Your Dream of Studying at Al-Azhar: A Step-by-Step Guide
For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar University has stood as a beacon of Islamic knowledge, its minarets overlooking Cairo’s bustling streets. Founded in 970 CE, it’s not just a university—it’s a living legacy where scholars like Imam Suyuti and Ibn Hajar once walked.
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying here, this guide is your roadmap.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
Al-Azhar opens its doors to Muslim students worldwide, but you’ll need:
✔ A high school diploma (or equivalent, 12 years of education)
✔ Basic Arabic (for religious faculties—you’ll need to understand lectures)
✔ Islamic studies background (if applying to Shari’ah, Tafsir, or Hadith)
Worried about your Arabic? Many students first join Ma’had Al-Azhar, a prep school that teaches Arabic before university.
📚 What Can You Study?
Al-Azhar isn’t just about fiqh and hadith—it offers both religious and secular degrees:
📖 Islamic Studies (Taught in Arabic)
- Usul al-Din (Theology): Dive deep into Aqeedah, Tafsir, and Hadith
- Shari’ah & Law: Study fiqh, Islamic jurisprudence, and legal principles
- Dawah & Islamic Culture: Learn how to effectively share Islam
🔬 Modern Sciences (For Advanced Arabic Speakers)
- Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy
- Commerce, Science, Agriculture
Note: Science/medical programs are competitive and may require higher Arabic fluency.
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📝 Step-by-Step Application (2025 Guide)
1️⃣ Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
- High school certificate (translated & attested by your Ministry of Education + Egyptian Embassy)
- Birth certificate (translated)
- 6 passport-sized photos (white background)
- Medical clearance (proof of good health)
Pro Tip: Start attestation early—it can take weeks!
2️⃣ Apply Online or In-Person
- 🌐 Online (Easier, but limited slots)
- Visit Al-Azhar’s Official Portal
- Look for “Admission for International Students”
- Upload scanned documents
- ✈️ In-Person (More reliable)
- Fly to Cairo (yes, before acceptance!)
- Submit documents at the International Students Office
- May require an Arabic entrance exam
3️⃣ Take the Placement Test (If Required)
For Islamic faculties, expect questions on:
- Qur’an memorization (basic Surahs)
- Arabic grammar (Nahw & Sarf)
- Basic fiqh (e.g., how to pray, wudu)
No pressure—if you fail, they may place you in Arabic prep first.
4️⃣ Get Your Acceptance Letter
- Once approved, Al-Azhar will issue an official admission letter.
- Use this to apply for a student visa at the Egyptian embassy.
🏡 Life as an Al-Azhar Student
💰 Costs
- Tuition: FREE for Islamic studies! (Yes, really.)
- Living expenses: ~$200-$400/month (dorms are cheap but basic)
- Visa & Travel: Your biggest cost (flights, residency permits)
🏠 Housing
- Dormitories: Affordable (~$30/month) but no AC (Cairo is HOT!)
- Off-campus: Many students share apartments in Nasr City (near campus)
🌆 Living in Cairo
- Language barrier? Learn Egyptian Arabic—it’s different from Fusha!
- Food: Koshari, falafel, and fuul will be your best friends.
- Community: You’ll meet students from Indonesia to Nigeria—lifelong bonds await.
✅ Final Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | ✅ Required |
| Attested Certificates | ✅ Must be legalized |
| Arabic Prep | ❓ If weak |
| Visa Application | ✅ After acceptance |
🤲 Is It Worth It?
Studying at Al-Azhar isn’t just about a degree—it’s about:
- Walking the same halls as centuries of scholars
- Living in the heart of the Islamic world
- Building a deep, lifelong connection with the deen
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah makes easy for him a path to Paradise.” (Muslim)
So—are you ready to take the first step? 🚀