Updated 24 November 2010
The Hawza Ilmiyyah in Qum - a historic academic entity and a beacon of spiritual rejuvenation worldwide, has seen a huge spike in interest recently from students worldwide, seeking to benefit from the sublime Islamic teaching as taught by the Ahl al-Bait (as).
The WF Qum Office has been at the forefront of this movement and facilitates admission into the Hawza Ilmiyyah in Qum. The Office receives applications from students worldwide and thus far 42 students from over 10 countries have been granted admission through the Office. On average, the Office processes 4 applications monthly. Students admitted to the Hawza hail from countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, UK, Sweden, Denmark, France, Madagascar, UAE, Canada, Burundi, and Reunion Island.
At Qum, foreign brothers enrol through Al-Mustafa International University exclusively meanwhile sisters have the option of enrolling at Jamiatuz Zahra (sa) or Madrasah Bintul Huda (both under the umbrella of Al-Mustafa International University). The programmes on offer range from short term to long term depending on one’s individual length of study and academic drive.
(All programmes listed below are similar in content for both brothers and sisters, meanwhile certain subjects are emphasised more in one Hawza than the other).
*Long-term course:
- Farsi Language Instruction – 6 months (Brothers learn this at Madrasah Al-Mahdi (ATFS))
- Tamhidiyyah (Foundation Islamic Studies) – 6 months (Brothers learn this at Madrasah Al-Mahdi (ATFS))
- BA (Islamic studies) – 5 years (Brothers have a choice of Madrasah – Hujjatiyyah, Imam Khomeini, etc.)
- MA (Islamic studies) – 2 years
- PhD (Islamic studies) – 2 years
- Arabic language course – 5 months
The overall academic programme is rigorous and combines elements of traditional Hawza studies with those of modern University-style instruction. Students have the option of specialising in any available field for their post-graduate studies. Currently available fields of specialisation include:
*Short-term course:
- A comprehensive short-term programme is offered directly by Al-Mustafa International University for various time periods
Meanwhile, any student wishing to independently join a section of the long-term course at Madrasah al-Mahdi (atfs) or Jamiatuz Zahra (sa) i.e. for Farsi instruction and/or Tamhidiyyah, is permitted by the administration on a monthly tuition fee of USD 200.00 (brothers) and USD 100.00 (sisters). This amount includes accommodation, food and overall academic programme fees.
*Application process:
The Qum Office can assist process applications for all nationalities except Indian/Pakistani/Afghani/Iraqi students, since students from these countries are admitted on a quota system and are interviewed directly by the Hawza itself.
All applicants need to send their applications to the Qum Office at least 9 months in advance so that student visas can be processed and arrive in time for a given academic year.
Documents required:
- Application form (Al-Mustafa International University/Jamiatuz Zahra (sa))
- 6 recent passport sized photographs
- Passport copy (main page and any other page with observations)
- 2 recommendation letters from Jamaat/ Madrasah teacher/Resident A’lim and/or any other respected community member (Family members excluded)
- Copies of all degrees, certificates, diplomas (A-levels or equivalent)
- Any other supportive documents useful for the application
Note: Students must have completed a standard high-school programme (A-levels/IB) or equivalent for gaining admission to the Hawza.
*More information:
For further clarification or more info, kindly feel free to contact the Qum Office through qum@world-federation.org
In addition, specific institutional info can be accessed online at:
- Al-Mustafa (s) International University
- Jamiatuz Zahra (sa)
- Study in Qum website for info on Qum and living there