Master of Arts [MA]
About Master of Arts [MA]
SAFI Institute of Advanced Study (SIAS), a NAAC A++ autonomous college affiliated to the University of Calicut in Vazhayoor, Malappuram, Kerala, offers a 2-year full-time MA in two specialisations: MA Islamic Studies and MA Mass Communication and Journalism. Both programmes carry total fees of INR 84,000. SIAS ranks 84 in an external review site’s 2026 India MA Colleges list.
Applications for both MA programmes for 2026-27 are currently open at siasindia.org. The application deadline is in June 2026. Merit list publication and document verification are scheduled for July 2026, and classes are expected to commence by August 2026.
Key Points
- MA Islamic Studies offers a specialised curriculum spanning Quranic sciences, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and Islamic civilisation history — a combination rarely offered at general universities.
- MA Mass Communication and Journalism covers print journalism, broadcast, digital media, PR, and advertising; admission is through the SIAS Entrance Test and personal interview.
- MA Islamic Studies admission is split: 50% merit seats allocated on graduation marks, 50% Management Quota filled directly by SIAS.
SIAS MA Fees 2026
Both MA specialisations at SIAS carry an identical total fee of INR 84,000 for the two-year programme, payable at INR 42,000 per year.
| Course | Total Fees |
|---|---|
| MA Islamic Studies | INR 84,000 |
| MA Mass Communication and Journalism | INR 84,000 |
- Fee is payable as INR 42,000 per year for both programmes.
- Additional examination and library charges may apply as per SIAS and University of Calicut norms.
- Fees is subject to change. Please verify with the official sources before taking admission.
SIAS MA Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Open (SIAS Portal) | June 2026 (ongoing) |
| Application Deadline | June 2026 |
| SIAS Entrance Test (MA MCJ only) | June to July 2026 |
| Merit List and Interview | July 2026 |
| Document Verification and Admission | July 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July to August 2026 |
- MA Islamic Studies: 50% seats allotted on graduation merit; 50% are Management Quota seats filled through direct SIAS selection.
- MA MCJ: all candidates must appear for the SIAS Entrance Test and personal interview, regardless of quota.
- Applications must be submitted through siasindia.org; track updates on the official SIAS website.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks.
- Final-year candidates may apply provisionally, subject to meeting eligibility criteria before enrolment.
- SC, ST, and OBC candidates are eligible for relaxation in minimum marks as per University of Calicut norms.
Admission Process
- Apply through the official SIAS portal at siasindia.org before the June 2026 deadline.
- MA MCJ applicants must appear for the SIAS Entrance Test at the Vazhayoor campus, followed by a personal interview.
- MA Islamic Studies merit list is prepared on graduation marks; Management Quota seats are filled by direct SIAS selection.
- Shortlisted candidates must attend document verification at SIAS with all original certificates.
- Pay the semester fee at the SIAS accounts office to confirm the seat.
✓ Opt for this if
- You are from North Kerala and want an affordable NAAC A++ PG in humanities nearby
- You want to pursue a career in Islamic finance, academia, or community leadership
- You are a journalism aspirant seeking an affordable PG with regional Kerala media exposure
- You qualify for government or SAFI Foundation financial aid schemes
✗ Skip if
- You need formal placement support and a national employer network
- You are targeting careers outside Kerala where the college brand has limited reach
- You want a broad secular humanities PG without an Islamic studies dimension
SIAS MA Scholarships 2026
Students enrolled in MA programmes at SIAS are eligible for government and institutional scholarships. Register on the relevant portals immediately after admission to avoid missing deadlines.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala E-Grantz Scholarship | As per government norms | SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students; apply via egrantz.kerala.gov.in |
| Central Sector Scholarship (NSP) | As per scheme norms | Top-performing students from non-creamy-layer backgrounds |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (NSP) | Full to partial fee cover | SC and ST students; income-based; apply via National Scholarship Portal |
| SIAS Merit Scholarship | Fee concession on merit | Top-ranking students in each programme |
| SAFI Foundation Need-Based Aid | Variable | Students from financially weaker backgrounds; apply via SIAS welfare office |
- Government scholarships require registration on the E-Grantz portal and National Scholarship Portal within deadlines after admission.
- SIAS institutional scholarships are awarded based on first-semester academic performance; apply through the student welfare office.
SIAS MA FAQs
Ques. Can a BSc graduate apply for MA at SIAS, or is a BA degree mandatory?
Ans. For MA Islamic Studies, a BA or equivalent is typically expected. For MA Mass Communication and Journalism, a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50 percent aggregate is accepted, making it open to BSc graduates as well. Confirm current eligibility with the SIAS admissions office at siasindia.org.
Ques. Is the SIAS Entrance Test for MA MCJ conducted online or at the campus?
Ans. The SIAS Entrance Test for MA Mass Communication and Journalism is conducted at the SIAS campus in Vazhayoor East, Malappuram. Candidates must appear in person and are followed by a personal interview if shortlisted.
Ques. What is the difference in career prospects between MA Islamic Studies and MA MCJ from SIAS?
Ans. MA Islamic Studies prepares graduates for academic research, Islamic finance, madrasa or university teaching, community leadership, and higher studies such as MPhil or PhD. MA Mass Communication and Journalism leads to careers in journalism, media production, content creation, public relations, advertising, and digital media.
Ques. Are Management Quota seats available for both MA programmes, and how are they filled?
Ans. Yes. For MA Islamic Studies, 50% of seats are filled through Management Quota by direct SIAS selection. For MA MCJ, Management Quota candidates must also appear for the SIAS Entrance Test and interview before final selection.
Ques. Does the SIAS MA degree hold national value for government exams or academic recruitment?
Ans. SIAS is a NAAC A++ autonomous college affiliated to the University of Calicut, and its MA degrees are UGC-recognised. Graduates are eligible for NET/JRF, state public service examinations, and academic recruitment across India. Recognition outside Kerala may be more limited compared to central or state universities with wider national presence.
Ques. What financial aid is available for MA students from economically weaker backgrounds at SIAS?
Ans. Eligible students can apply for the Kerala E-Grantz Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship via the National Scholarship Portal, and SAFI Foundation Need-Based Aid through the SIAS welfare office. Combined with the modest total fee of INR 84,000, government scholarships can significantly reduce the net cost for eligible students.