World Islamic and Middle East Studies

Our undergraduate programs in World Islamic and Middle East Studies offer you an interdisciplinary education of the Islamic world. Combining humanities and social-science approaches, this program introduces you to the textual traditions and social life of Muslims - and non-Muslims interacting with them – in different times and places, including but not limited to the Middle East.  

You will learn about the complexity and variety of Muslim societies and cultures across the world, paying attention to regional specificities while also becoming aware of past and present global links.  

A solid grounding in language training (Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or Urdu), will complement your courses in history, law, sciences, philosophy, art, literature, political science, and anthropology. These courses combine knowledge about the contemporary Islamic world and the traditions that are important for understanding it. 

The Institute of Islamic Studies offers a Major and a Minor Concentration, an Honours, and Joint Honours Program for student wishing to pursue more in-depth studies.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

Majoring in Islamic Studies can take you down many academic and career paths. Maybe you'd like to pursue graduate studies, become a foreign correspondent, or bring cultural sensitivity to your work with Islamic communities.  
 
Your knowledge about global history and current affairs will compliment all kinds of work. You could work as a: 

• Policy analyst 
• Journalist
• Lawyer 

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades