SHAH ALAM, 10 May 2025 — The Selangor state government, in collaboration with the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS), has announced a policy shift that will discontinue educational sponsorships for undergraduate Islamic studies in the Middle East starting this year.
According to a statement released by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) on their official Facebook page, the focus of educational funding will now be directed towards institutions within Malaysia, particularly Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS) and other local universities.
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However, funding support for postgraduate programs — including master’s and PhD studies — in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco will remain unaffected.
“This move is intended to minimize exposure to external ideologies that could potentially impact students’ thought processes and Islamic identity,” said JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad.
He added that private candidates who opt for or are compelled to pursue undergraduate Islamic studies abroad due to local admission limitations may still do so, though these cases will be fully monitored and managed by JAIS.
“The goal is to ensure that students heading overseas are not only academically capable but also emotionally resilient, proficient in Arabic, and prepared for the cultural and intellectual demands of studying abroad,” Shahzihan explained.
He further emphasized that reinforcing UIS as a key educational hub is part of JAIS’ long-standing commitment to a comprehensive Islamic education system that begins from the foundational school level.
“UIS, under the administration of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in producing competent, ethical, and career-ready graduates,” he said.
The Selangor government and MAIS will continue to support students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are seeking to further their education in Islamic disciplines at the postgraduate level in Egypt, Jordan, or Morocco.
Applications for both local undergraduate and overseas postgraduate sponsorships will reopen in June 2025, with interview sessions scheduled to identify and select qualified candidates.
