interested in studying at Jamia Al-Azhar, here’s a simplified guide to help you understand the admission process.
📚 Available Faculties for International Students
Some of the popular departments include:
- Faculty of Islamic Theology (Aqeedah, Tafsir, Hadith)
- Faculty of Shari’ah and Law
- Faculty of Arabic Language
- Faculty of Islamic Dawah
- Faculties of Medicine, Engineering, Science (for advanced learners)
🌐 Who Can Apply?
Any Muslim student from around the world can apply if they:
- Have completed secondary education (equivalent to 12 years of schooling)
- Can read and understand Arabic, as most courses are taught in Arabic
- Hold an Islamic educational background (for religious faculties)
📝 How to Apply to Al-Azhar University (2025 Edition)
✅ Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Make sure you have these documents ready:
- Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
- High school certificate (attested and translated into Arabic or English)
- Birth certificate (translated)
- Passport-sized photos
- Islamic study certificates (if available)
- Medical clearance (health certificate)
💡 Tip: All documents must be attested by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy in your country.
✅ Step 2: Submit Application
You have two options to apply:
- Online Registration (when open)
- Visit the official website: https://www.azhar.eg
- Look for “Admission for International Students”
- Register and upload your documents
- Apply in Person (more common)
- Travel to Cairo, Egypt
- Submit your documents to Al-Azhar’s International Student Office
- You may be required to take a basic Arabic test (for religious faculties)
✅ Step 3: Take Placement Test (If Required)
- If you are applying to Islamic departments, you may be tested in:
- Arabic grammar (Nahw & Sarf)
- Basic Fiqh and Qur’an knowledge
If your Arabic is weak, you may first study in “Ma’had Al-Azhar (Arabic Language Institute)”, which prepares students for university-level Arabic.
✅ Step 4: Wait for Acceptance
- Once your application is processed, Al-Azhar will issue you an acceptance letter
- With this letter, you can apply for a student visa through the Egyptian Embassy
🏠 Living in Egypt
- Hostels and dorms are available for students
- Basic Arabic is needed for daily life
- Cairo has a large international student community, especially from Asia, Africa, and Europe
💰 Is it Free?
Yes, Al-Azhar offers fully funded education (no tuition fees) for international students in most Islamic faculties. However, students must pay for:
- Visa and travel costs
- Personal expenses
- Dormitory/hostel living (low cost)
📌 Summary Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | ✅ Required |
| High School Certificate | ✅ Required |
| Arabic Proficiency | ✅ Highly Recommended |
| Embassy Attestation | ✅ Required |
| Online/In-person Application | ✅ One of the two |
| Student Visa | ✅ After acceptance |
🤲 Final Thoughts
Studying at Al-Azhar University is a dream for many — and for good reason. Its legacy, Islamic environment, and scholarly excellence are unmatched. With effort and sincere intention, international students from around the world can benefit from this prestigious Islamic institution.
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes easy for him a path to Paradise.” — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih Muslim)
