Why would you choose to study at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)? There around 64 accredited universities in Malaysia and let alone the tens of thousands of other universities all over the world! Honestly speaking, IIUM is NOT a combination of, say, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Al-Madinah International University, as some people think! But still it is one of the most acclaimed and well-known Universities all over the world. So, what makes it so popular and beloved among the locals and internationals?

Garden of Knowledge and Virtue:

We are all familiar with the saying “First impression is the Best impression” but you will truly perceive and appreciate the meaning of this at IIUM! Even before you have entered inside the University campus, as you approach the vicinity of IIUM, you will be greeted with breathtaking mountains and lush greeneries. You might reach there by ride sharing, public transports or your own transportation, and as you will drive through the winding roads among the tall trees, the view of the University will slowly unfold in front of your eyes. Finally, you will need to make a left turn to proceed towards the Grand Main Entrance!

The motto of International Islamic University Malaysia is “Garden of Knowledge and Virtue” and once you are inside the campus you will affirm that as you notice the following:

  • The whole campus is in a valley surrounded by scenic mountains
  • The sidewalks are beautified with rows of West Indian Jasmine plants
  • The soothing sound of the rivers flowing gently
  • Majestic trees and vast open spaces
  • An overall reinvigorating environment with fresh air and pleasant smell
  • Birds flying around freely and singing a sweet song
  • Beautiful Architecture which doesn’t obstruct nor disturb the natural beauty, rather complements it!
  • And Amiable people who will greet you with a smile and words of peace!

You will fall in love the moment you are inside the campus, as did thousands of students over the years!

About International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM):

As you enter IIUM through the Main Gate, the first structures that will catch your eyes are the IIUM fountain and the majestic administrative building, known as the Rectory in honor of the Rector’s office being located there. Before we talk about the other structures let us dive into the history and other information of IIUM in brief.

IIUM is a quite young University as it has started its journey in 1983 on a 700-acre land at Gombak of the Selangor district of Malaysia. It is a public University and is also sponsored by the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Gombak Campus is around 20 km away from Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) and is the headquarter, while it has six other campuses all over Malaysia.

The-then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad made the decision to establish an Islamic University in Malaysia and on 1983, several countries from the Organizations of Islamic Conference (O.I.C) agreed to co-sponsor the establishment of this University. An on 10th May 1983, International Islamic University of Malaysia was officially established! And it started the academic journey on 15th July 1983 with 153 students.

IIUM uses English, Arabic and Malay as the medium of instruction and it integrates Islamic Values, Worldviews and even Soft Skills into its curricula. This is also reflected into the architecture, philosophy, logo and other sectors of IIUM and that is, to restore the roles of Muslims in education and knowledge creation and acquisition and to contribute to the improvement of quality of life for all mankind.

Not only academic excellence, the University also emphasizes on the good characters of students and has both academic courses and general practices to ensure that the students responsible, has good ethics and moral values, has outstanding interpersonal skills, managerial skills and leadership characteristics.

The Philosophy of International Islamic University of Malaysia is based on the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq

            “Recite in the name of your Lord who created –

            Created man from a clinging substance.

            Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous –

            Who taught by the pen –

            Taught man that which he knew not.”

The Philosophy of IIUM states that, knowledge must be acquired, internalized and disseminated or shared in the name of Allah (SWT). Knowledge based upon the harmony of revelation and reason would surely elevate anyone to a position of honor and high status.

After the four years of its journey, since 1987, IIUM has produced more than 80,000 graduates and undergraduates from more than 100 countries around the world. In the present, around 4000 students enroll each year from all over the world, from Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Germany, Turkey, Finland, China, South Korea, Japan, India, United States of America, Kashmir, Russia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, and the Philippines and many more!

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) At a Glance:

  • Established: 1983
  • Highlighted Campuses: IIUM Main Campus, Gombak; IIUM Matriculation Centre, Petaling Jaya; Kuliyyah of Medicine, Kuantan; International Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), Damansara Heights, KL
  • Faculties: Law, Economics and Management Sciences, Centre for Education and Human Development, Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Design, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Science, Information and Communication Technology, Allied Health Science
  • Student population: Approximately 15,000
  • Academic and administrative staff: Approximately 2,500
  • Accommodation: 15 hostels 7 hostels for males 8 hostels for females
  • Fees: Social science and humanities: RM 9,000 – 10,000; Engineering and architecture: RM 15,000 -16,000; Health Sciences and medicine: RM 15,000 -40,000 *per academic year
  • Entrance fee: RM 660
  • Placement test: RM 100 (English) RM 100 (Arabic)
  • Language courses offered at the Centre For Language: RM 600 per course per level.
  • Personal bond: depending on the country of origin (ranging from RM 200 to RM 2000)
  • Minimum entry qualification: A-Level or General Certificate of Education or their equivalents.
  • Website: http://www.iium.edu.my
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur
  • Phone: (+603) 6421 6421
  • Fax: (+603) 6196 4053
  • Email Address: webmaster@iium.edu.my

Academics and Other Facilities:

As discussed earlier, International Islamic University of Malaysia incorporates both, Islamic Values and Modern Developments into its Academics. Based on these principles, IIUM has 14 Faculties which are called Kulliyyah (Arabic term for Faculty).

Some of the Major Kulliyyahs Are:

  • Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL)
  • Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED)
  • Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS)
  • Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS)
  • Kulliyyah of Engineering (KOE)
  • Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS)

And a very scenic Faculty on top of the hill, Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT)

Apart from the regular courses, students are also required to take several secondary courses, which comprises of soft skills, foreign language courses, social skills, leadership courses, religious and ethical courses, sports and recreation and much more.

There is a huge library in the middle of the campus with a rich collection of resources, and on top of that, laboratories, workshops, study rooms, IT rooms, Research Labs and much more are located at convenient spots in every department.

Another notable thing about IIUM is that there is flexibility to take any courses in the universities regardless of the previous studies and to assist that there are options to take pre-qualification courses and sit for such exams in order assess oneself. There are also counsellors who will assist you throughout your academic life and provide valuable advices, guidance and inspirations.

On top of that, there are English language courses for beginners so that students from any backgrounds, country or language can learn without any difficulties.    

Campus Life of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM):

The Campus Life of International Islamic University Malaysia is organized in such a way that the students feel at home. The Academic Building are arranged at the center surrounding the main administrative building, the Central Masjid and the Cultural Activity Center. The perimeter is lined with the hostels, or ‘Mahallahs’ as referred by everyone at IIUM and the boys’ Mahallahs are at one side while the girls’ on the other. Each Mahallah has its own Prayer Rooms, Cafeterias, Meeting Rooms, Laundries, Convenience Stores, Football Courts and many more. There are two separate stadiums with swimming pools and gymnasiums.

From the time you wake up until bedtime, every passing moment is a unique experience for someone staying in IIUM. You will wake up with the singing of birds and the gentle cool breeze of the mountain valley. You will breath in fresh air to get revitalized and start your day. The Cafeterias start serving delicious food from the early morning. You will be greeted by the amiable and smiling people wherever you go. The main campus will be bustling with activities from the morning, including the regular classes, seminars, fairs, student stalls, live shows, workshops, cultural events and what not! At night the students can relax a bit in their comfortable rooms, or can stroll around in the nature, go to the stadiums or even hangout with friends in the cafeterias.

A place is not alive without its people, and the residents of the Islamic International University Malaysia are helpful, kind, amiable and lively who will never let you spend a monotonous or depressing time there. The Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Central Masjid unites everyone five times and especially on Fridays it is overflowing with people from all countries, races and backgrounds. The numerous Musollahs or Suraus all over the campus will never let you miss a prayer in congregation wherever you are.

The cafes and canteens serve varieties of unique and healthy cuisine from all over the globe. You will get the chance to taste the Turkish Shwarma, the Syrian Rice, Indian Biriyani and Pakistani Nan and Karahi Gost, Malaysian Nasi Lemak and Bangladeshi Khicuri, Apart from that you will also get Western food, Sudanese and Somalian Food, and Yemeni food; one can never get fed up of the food here and you will never miss your country food as well! People from all over Kuala Lumpur, even from other Universities visit IIUM just for its food! And the convenience stores have a wide assortment of products to choose from, almost everything will be within hand’s reach.

The students’ residential colleges in IIUM are also known as Mahallah, which is Arabic for ‘neighbourhood’. IIUM’s mahallahs are self-contained not only with services but also activities, and are named after the leading companions of the Prophet s.a.w and the female Mujahidah and Syuhada.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Student’s Accommodation:

Single Room:

  • Specifically catered for postgraduate students who are considered matured and require more privacy
  • Undergraduate students may also apply if vacancies are available,
  • Rental rate for IIUM students is RM 7.00/day/person

4 person-sharing Room:

  • The room accommodates four students in a compartmentalized unit. Although the four students are sharing a common door to the unit, each student is actually has his own private space/compartment for the sake of privacy.
  • Each compartment is provided with a single bed, study table and chair, cupboard, bookshelf or bookrack
  • Rental rate for IIUM students is RM 3.50/day/person

Elite Room (for male and female students):

  • Standard room (RM510/ month)
    • attached bathroom with hot shower
    • air conditioning
    • standard bedroom set
    • single sofa & coffee table
    • pantry & coin operated laundry (common facilities)
    • Note: Quoted rental rate excludes electricity charges.
  • Upgraded room (RM600/month)

Adds to the existing room:

    • TV, Mini refrigerator
    • bedding set / duvet & bed sheet
    • electric kettle
    • drinking set
    • pantry & coin operated laundry (common facilities)

Final Words About International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM):

So, yes! The International Islamic University of Malaysia might not be in the top ten in QS University Ranking List, but it sure stands out among Thousand other Universities. The welcoming and kind people, the natural beauty, the homely and peaceful environment all provides a unique experience for each and everyone. Once you visit the University campus, you will have to agree that a lot of painters, artists, photographers, poets and/or writers can emerge from IIUM! Every moment here is worth living and worth experiencing!

Referring to the theme song of IIUM, “Together, we make the world a better place!” I would like to end on the note, that IIUM is place for integrity, cooperation and compassion and an inspiration to have Robust Hope about Life!

Admission Requirements for International Students:

General Requirements:

The general academic requirements for admission into undergraduate degree programmes of IIUM are:

  • At least three (3) principal passes in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A) Level Examination (UK Educational System) obtained in one sitting OR
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) with a minimum of six (6) subjects obtained in one sitting OR
  • Any other qualifications that are recognized by the Senate of the University as equivalent to the above.

Applicants must also have the following subjects taken at the above mentioned examinations (A level, IB or any other equivalent certificates):

  • Mathematics (for applicants to all undergraduate programmes offered except for Bachelor of Arabic).
  • Two other subjects in the intended field of study.

The University will determine the merit and suitability of the applicant’s academic grades received from their home country. The University reserves the right to determine an alternative relevant subject to Mathematics in case that the applicant has not taken the subject in his/her examinations.

Specific Requirements:

Bachelor of Medicine and Pharmacy Requirements:

In addition to the above qualifications, applicants for the MBBS and Pharmacy programme must also have at least three principal passes in the GCE ‘A’ Level examination or equivalents in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics. At the moment the University may consider applicants for MBBS with a full scholarship from their own governments.

Bachelor of Engineering Requirements:

Applicants to the undergraduate programme in Engineering must also have three principal passes including two (2) in Mathematics and Physics. The third subject may be chosen from other Science subjects, which may include Additional Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology.

Application via Online Registration

Steps involving Online registration:

  • Fill in the On-Line Application Form
  • Submit Online
  • Pay the processing fee
  • Submit the Documents

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Recognition & Achievements:

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) students participate regularly in international competitions and have done the university proud by winning several honours over the years. Among the other more recent achievements of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) are :

  • The Alona Evens Award at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Washington
  • Runner up in Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (Washington D.C. – 2005)
  • Best oralist in Philip C. Jessup International Law
  • Champion (ESL Category) in the Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championship (New Zealand – 2006)
  • Champion (ESL Category) in the 27th World Debating Championship (Canada – 2007)
  • Overall Best Speaker (ESL Category) in the 27th World Debating Championship (Canada – 2007)
  • Besides excelling academically, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) students also shine in sports, where they won several medals at the recent Asean University Games.
  • The Malaysian Business Week magazine has once ranked International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as the Number One University in Malaysia for the professionalism and ethical conduct of its graduates after conducting a survey on their job performance
  • Champion (Nusantara category), Pidato Bahasa Melayu Antarabangsa (2 – 5 March 2010)
  • Top Ten Best Speaker, United Asian Intervarsity Debating Championship (12 – 19 May 2010)
  • Champion, ASEAN Arabic Debating Championship (30 July – 3 August 2010)
  • 1st Runner-up, ASEAN Arabic Debating Championship (30 July – 3 August 2010)
  • Champion, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Debate Open (13 – 15 August 2010)
  • Overall Best Speaker, IIUM Debate Open (13 – 15 August 2010)
  • Best Speaker Final, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Debate Open (13 – 15 August 2010)
  • 1st Runner-up, OIC Intervarsity Debating Championship (14 – 19 December 2010)