Master of Arts [MA] (Islamic Studies)
at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology - [BSAU]
About Master of Arts [MA] (Islamic Studies)
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology (BSAU), Chennai, offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Islamic Studies through its School of Arabic and Islamic Studies (SAIS), established in 2009. The programme is a 2-year full-time course offered on campus, with a total tuition fee of Rs. 40,000 (Rs. 20,000 per year) and a one-time amenities and service fee of Rs. 20,000. The MA Islamic Studies uniquely combines revealed knowledge (Quran and Hadeeth) with modern academic disciplines, making it popular among students seeking a deeper understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, Arabic language, and contemporary Islamic thought. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying degree and performance in the institute's entrance test.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open. Applications can be submitted online at admissions.crescent.education. The programme typically commences in July each year, and candidates are advised to apply before the deadline to secure a seat.
Key Points
- The programme uniquely combines faith-based education with modern academic disciplines, taught in both Arabic and English.
- Students develop skills in Quranic interpretation, Islamic jurisprudence, and Arabic-English translation.
- A pass in the institute's entrance test is mandatory for admission; basic Islamic knowledge and the ability to read the Quran are prerequisites.
- The programme prepares graduates for careers in Islamic education, research, counselling, and community leadership.
- The school promotes a moderate and balanced approach to Islamic thought and scholarship.
BSAU MA Islamic Studies Fees
The MA Islamic Studies at BSAU has an affordable fee structure. The total tuition fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 40,000, payable at Rs. 20,000 per year in two semester-wise instalments. A one-time amenities and service fee of Rs. 20,000 is also applicable, making the total programme cost Rs. 60,000.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee per Year | 20,000 |
| Amenities and Service Fee (One-time) | 20,000 |
| Total Fees (2 Years Tuition + One-time Fees) | 60,000 |
- Tuition fee can be paid in two instalments per year (semester-wise).
- The amenities and service fee is a one-time charge payable at the time of admission.
- Hostel accommodation is available separately; hostel fees are not included above and are not mandatory.
BSAU MA Islamic Studies Admission 2026-27
BSAU admits students to the MA Islamic Studies programme based on merit in the qualifying degree and performance in the institute's entrance test. Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are open. Candidates must apply online and appear for the entrance test, which assesses basic Islamic knowledge and Quran reading ability.
BSAU MA Islamic Studies Admission Schedule
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Mode | Online at admissions.crescent.education/arts-programme-ug-and-pg-application |
| Admission Status | Open for 2026-27 |
| Application Deadline | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Entrance Test | Conducted by BSAU (date communicated after application) |
| Programme Commencement | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: No specific national-level entrance exam is required for MA Islamic Studies. Admission is based on the institute's own entrance test.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any Bachelor's Degree with a minimum CGPA of 5.0 / 50% of marks from a recognized university.
- Ability to read the Quran is mandatory.
- Basic Islamic knowledge is required; a pass in the BSAU entrance test is mandatory for admission.
Admission Process
- Apply online at https://admissions.crescent.education/arts-programme-ug-and-pg-application.
- Appear for the BSAU entrance test assessing Islamic knowledge and Quran reading ability.
- Selection is based on merit in the qualifying degree and performance in the entrance test.
- Upon selection, complete document verification and fee payment to confirm admission.
BSAU MA Islamic Studies Scholarships 2026-27
BSAU offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to eligible students. Government scholarships such as the Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities (Central Government) and Tamil Nadu state scholarships are available for eligible students pursuing MA Islamic Studies.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount / Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities (Central Govt.) | As per government norms | Muslim students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum |
| Tamil Nadu State Scholarship for Minorities | As per state norms | Domicile of Tamil Nadu; minority community students |
| BSAU Merit Scholarship | Tuition fee waiver (partial) | Based on academic merit in qualifying examination |
- Students are advised to apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the prescribed deadlines.
- Scholarship availability and amounts are subject to government notifications each year.
BSAU MA Islamic Studies FAQs
Ques. Is the MA Islamic Studies at BSAU taught in English or Arabic?
Ans. The programme is taught in a combination of Arabic and English. Students develop proficiency in both languages, with the curriculum covering Quranic texts, Hadeeth, and Islamic jurisprudence in Arabic, while academic discussions and modern topics are addressed in English.
Ques. Is the BSAU entrance test for MA Islamic Studies very difficult? What does it cover?
Ans. The entrance test is designed to assess basic Islamic knowledge and the ability to read the Quran. Candidates with a foundational understanding of Islamic studies and fluency in Quran reading are generally well-prepared. Familiarity with Islamic history, jurisprudence, and Quranic recitation is helpful.
Ques. What career options are available after completing MA Islamic Studies from BSAU?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Islamic studies teachers, researchers, community leaders, counsellors, and translators (Arabic-English). Many graduates also go on to pursue Ph.D. in Islamic Studies or Arabic, or take up roles in Islamic educational institutions, NGOs, and government bodies dealing with minority affairs.
Ques. Can non-Muslim students apply for MA Islamic Studies at BSAU?
Ans. The programme is open to any graduate who meets the eligibility criteria (50% in UG degree, ability to read Quran, basic Islamic knowledge). While the programme is primarily designed for students with an Islamic background, there is no explicit restriction on non-Muslim applicants who meet the prerequisites.
Ques. What is the total cost of the MA Islamic Studies programme at BSAU, including hostel?
Ans. The total academic fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 60,000 (Rs. 40,000 tuition + Rs. 20,000 one-time amenities fee). Hostel accommodation is available separately on campus; hostel fees are not included in the academic fee and are not mandatory.
Ques. Does BSAU offer Ph.D. in Islamic Studies after completing MA Islamic Studies?
Ans. Yes, BSAU offers a Ph.D. programme through the School of Arabic and Islamic Studies. MA Islamic Studies graduates are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. programme, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria (55% in PG degree) and clearing the Ph.D. entrance test and interview. Ph.D. admissions are conducted twice a year (January and July sessions).