International students who do not live in Saudi Arabia can now apply to take online distance-learning courses at the Islamic University of Madinah in the second semester of the 1448 AH academic year, the university announced today. The courses are part of flexible study tracks for men and women.

Courses are offered in seven fields: the Holy Quran, Hadith, creed and dawah, Sharia, Arabic language, economics and law. Students can choose one or more courses as long as they meet each course's prerequisites.

Those who pass receive accredited certificates. They can also accumulate these certificates and apply to have them counted towards an academic qualification, under the university's rules.

Teaching is in Arabic and tuition fees apply, though scholarships from donor bodies may be available under set criteria. Applications are open until 31 October via distancelearning.iu.edu.sa, where admission requirements and course details are published.