OVERVIEW
UPDATED 1425-8-11
Located
in the most virtuous of cities, Umm al-Qura University in
Makkah offers a chance for non-Arabic speakers, male or female,
to learn Arabic within a two-year intensive program. Upon
completing the initial studies in the Arabic Language Institute
with excellent grades (80% average or higher), the student
earns the opportunity to take an entrance exam apply to study
in one of the colleges of Umm Al-Qura University. If students
do not qualify, the 'Arabic Institute provides a chance for
them to broaden their studies in 'Arabic, specializing in
teaching 'Arabic with a two-year and four-year program.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR ADMISSION
UPDATED 1425-8-11
To
be considered for admission at Umm al-Qura University, applicants
should be 25 years old or younger with a high school diploma
and generally good grades (80% or higher). Their application
must include photographs, copies of passport, birth and health
certificates, high school transcripts and a copy of the diploma,
all verified by the Saudi Embassy of their country. Also -
letters of recommendation from known Islamic organizations
or personalities, a 75-word essay about their goals for studying
Arabic, and female applicants must present proof of
a male family member currently living in Makkah, if they are
not applying along with their spouse or brother.
New
Condition: All applicants to Umm al-Qura University's
Arabic Program must first be approved by their own country's
"Ministry of Education". Enquiries about this should
be directed to the Saudi Embassy of the applicant's country.
Applications are no longer being accepted at the university
itself in Makkah. All applicants must apply through the Saudi
Embassy in their country. Additionally, further conditions
may apply as stipulated by the Saudi Embassy in the applicant's
country. So for the most accurate and up-to-date information
about what is required for one's application, applicants should
contact the nearest Saudi Embassy in their country.
UPDATE:
It seems most applicants from many countries are being exempted
from this, at least for the submission of the application.
Applications are being submitted once again at the university
for all countries. [1427-01-02]
ESTIMATED
COSTS AND LIVING EXPENSES
Tuition
is free. The school provides the students with a monthly salary
of SR 840 (about $225), a round-trip plane ticket yearly,
discounted meals, and free housing (for single students only).
A single student should bring at least $500 initially to cover
expenses until the salary starts to come (it takes a few months
usually). After that, the monthly salary is sufficient for
single students living in the dormitory. Married students
who have children should bring much more money initially and
expect their living expenses to be $6,000 to $12,000 yearly,
depending on their standard of living, number of children,
etc.
TIPS
FROM FORMER OR CURRENT STUDENTS
"The
school reviews applications in the winter between semesters.
Usually the selected students would begin their studies in
the Spring semester of the following year. They usually can
only accept two or three new American and British students
each year, so don't depend greatly on being accepted. What
I mean is - Submit your application and continue on with your
life."
APPLICATION
UPDATED
1425-8-11
We
now have an
application to Umm Al-Qura right here on bakkah.net!
You may print it, fill it out, and get in touch with the Saudi
Embassy of your country to make sure you have all the requirements
needed.
CONTACT
INFORMATION
You
can try to e-mail, phone, or fax them, but be patient:
Phone
/ fax: (011 from U.S.) 966 2 556 2525
E-mail:
arabic@uqu.edu.sa
Or
you may contact a student currently enrolled at the university,
using one of the following emails:
Regarding
the Arabic Language Institute:
MEN:
UQU-arabic@bakkah.net
WOMEN: UQU-arabic-women@bakkah.net
Regarding
the Islamic colleges (BA level):
MEN:
UQU@bakkah.net
WOMEN: UQU-women@bakkah.net
IMPORTANT
NOTICE: Bakkah.net provides information about studying
at Umm al-Qura and other universities, however Bakkah.net
is not affiliated with any of the universities or their administrations.
This
article was taken from BAKKAHnet (www.bakkah.net)
