Islam is the second-largest most practiced religion based on adherents and countries. You can grow deeper in the faith as a Muslim and enjoy the warmth of a Muslim community when you attend an Islamic university. Fortunately, there are lots of Islamic universities and colleges in the world, it is left for you to choose from the best of these schools to attend.
Islamic universities do not offer Islamic courses or are strictly for Muslims. No, Islamic universities are like every other university, only they have Islamic or Muslim identity or charter.
These universities offer a broad range of degree programs and courses in almost all fields of study. However, they would always have their Islamic identity and uphold Islamic values. Also, these schools would more often than not offer courses towards deepening the faith of the Muslim faithful.
So, Islamic colleges are also for you if you are of a different religion but desire to grow your knowledge of the religion.
In this post, we will show you the best Islamic universities in the world to attend, whether you’re a Muslim or from another religion. We will also explain why you may love to study at a Muslim university.
Table of contents
- Why Study at a Muslim University?
- List of the Best Islamic Universities in the World
- #1. Cairo University, Egypt
- #2. Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia
- #3. The Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine
- #4. Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia
- #5. Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- #6. Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi, Turkey
- #7. Aligarh Muslim University, India
- #8. Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
- #9. Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- #10. International Islamic University, Islamabad, Saudi Arabia
- #11. Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
- #12. Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi, Turkey
- #13. Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Jordan
- #14. Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
- #15. Al-Azhar University, Egypt
- Conclusion:
- References:
- We Also Recommend:
Why Study at a Muslim University?
Studying at an Islamic college is a thrilling experience, but you wouldn’t know so until someone tells you. Here are some reasons you may consider attending a Muslim higher education institution.
Rich History:
Islam is a religion that believes that education makes a complete human. In as much as you must grow spiritually as a Muslim, you must also grow academically.
So, between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, Western Europe went backward intellectually, and Islamic scholars sought to break grounds. There were many Islamic scholarships, and the Muslim scholars were open to the rational sciences, art, and even literature.
During this period, the Islamic world made most of its contributions to the scientific and artistic world. Interestingly, Muslim scholar Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen), born in A.D 965 formulated the scientific method and developed celestial mechanics.
Academians still refer to him as the world’s first true scientist. You will be surrounded by such rich history and more in an Islamic college.
Quality Education:
The best Islamic universities and colleges on our list rank well in their respective countries and the world. uniRank ranks Cairo University, our best Islamic university, as number one in Egypt and 747 worldwide.
This speaks a lot about educational advancement and the quest to provide peerless education. So, attending one of the best Islamic institutions means gaining a world-class education.
Becoming Part of a Transformative Movement:
Islam as a religion has its criticisms. While Islam preaches peace, other religions think they are hostile. You’ll enjoy the richness of Islam by studying at an Islamic university and becoming a proponent of change.
Islamic universities have become important players in shaping religious thought across the global Muslim community. They connect Muslims from different parts of the world and advance particular intellectual, political, and theological programs through teaching, publishing, organizing, and preaching.
List of the Best Islamic Universities in the World
So. let’s dive right into business. Which are the top Islamic universities in the world?
Before we answer this, we will explain the criteria for which we selected the best Islamic universities in the world.
We selected our best 15 Islamic universities based on uniRank’s ranking of world universities, universities offering a variety of degrees and programs, and admission rates.
Based on these criteria, here is a list of our best 15 Islamic universities:
- Cairo University, Egypt
- Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia
- The Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine
- Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi, Turkey
- Aligarh Muslim University, India
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
- Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- International Islamic University, Islamabad, Saudi Arabia
- Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
- Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi, Turkey
- Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Jordan
- Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
- Al-Azhar University, Egypt
#1. Cairo University, Egypt
Address: شارع الجامعة، Al Orman، Giza Governorate 12613, Egypt.
Acceptance Rate: 90-100%
Cairo University (CU) is the best Islamic university on our list. It is a non-profit public university that started in 1908. CU has accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education, Egypt and ranks as the number one university in Egypt, according to uniRank. However, on a global scale, this Muslim university ranks 747.
Cairo University offers certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in just about any field of study you can think about. It has over twenty faculties, including the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Medicine from which it serves its over 250,000 students.
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#2. Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia
Address: Jl. Kapas No.9, Semaki, Kec. Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55166, Indonesia.
Acceptance Rate: 70-80%
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, or UAD began in 1994 as a private university in Indonesia. However, this Islamic college has a large student population of over 20,000 students. All of UAD’s programs have accreditation by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia.
You can take programs in virtually every field of study t UAD towards a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degree. Also, ranking as the 1,671st university in the world, UAD takes the second spot as our best Islamic college. AUD has all the popular academic faculties, including the Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.
#3. The Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine
Address: P.O. Box 108. Rimal St. Gaza City, Palestine.
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
When you mention university education in Palestine, this is the university that first comes to mind. The Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) began operation back in 1978. This Islamic college offers all kinds of degree, including diploma and short course certificate courses in almost all areas of study.
Ranking as the number one university in the country and the 1713th university in the world, IUG takes the third spot on our best Islamic colleges in the world chart. Also, the Islamic University of Gaza has accreditation by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Palestinian Territory, and a large student population of over 20,000 students.
#4. Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia
Address: P.O. Box 5701 Othman Ibn Affan St. Riyadh 11432. Saudi Arabia
Acceptance Rate: 70-80%
Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMAMU) is one of the oldest public universities in Saudi Arabia. It opened as a higher institution of learning in 1974 and has accreditation by the Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia. This is a large Muslim university with over 100,000 students.
Furthermore, IMAMU ranks 9th in the country in uniRank’s chart and 1,909 worldwide. This Islamic college offers various academic degrees in virtually all fields of study, making it one of the best Islamic schools on our list. Also, some of IMAMU’s popular colleges include the College of Engineering, College of Medicine, and the Judicial High Institute.
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#5. Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
Address: Avenue Abdelkrim Khattabi; Boîte Postale 511 Marrakech, Morroco.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed
Université Cadi Ayyad is one of the best colleges in Morocco. It ranks as the 2nd university in Morroco and the 2,014th university in the world, going by uniRank’s university ranking. This Islamic university in Morroco began in 1978 as a public university and it has a total student population of over 100,000 students.
Through its main campus in Marrakech and branch campus in Safi Kalaa Sraghana Saouira, Université Cadi Ayyad offers about any degree program you can think of. It has over 12 faculties, including the Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Multidisciplinary faculty.
Most importantly, Université Cadi Ayyad has accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Professional Training, Morocco to run its programs.
#6. Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi, Turkey
Address: Üniversite, Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Eczacılık Fakültesi, 61000 Ortahisar/Trabzon, Turkey.
Acceptance Rate: 10-20%
Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi (KTU) is one of the top universities in Turkey. This is an old public university has accreditation by YÖK – Council of Higher Education and has been running since 1955. KTU has over 45,000 students even though it is highly selective.
KTU ranks 25th in Turkey and 2,046 in the world, earning it the 6th spot on our list of best Islamic schools in the world.
At KTU you can grab an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or even Ph.D. degree in almost every area of study. What is more interesting is that this Muslim university provides scholarships and financial aid to its students.
#7. Aligarh Muslim University, India
Address: University Road Aligarh, 202 002 Uttar Pradesh, India.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed.
Aligarh Muslim University may not be one of the most popular universities in India, but it is one of the most comprehensive. This public higher education institution began in 1920 in the city of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. However, it has branch campuses in New Delhi, Agra, and Mathura, where it administers accredited programs to its students.
Aligarh Muslim University has accreditation by the University Grants Commission, India and a total student enrollment of over 9,000 students.
However, being a very old university, Aligarh Muslim University offers about every academic degree program both full-time and part-time. This Muslim university has over 12 faculties, including Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of International Studies, and the Faculty of Theology.
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#8. Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
Address: PO Box 3030 Irbid, 22110 Irbid, Jordan.
Acceptance Rate: 30-40%
Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) is a very popular university in Jordan. While it ranks second in the country, according to uniRank, it ranks 2,315 in the world.
Although JUST has a low admission rate, it offers some of the best degree programs in Jordan with accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Jordan.
Through its comprehensive faculties including, the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, and Faculty of Engineering, JUST provides for the academic needs of its over 25,000 students. Jordan University of Science and Technology is one of the best Islamic colleges in the world to acquire a science degree.
#9. Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Address: Prince Naif Ibn Abdulaziz Road, Al Jamiah; PO Box 170, Medina, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed.
The Islamic University of Medinah, IU, one of the very popular universities in the world. IU started operation in 1961 as a public higher institution in Saudi Arabia.
Although uniRank ranks this Muslim university as the 14th higher education institution in Saudi Arabia, it ranks 2,729 in the world, making it one of our best Islamic colleges.
Islamic University does not have a large total student enrollment and it doesn’t have so many program offerings. However, it has accreditation by the Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia and faculties including the Institute of Teaching Arabic for Non-Speakers, Secondary Institute, and Intermediate Institute.
#10. International Islamic University, Islamabad, Saudi Arabia
Address: PO Box 1243, Islamabad. H-10, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed.
International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) is one of Pakistan’s popular public universities. It ranks 10th in the country and 2,957th in the world. This is a comprehensive Muslim university offering programs towards a bachelor’s master’s, and doctorate degree.
Having accreditation by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, IIUI offers its over 28,000 students one of the best higher education programs in the world rooted in Islamic beliefs.
Some of the International Islamic University, Islamabad’s academic faculties include Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Sharia and Law, and Faculty of Islamic Studies. This is one of the colleges to attend to deepen your knowledge and love for the Islamic religion.
#11. Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
Address: PO Box 715, Makkah. 21421 Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed.
Umm Al-Qura University is another popular university in Saudi Arabia, ranking 3rd in the country on uniRank’s chart.
UniRank also ranks this Muslim university as the 881st university in the world, making it one of our best Islamic schools. However, this Islamic college offers only programs in a vast area of study towards a Bachelor’s degree.
Nonetheless, Umm Al-Qura University has accreditation Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia, and a large student population of over 30,000 students. With its over 12 faculties in diverse fields of study, including College of Education for Girls, Al Leith, and College of Computers, this is one of the best Islamic colleges to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
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#12. Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi, Turkey
Address: Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi Rektörlügü, Avsar Mah. Bati Çevreyolu Blv. No: 251/A, Onikisubat Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed.
Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi or Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam University is another popular Islamic university in Turkey. This public not for profit university began operation in 1992 and has accreditation by YÖK – Council of Higher Education, Turkey.
Additionally, Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi ranks 46th in the country and 3,136th university in the world, making it one of our best Islamic schools.
Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam Üniversitesi has a total student population of over 36,000 students and offers academic programs towards a university degree. However, most of Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam University’s programs are towards the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree.
#13. Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Jordan
Address: 33 Jordan Al-Salt. 19117 Balqa, Jordan.
Acceptance Rate: 70-80%
Al-Balqa’ Applied University (BAU) is a small public university in Jordan with a total student population of over 43,000 students. This Muslim university began in 1996 in Balqa.
However, it has a branch campus in Sareeh, Jordan. Al-Balqa’ Applied University is a popular Islamic school in Jordan, ranking 6th in the country and 4,416 in the world in uniRank’s best university ranking.
Furthermore, Al-Balqa’ Applied University has accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Jordan. BAU’s accreditation covers the university’s academic programs towards the attainment of a Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. degree.
Al-Balqa’s popular faculties include the Faculty of Engineering, Prince Abdullah Bin Ghazi Faculty for Information Technology, and Faculty of Planning and Management.
#14. Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
Address: Al Maarefah Rd, Jizan, Saudi Arabia.
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
Jazan university or JAZANU is a relatively new university, formed in 2005. It is a public university in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This Islamic college has accreditation by the Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabi and has a large student population of over 60,000 students.
This is definitely a university Saudi Arabians are attending. JAZANU ranks 21st in the country by uniRank and 4,483 in the world, making it one of our best Islamic universities in the world.
While JAZANU offers academic programs in every field of study, these programs are only towards an associate’s, certificate, diploma, and bachelor’s degree. This Islamic college does not offer graduate programs.
Nonetheless, it is an Islamic university where you can study about anything through its multiple faculties, including the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Jazan Community College, and Faculty of Medicine.
#15. Al-Azhar University, Egypt
Address: 1 Al Mokhaym Al Daem, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
Acceptance Rate: Not Disclosed.
Al-Azhar University is one of the most popular and best universities in Egypt. This public Islamic University began operation in 1962 and has accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education, Egypt.
Al-Azhar is Egypt’s oldest university and one of the oldest universities in the world. uniRank ranks Al-Azhar as 14th university in Egypt and 4,821 in the world, making it one of our best Islamic schools in the world.
Also, Al-Azhar is one of the old Muslim universities to transform to accommodate modern circular academic programs. Today, this prestigious Islamic university in Egypt offers bachelor’s, master’s, and a Ph.D. degree in a variety of disciplines.
Some of Al-Azhar’s popular faculties are the Faculty of Islam Studies, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Medicine, and Center for Heart Diseases and Surgery.
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Conclusion:
Islamic universities are not necessarily schools where you can study Islamic studies. Although in time past, that was how it was, in recent times, these universities offer courses in arts, science, social sciences, humanities, e.t.c.
They are just like universities and colleges everywhere with the aim of providing a quality education that will improve humanity. However, these universities are rich with Islamic history and culture, being that it is mostly Islamic countries that house them.
Consider any of our best 15 Islamic schools if you want a quality education entrenched in Islamic spirituality as well as a blissful fellowship in the Islamic community.
References:
- State University: Islam – History of Islamic Education, Aims and Objectives of Islamic Education.
- Oxford Islamic Studies Online: Islamic Universities and Their Global Outreach.
- Wikipedia: List of Islamic educational institutions.
- uniRank: Islamic Universities and Colleges.
- FactRetriever: 99 Interesting Islam Facts.
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