Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for admission, applicants are required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined below. 

Undergraduate Degree

A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, preferably in the humanities or social sciences, from an accredited university. The level required for admission will normally be at least an upper second-class honors degree from a British university (or equivalent), or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the North American system. However, the joint Admissions Committee is entitled to relax this condition in the light of other relevant factors, for example, substantial and relevant professional experience or certain life experiences. 

GREs are not required. While a strong GRE score may supplement an application, no adverse assumptions will be made about applications that omit GRE scores.

English Proficiency

The Islamic Studies program is open to all students regardless of citizenship status. The following applicants must complete the English proficiency requirement:

  • Applicants whose native language is not English and who have received an undergraduate degree from an institution in a country where the official language is not English

  • Applicants who have received an undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking country and are now studying at the graduate level in an English-speaking country.

The only recognized qualifications are: --IELTS for UKVI: Overall band score: 7.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components)--TOEFL 

Notes on English Proficiency requirement:

  • Applicants who have studied for at least two years at an institution in a country where the official language is English and earned the undergraduate (or bachelor’s) degree at that institution are not required to complete the English proficiency requirement.

  • Students who have earned a Master’s degree—but not an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree—in the U.S. or another country whose official language is English are required to complete the English proficiency requirement; however, students who previously earned a qualifying score on the TOEFL or IELTS may be eligible to fulfill the GSAS English proficiency requirement by following these procedures.

Regional Language Proficiency 

  • Proficiency in regional languages is not a requirement for admission to this program. However, language skills are important for Islamic Studies and are a preferred admissions criterion. Students are encouraged to enhance their language capacity at Columbia. Students enrolled in the dual degree program must also complete AKU's six-credit language requirement. .