International Islamic University Islamabad: An Overview

The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) is one of the prominent public-sector universities of Pakistan, combining Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic disciplines. Established in 1980, the university was founded with the broader objective of developing an institution capable of addressing the intellectual, social, economic, and technological needs of the Muslim world.

Today, IIUI offers programs across fields ranging from Islamic Studies, Shariah and Law, Arabic and social sciences to computer science, engineering, management sciences and natural sciences. Its distinctive academic model seeks to bring Islamic perspectives into dialogue with modern education and research. The university has also developed an increasingly international academic profile. According to Times Higher Education’s 2026 data, IIUI has more than 24,500 students, with international students accounting for approximately 5% of its student population.

History of International Islamic University Islamabad

The foundation of the university was laid on November 11, 1980, corresponding to the beginning of the 15th century of the Islamic calendar. The institution was conceived as an international centre of Islamic learning that would combine Islamic values with contemporary knowledge. The university’s development was subsequently formalized through a restructuring in 1985. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan currently lists International Islamic University Islamabad as a recognized public-sector university located in Islamabad.

From its original emphasis on Islamic scholarship, IIUI gradually expanded into disciplines including social sciences, economics, management, computer science, engineering, natural sciences, education, and law. This expansion reflects one of the university’s central ambitions: to create an academic environment where traditional Islamic scholarship and modern disciplines can interact.

Where Is International Islamic University Islamabad Located?

IIUI’s main campus is located in Sector H-10, Islamabad, Pakistan, on approximately 704 acres. The university also has facilities associated with the Faisal Mosque complex, including several research and academic institutions. The university’s academic and administrative infrastructure includes separate campuses for male and female students, libraries, hostels, and other facilities. This campus structure is part of IIUI’s distinctive institutional model.  The location also gives the university an unusual connection with one of Islamabad’s most recognizable landmarks, Faisal Mosque, where several IIUI-affiliated institutions and research centers are situated.

One of the major strengths of International Islamic University Islamabad is the breadth of its academic structure. The university currently lists faculties and academic areas including:

Faculty of Computing and Information Technology

Faculty of Engineering and........

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