Umm Al-Qura University

Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), located in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a prominent institution of higher education with roots tracing back to 1949. Originally established as the College of Sharia, it expanded significantly and was renamed in 1981, becoming a comprehensive university offering a wide array of programs. UQU plays a vital role in both traditional Islamic education and modern scientific disciplines, attracting a diverse student body from around the globe.

Academics

UQU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across numerous faculties, including Sharia and Islamic Studies, Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Medicine, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, Business Administration, and Education. While Arabic is the primary language of instruction, particularly in Islamic studies, many science and postgraduate programs are offered in English to accommodate international students. The university is recognized for its strong emphasis on research, especially in areas related to Islam, history, and regional culture. UQU is actively involved in multidisciplinary research, with faculty members working on various industry and government-funded projects.

International Students

Umm Al-Qura University is committed to fostering an attractive educational and cultural environment for international students, promoting cultural diversity, and enhancing Arabic language skills among students globally. The university offers various scholarships for both internal (non-Saudi residents with legal residency) and external (non-Saudi citizens residing outside the Kingdom) students at the bachelor's and master's levels. These scholarships can be fully funded, covering tuition, providing a monthly stipend, free accommodation, annual round-trip airfare, and health insurance. For admission, international students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and for English-taught programs, a TOEFL score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5 is usually required.

Campus & Location

Situated in Mecca, Umm Al-Qura University holds a unique and significant position in the Islamic world. The university's location provides international students with an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion and spiritual enrichment. Mecca itself offers a vibrant city life with various attractions, including the Makkah Mall and Al-Rajhi Mosque. The university has multiple campuses, including those in Qunfudah, Al-Leith, and Jamoum.

Career Outcomes

Umm Al-Qura University is dedicated to preparing its graduates for the labor market through various initiatives. The university's Office of Alumni and Career Skills Development connects graduates with job opportunities and provides information on training and employment in both public and private sectors. UQU also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, with its innovation ecosystem, Wadi Makkah, investing in early-stage startups that address real-world challenges. The university's Career and Innovation Forum brings together governmental, private, and non-profit sectors to create suitable job opportunities and offers training courses and workshops to equip graduates with essential skills for the job market.