All You Need to Know About IIUI: International Islamic University Islamabad

The International Islamic University Islamabad, often referred to as IIUI, is situated in the heart of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. It stands as one of the largest public universities in Pakistan, with a QS world ranking between 1201 and 1400. Established through the collaborative efforts of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), it was initially founded in 1980 and subsequently reconstructed in 1985. The university's core concept was to unite scholars from diverse backgrounds and nationalities under a single banner, fostering an environment that attracts Muslim students from around the world. The university's striking red brickwork and picturesque landscapes make it a sight to behold amidst the lush greenery.

Programs and Faculties: 

IIUI boasts over 100 academic programs spanning across 11 faculties and numerous departments. These offerings range from Social Sciences and Management Sciences to Humanities and Languages, Engineering, and Technology. 

Notable programs specially tailored for the university include; 

Usul ud Din and Sharia’ah and Law, globally recognized and highly popular programs at IIUI.

Also worth mentioning are programs such as

Interpretation and Translation,

and Islamic Art and Architecture.

Spring and Fall Intakes: 

Every year, a substantial number of national, international, and overseas Pakistani students apply to IIUI for both the Spring and Fall intakes. Spring intake admissions commence in December, with the semester starting in February. For most departments, including Shariah and Law and BS English, the annual intakes occur in the Fall. 

Fall semester admissions kick off in June, with classes beginning in September.

Admission Process: 

The admissions process is straightforward and user-friendly. 

Comprehensive information about programs and fee structures can be found on the official university website, iiu.edu.pk This includes details about hostel accommodations and other essential information. When admissions are open, applications can be submitted online through the admissions section of the website. From entering application details to receiving admission results, the entire process can be managed through the official IIUI website.

Scholarship Opportunities: 

The university provides several scholarship programs, encompassing need-based full waivers, partial waivers, and merit-based or academic excellence scholarships. 

Government scholarship programs like the Ehsaas Scholarship Program, as well as intra-university programs under trusts and funds like Rector’s Fund or President’s Fund scholarships, are available to deserving students. These funds may cover tuition fees and, in some cases, accommodation expenses, varying depending on the program. 

Among the university's most notable programs is Sharia’ah and Law, a BA/LLB honors degree program with a specialization in Sharia’ah and Pakistani Law. This distinctive program is offered in only three universities worldwide: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Its significance is particularly prominent in Gulf countries. The program is taught in both Arabic and English, with a year of compulsory Arabic language training.

Another significant program is BS Usul Ud Din, designed to provide an in-depth understanding of Din e Islam, focusing on primary religious sources: 

Quran, Sunnah, and Hadees. 

The majority of the program is taught in Arabic, complemented by a few general courses in English. It also includes a compulsory year of Arabic language training to enhance students' grasp of program courses. Like all programs, it culminates in a compulsory Hifz Test, a requirement for degree completion. 

Activities: 

At the beginning of each semester, the university organizes day trips for female students and overnight stays for male students. Additionally, educational trips are arranged if approved by the relevant departments. 

The university maintains its news magazine and is home to various government-funded research centers and think tanks such as the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) and the Sharia’ah Academy, located at the Old Campus Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. 

Prominent spots at IIUI include the Old Campus Faisal Mosque, whose Allama Iqbal and Quaid e Azam Auditoriums are frequently used for seminars and conferences. The state-of-the-art Central Library, housing over 280,000 books, the Business Incubation Centre IIUI, and numerous cafes scattered across the campus. Multiple cafes are present in the Male Campus, with delivery options available for the Female Campus.

The campus features a main Jamia Masjid, gymnasiums in both male and female campuses, sports complexes, a Medical Centre accessible to all students at no cost, an on-call ambulance service, and a robust transportation system with a fleet of green buses. IIUI truly provides a safe and comfortable environment for students, particularly those seeking multicultural exposure and cultural exchange opportunities with national and international peers.