STUDYING AT ISTAC-IIUM

An introduction to study, inquiry, and life at the Institute

DOMAINS OF KNOWLEDGE
Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Thought and Civilisation
RESEARCH ONLY
The aim of the Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Thought and Civilisation (Research) programme is to produce graduates with advanced, comprehensive and integrated knowledge, and who are highly critical, with skills and attitudes suited to becoming researchers, teachers, and practitioners in Islamic Thought and Civilisational studies within both local and international contexts.
Course Period 3 Years
Start Date October 2026
EXPLORE
Master of Arts in Islamic Thought and Civilisation
RESEARCH / MIXED MODE
The aim of the Master of Arts in Islamic Thought and Civilisation programme is to produce graduates with scientific, comprehensive and integrated knowledge, skills and attitudes suited to becoming researchers, teachers, and practitioners in Islamic Thought and Civilisational studies within both local and international contexts.
Course Period 2–4 Years
Start Date October 2026
EXPLORE
The Path to Admission
Applications remain open throughout the year, inviting prospective students to begin their academic journey at ISTAC–IIUM at a time most suited to their circumstances.
Next Intake October 2026
Application Deadline 21 August 2026
Successful applicants will be enrolled in the next available semester. All applications to postgraduate programmes at IIUM, including ISTAC, are to be submitted through the official online admissions portal.
Application Steps
A GUIDED PROCESS
1. Submit Your Application
Access the IIUM E-Admission Portal:
eadmission.iium.edu.my
2. Consult the Application Guide
Refer to the E-Admission Manual Guide for step-by-step assistance throughout the submission process: [Click Here]
Visual Guide: [Click Here]

3. Enquiries and Assistance
International Admissions
pgint_admissions@iium.edu.my

Local Admissions
pgadmissions@iium.edu.my
POSTGRADUATE-ADMISSION-POSTER
Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Thought and Civilisation

(Research)
Course Period 3 Years
Start Date N/A
Average Fee (per semester)
Malaysian RM 2,737.50
International RM 5,185.00
Master of Arts in Islamic Thought
and Civilisation

(Research / Mixed Mode)
Course Period 2 – 4 Years
Start Date N/A
Average Fee (per semester)
Malaysian RM 1,587.50
International RM 4,185.00
ISTAC Scholarship Fund for Excellent Students (I-SET)
  1. Excellent students are instrumental in building an excellent postgraduate research environment. IIUM produces many excellent students who were listed in the Dean’s list and won subject awards every year.
  2. Scholarship opportunities meant for excellent local students are very limited and most of the local talents end up enrolling in other universities pursuing their postgraduate studies. As a result, IIUM lost best and talented students to other institutions.
  3. ISTAC is planning to attract these top performers, from IIUM as well as from other universities, to continue their PG programmes in ISTAC. This could be made possible by offering attractive scholarships to these excellent students.

How to apply?
Please email pgistac@iium.edu.my to apply for the I-Set.
  1. Graduates of an undergraduate programme with a first class or with a minimum CGPA of 3.5
  2. Master holders of CGPA 3.7 or a First Class or its equivalent.
  3. Citizen of Malaysia.
  4. Applying for a Ph.D. or Master program in ISTAC.
  5. Non-recipients of any other scholarships or grant, with a contractual obligation on the part of the applicant.
  6. Not more than 30 years (Master) and 35 years (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) of age during application.
  7. In excellent health condition and certified by a Certified Doctor/Medical Professional. The cost of medical examination is to be borne by the applicants.
  8. Has written a research proposal that is relevant to the field of ISTAC niche areas.
  9. Has applied for and gained admission to an IIUM postgraduate and post-doctoral studies.
  1. The scholarship holder must undertake a full-time study for postgraduate in IIUM. It is the responsibility of the scholarship holders to obtain an admission into IIUM.
  2. The scholarship holders must not change their programme during the tenure of the scholarship except with written permission from IIUM.
  3. The scholarship holder must follow the approved programmes and abide by IIUM’s rules, regulations and codes of conduct.
  4. Any suspension from IIUM will results in immediate suspension of award. Monthly allowances are not payable during suspension, including suspension due to illness.
  5. The scholarship holder must maintain satisfactory progress and good standing in their study as stipulated by IIUM, otherwise their scholarship will be withdrawn.
  6. The scholarships are tenable in IIUM only.
Duration:
The period of sponsorship is 2 years for a Master Degree and 3 years for a Doctoral Degree.

Items Covered:
  1. Tuition fees per semester
  2. Recurrent Fees
  3. Hostel Fees
  4. Allowance
  5. Entrance Fees (one off)
  6. Evaluation Fees (one off)
No. Items Covered Ph.D (RM) Master (RM)
1 Tuition Fees per semester 1,750.00 650
2 Recurrent Fees 302.50 302.50
3 Hostel Fees 1212.50 1212.50
4 Estimated Scholarship Value per Semester 3,265.00 2,165.00
5 Estimated Total Scholarship Value 3,265.00 x 6 semesters = 19,590.00 2,165.00 x 4 semesters = 8,660.00
6 Estimated Allowance per Semester 2,000.00 1,000.00
7 Estimated Total Allowance Value 2,000.00 x 36 months = 72,000.00 1,000.00 x 24 months = 24,000.00
8 Entrance fee (one-off) 710.00 710.00
9 Evaluation Fee (one-off) 1,000.00 1,000.00
10 Estimated Overall Scholarship Value 93,300.00 34,370.00

A range of on-campus residential options is available to support both short- and long-term stays within the ISTAC environment:

  • Two-bedroom apartments for students and staff, designed for comfortable shared living
  • Three-bedroom duplex apartments for staff, offering more spacious residential arrangements
  • Two duplex apartments and one simplex apartment are available for daily rental, suited for short-term stays
  • One three-room VIP suite is reserved for guests, providing a private and refined accommodation setting

THE NEAREST RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING AREA, CLINIC/HOSPITAL TO BE INCLUDED