Fully Funded IICO Kuwait University Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027
Organization: International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) & Kuwait University
Host country: Kuwait
Degree level: Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: Open / Rolling
Fields of study: Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Hadith, Quranic Exegesis (Tafsir), Arabic Language and Literature, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology
The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) in collaboration with Kuwait University offers fully funded scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship supports outstanding students to pursue postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD) across various disciplines including Sharia, Arts, Engineering, and Sciences. It provides comprehensive support including full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their academic and research commitments.
Benefits
100% full coverage of university tuition fees
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
Accommodation provided for international students
Comprehensive health insurance
Airfare support (implied by standard fully funded structures, though specific ticket details require confirmation with IICO)
Eligibility
Must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized academic institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent 'Very Good' grade)
PhD candidates must hold a Master's degree
Must demonstrate proficiency in the Arabic language
Sharia applicants must memorize specific portions of the Holy Quran (e.g., 8 sections for Master's; from Al-Isra to Fatir for PhD)
Must pass written and oral exams in Quran and specialization subjects with at least 70% to qualify for an interview (for Sharia)
Must be completely dedicated to full-time study for the duration of the program
Must be free from physical disabilities (for applicants outside Kuwait)
Requirements
English proficiency for Engineering/Science: Minimum TOEFL score of 500 or IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
English/French proficiency for Arts/Sharia: Specific TOEFL/IELTS/DELF scores depending on the exact program
Two academic recommendation letters written on official institutional letterhead
Medical certificate confirming the applicant is free from infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Leprosy)
Clean criminal record certificate (police clearance)
Required Documents
Certified Bachelor's and/or Master's degree certificates and final official transcripts
Proof of Arabic language proficiency
Valid passport copy (valid for at least three years)
Six (6) recent passport-sized photos with a blue background (4x6 cm)
Civil ID copy (for applicants residing inside Kuwait)
Birth certificate
Two academic recommendation letters
Medical certificate and Police clearance (both properly certified/legalized)
Valid language proficiency certificates (TOEFL/IELTS/DELF)
Programs of Study
Master's in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh
PhD in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh
Master's in Hadith and its Sciences
PhD in Hadith and its Sciences
Master's in Tafsir and Quranic Sciences
Master's in Arabic Language and Literature (Language and Syntax)
PhD in Arabic Language and Literature (Language and Syntax)
Master's in Chemical, Petroleum, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering
Master's in Microbiology and Biotechnology
Application Process
Ensure all academic certificates and transcripts are officially certified by the relevant authorities (Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Kuwaiti Embassy)
If your certificates are not in Arabic, they must be accompanied by certified Arabic translations
Submit the application through the designated IICO portal
Wait for nomination by the organization, followed by official acceptance from Kuwait University
Upon arrival in Kuwait, candidates will undergo a mandatory medical examination
How to Apply
For the College of Arts, you cannot apply for a PhD in Literature and Criticism if your Master's degree is in Language and Grammar
Ensure that all personal data exactly matches across your academic certificates, passport, and birth certificate to avoid disqualification
If you fail the medical examination upon arriving in Kuwait, you will be sent back to your home country
Selection Process
Initial screening of documents and verification of minimum GPA and language requirements
For Sharia applicants, passing written and oral exams in the Quran and specialization subjects is mandatory
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview to determine final selection
Final admission is contingent upon receiving an official acceptance letter from Kuwait University