📢 Al-Azhar University Scholarships 2026 | Bachelor's in Shari'ah Sciences | 50 Scholarships for Pakistani Students | HEC & Embassy of Egypt | Islamic Studies/Shahadat-ul-Alamiya/Dars-e-Nizami | Fully Funded | Egypt | Apply Online + Hard Copies | Deadline: 29 June 2026
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🏛️ About Al-Azhar University
Al-Azhar University, located in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious institutions of Islamic learning. Founded in 970 AD, Al-Azhar has been a beacon of Islamic scholarship for over a millennium — serving as the foremost authority on Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, theology, Arabic language, and Qur'anic sciences. The university is recognized globally for its rigorous academic programmes in Shari'ah Sciences, Islamic Studies, and related disciplines, attracting students from across the Muslim world.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in coordination with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Islamabad, is pleased to announce that Al-Azhar University has increased the number of scholarships for Pakistani students from 30 to 50 for admission to the Bachelor's Program in Shari'ah Sciences (Islamic Studies). This prestigious, fully funded scholarship opportunity enables Pakistani students to pursue undergraduate studies at one of the world's leading institutions of Islamic learning — continuing a historic tradition of Pakistani scholars studying at Al-Azhar.
📊 Scholarship Overview — Al-Azhar University 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt |
| Program | Bachelor's Program in Shari'ah Sciences (Islamic Studies) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded (Government of Egypt Scholarship) |
| Total Scholarships | 50 (Increased from 30 — 20 additional seats!) |
| Announced By | Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan & Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt |
| Eligible Nationals | Pakistani and AJK (Azad Jammu & Kashmir) nationals |
| Eligible Academic Background | Shari'ah Sciences, Islamic Studies, Shahadat-ul-Alamiya, Dars-e-Nizami, or equivalent Islamic studies disciplines |
| Last Date | 29 June 2026 |
| Apply Method | Online (Al-Azhar Portal) + Hard Copies (2 Sets) to HEC Islamabad |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria — Detailed Breakdown
- Nationality: Must be a Pakistani or AJK (Azad Jammu & Kashmir) national.
- Academic Background (CRITICAL): Must possess educational qualifications in Shari'ah Sciences, Islamic Studies, Shahadat-ul-Alamiya, Dars-e-Nizami, or other equivalent Islamic studies disciplines recognized by the relevant authorities.
- This includes students who have completed:
- Secondary School Certificate (SSC) with Islamic Studies/Shari'ah background
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC/Intermediate) with Islamic Studies/Shari'ah background
- Shahadat-ul-Alamiya degree from recognized Pakistani madaris/boards
- Dars-e-Nizami qualification from recognized institutions
- Bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies, Shari'ah, or related disciplines
- This includes students who have completed:
- NOT Eligible: Applicants holding qualifications in disciplines other than Islamic Studies or Shari'ah Sciences are not eligible for this scholarship program. This includes students with backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, business, computer science, or general arts without Islamic Studies specialization.
- Admission Requirements: Must fulfill the admission requirements prescribed by Al-Azhar University and the relevant authorities of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
- Complete Application: Must submit complete application documents before the prescribed deadline.
📄 Required Documents — Complete Checklist
Interested candidates are required to submit clear print copies of the following documents in either Arabic or English:
| # | Document | Attestation Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secondary School Certificate (SSC) | IBCC + Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) |
| 2 | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) OR Bachelor's Degree | HEC + Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) |
| 3 | Academic Transcripts / Result Cards | As applicable |
| 4 | Six (6) Passport-Size Photographs | — |
| 5 | Birth Certificate | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) |
| 6 | Valid Passport Copy | — |
| 7 | Character Certificate | — |
| 8 | Medical Certificate | — |
| 9 | No Objection Certificate (NOC) — if employed | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) |
| 10 | Admission Form (from online portal) | — |
| 11 | Endorsement Form for Islamic Missions | — |
🌐 Application Procedure — Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Apply Online at Al-Azhar University's International Students Portal
Visit https://international.azu.edu.eg/ and complete the online application process through Al-Azhar University's International Students Portal.
For detailed application procedure and guidelines, visit: https://azharegypt.edu.eg/?p=1323
Step 2: Download and Print the Application Form
After submitting your online application, download and print the application form.
Step 3: Prepare the Complete Set of Required Documents
Gather all required documents as listed above. Ensure all attestations (IBCC, HEC, MOFA) are complete and clearly visible. Documents should be copied from both front and back — attestation stamps must be clearly visible.
Step 4: Make 2 Complete Sets of Photocopies
Make 2 complete sets of photocopies of your documents. Each set should be complete and organized.
Step 5: Submit Hard Copies to the Address Below
Submit the 2 sets of hard copies to:
Plot # 38-51, UN Boulevard, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5/4, Islamabad.
Step 6: Submit Before Deadline
All applications and hard copies must reach before 29 June 2026. Incomplete applications and applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
📝 Important Notes & Tips for Applicants
- Dual Submission Required: You must BOTH complete the online application AND submit 2 sets of hard copies to the Islamabad address. Missing either = rejection.
- Document Language: All documents must be in Arabic or English. Documents in Urdu or other languages must be translated.
- Attestation Visibility: Photocopy both front AND back of documents. IBCC and MOFA attestation stamps must be clearly visible.
- Apply Early: The advertisement strongly encourages submitting complete applications well before the deadline. Attestations (IBCC, HEC, MOFA) can take time — start the process immediately.
- Only Islamic Studies Background Eligible: Students from science, engineering, medical, business, or general arts backgrounds without Islamic Studies specialization are not eligible.
- Contact for Queries: Email loa@hec.gov.pk for any questions.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Announcement by Embassy of Egypt | 19 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Online + Hard Copies | 29 June 2026 |
🌟 Why Choose Al-Azhar University?
- World's Oldest Islamic University: Study at an institution with over 1,000 years of Islamic scholarly tradition — founded in 970 AD.
- Fully Funded Scholarship: Tuition, living expenses, and other costs covered by the Government of Egypt scholarship.
- 50 Scholarships Available: Increased from 30 to 50 — more opportunities for Pakistani students.
- Authentic Islamic Learning: Study Shari'ah Sciences at the most authoritative Sunni institution in the world.
- Global Network: Join a worldwide community of Al-Azhar alumni — including scholars, imams, judges, and academics across the Muslim world.
- Career Pathways: Al-Azhar graduates pursue careers as Islamic scholars, Shari'ah advisors, university professors, judges in Islamic courts, researchers, and religious leaders.
💡 Expert Tips for Applicants
- Start Attestation Process IMMEDIATELY: IBCC, HEC, and MOFA attestations can take 1-2 weeks. Begin the process today — do not wait until the last week.
- Prepare Documents in Arabic or English: If your documents are in Urdu, arrange certified translations before submitting.
- Make Clear Photocopies: Both front and back. Attestation stamps must be clearly visible on the photocopies.
- Organize 2 Complete Sets: Each set should contain all 11 document types in the correct order. Use paper clips or folders — do not staple.
- Verify Eligibility Before Applying: If you do not have an Islamic Studies/Shari'ah background, you are not eligible. Do not apply.
- Contact HEC for Queries: Email loa@hec.gov.pk if you have questions about attestation, eligibility, or the application process.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying Without Islamic Studies Background: Students from science, engineering, medical, or general arts backgrounds are NOT eligible.
- Missing Attestations: SSC must have IBCC + MOFA. HSC/Bachelor's must have HEC + MOFA. Missing stamps = rejection.
- Online Only OR Hard Copy Only: Both are required. Single-method applications will not be considered.
- Only 1 Set of Photocopies: You must submit 2 complete sets.
- Unclear Photocopies: If attestation stamps are not visible, documents will be rejected.
- Late Submission: 29 June is the firm deadline. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the last date?
A: 29 June 2026 for both online application and hard copy submission. - Q: How many scholarships are available?
A: 50 scholarships (increased from 30). - Q: Is this a fully funded scholarship?
A: Yes. It is a fully funded scholarship by the Government of Egypt. - Q: Can science students apply?
A: No. Only students with Shari'ah Sciences, Islamic Studies, Shahadat-ul-Alamiya, Dars-e-Nizami, or equivalent Islamic studies background are eligible. - Q: Do I need to submit both online and hard copies?
A: Yes. Both online application AND 2 sets of hard copies are required. - Q: Where do I submit hard copies?
A: Plot # 38-51, UN Boulevard, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5/4, Islamabad. - Q: What attestations are required?
A: SSC: IBCC + MOFA. HSC/Bachelor's: HEC + MOFA. Birth Certificate & NOC: MOFA. - Q: In what language should documents be?
A: Arabic or English. Urdu documents must be translated. - Q: Who can I contact for queries?
A: Email loa@hec.gov.pk. - Q: Is there an age limit?
A: The advertisement does not specify an age limit. Check Al-Azhar University's admission requirements.
🏁 Final Words
The Al-Azhar University Scholarship for Pakistani Students 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Shari'ah Sciences at the world's oldest and most respected Islamic university. With 50 scholarships available — a significant increase from the previous 30 — Pakistani students with backgrounds in Islamic Studies, Shahadat-ul-Alamiya, or Dars-e-Nizami have an excellent chance of selection. The application process requires both online submission and 2 sets of hard copies with proper attestations (IBCC, HEC, MOFA). The deadline is 29 June 2026. Begin your attestation process immediately, prepare your documents, and submit your application well before the deadline. For queries, contact loa@hec.gov.pk. 🇵🇰
🕌 Al-Azhar University Scholarships 2026 — 50 Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students! Bachelor's Program in Shari'ah Sciences (Islamic Studies). Eligible: Shari'ah Sciences, Islamic Studies, Shahadat-ul-Alamiya, Dars-e-Nizami background. Online Application + 2 Sets of Hard Copies. Attestations: IBCC, HEC, MOFA. Submit hard copies to: Plot # 38-51, UN Boulevard, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5/4, Islamabad. Deadline: 29 June 2026. Queries: loa@hec.gov.pk. 🇵🇰
🌐 Apply Online — Al-Azhar Portal 📋 Application Guidelines