Certificate in Arabic Language
The Certificate in Arabic Language is a programme that equips students with foundational skills in Arabic language reading, writing, speaking and comprehension, alongside basic Islamic studies. Offered at Islamic University of Kenya and Umma University, the programme prepares students for further studies in Arabic and Islamic disciplines.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 63,630 a year at a public institution, Ksh 31,815 to Ksh 63,630 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 46,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 6 months - 1 year, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Arabic grammar, Arabic morphology, Quranic Arabic, conversational Arabic, Arabic writing, Islamic studies, Hadith studies and Quranic studies. Students develop practical language skills through classroom instruction, language laboratory sessions and interactive exercises.
The programme responds to the need for Arabic language proficiency in Kenya, supporting careers in religious education, translation, diplomacy and further academic pursuit. It provides a pathway for students who do not meet direct entry requirements for diploma and degree programmes in Arabic and Islamic studies.
The programme is delivered through full-time mode, with lectures, language practice sessions and interactive coursework. Students engage with Arabic texts, audio materials and conversational practice to build fluency and comprehension.
Graduates pursue entry-level roles as Arabic language teaching assistants, religious education assistants, translation assistants and administrative assistants in Islamic organisations. The certificate also serves as a pathway to the Diploma in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies.
Prospective students should have a KCSE mean grade of D+ (plus) or its equivalent. The programme is suitable for school leavers and individuals seeking foundational Arabic language skills for academic or professional advancement.
What you study
8 subjects- Arabic Grammar and Morphology
- Quranic Arabic and Tajweed
- Conversational Arabic
- Arabic Writing and Composition
- Islamic Studies and Hadith
- Quranic Studies and Tafsir
- Arabic Reading and Comprehension
- Islamic Civilisation and Culture
Modules
8 in the programmeArabic Grammar and Morphology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers foundational Arabic grammar rules, noun and verb forms, sentence structure, conjugation and morphological patterns essential for reading and writing Arabic.
Quranic Arabic and Tajweed
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Quranic Arabic vocabulary, recitation rules, tajweed principles and pronunciation, enabling students to read and understand Quranic texts correctly.
Conversational Arabic
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers spoken Arabic skills, everyday conversation, greetings, introductions, asking directions and basic communication in formal and colloquial Arabic.
Arabic Writing and Composition
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Arabic writing skills, sentence construction, paragraph development, letter writing, simple essays and calligraphy practice for effective written communication.
Islamic Studies and Hadith
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers foundational Islamic studies, pillars of Islam, Hadith terminology, selected Hadith collections and the relationship between Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence.
Quranic Studies and Tafsir
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Quranic sciences, principles of Tafsir, selected Quranic chapters with commentary, themes and contextual interpretation of Quranic verses.
Arabic Reading and Comprehension
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Arabic reading strategies, comprehension of diverse texts, vocabulary building, reading fluency and analysis of simple literary and religious texts.
Islamic Civilisation and Culture
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Islamic civilisation, contributions to science and arts, cultural practices in Muslim societies and the role of Arabic language in Islamic heritage.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on Arabic grammar or morphology, followed by a language practice session focusing on reading and writing. Afternoon sessions include Quranic studies, conversational Arabic practice, or Islamic studies discussions, with students engaging with Arabic texts and audio materials.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme has low entry requirements (KCSE D+), making it accessible to many school leavers. | Career opportunities with only a certificate are limited; further study is recommended. |
| The certificate provides a direct pathway to diploma and degree programmes in Arabic and Islamic studies. | Both offering universities are private, which may limit affordability for some students. |
| Arabic language skills are increasingly valuable in diplomacy, trade and international relations. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Pub: KU Cert Arabic 63,630/yr (ku.ac.ke). Priv: Umma 40K, IUK 46K/yr (eafinder, iuk.ac.ke).
Students can access HELB loans. Universities may offer internal bursaries and scholarships for Islamic studies students. Community organisations may provide sponsorships.
Funding options
HELB Loan
University Internal Bursaries
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Students demonstrating financial need at respective universities
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade D+ (plus) or its equivalent. No prior Arabic knowledge required.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Umma University, Islamic University of Kenya.
Including Umma University, Islamic University of Kenya.
Including Umma University, Islamic University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination40% of the mark
Mid-trimester and end-of-trimester written tests covering grammar, comprehension and Islamic studies theory.
Oral Examinations
Practical30% of the mark
Oral assessments covering Arabic conversation, Quranic recitation with tajweed and reading fluency.
Final Examination
Written examination30% of the mark
Final comprehensive examination covering all modules including grammar, writing, comprehension and Islamic studies.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Islamic University of Kenya and Umma University.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesArabic Language Teaching Assistant
Low demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 45,000
Assists in teaching basic Arabic language at primary schools, madrassas and Islamic centres, supporting qualified teachers in classroom instruction.
Religious Education Assistant
Low demandKsh 12,000 to Ksh 40,000
Supports Islamic religious education programmes at mosques, Islamic centres and schools, assisting with instruction and curriculum delivery.
Translation Assistant
Low demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 50,000
Provides basic Arabic-English translation services for documents, correspondence and communications in NGOs, embassies and trading companies.
Administrative Assistant (Islamic Organisations)
Low demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 45,000
Provides administrative support in Islamic organisations, mosques and Muslim institutions, handling correspondence and communications in Arabic and English.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as Arabic language teaching assistants, religious education assistants and translation assistants in Islamic organisations, or progress to diploma programmes.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Arabic language certificates are only for religious careers.
Arabic language skills are valuable in translation, diplomacy, international business, journalism and academia, in addition to religious education.
You need prior Arabic knowledge to enrol.
The certificate programme is designed for beginners and starts with foundational Arabic reading, writing and speaking skills.
Arabic is too difficult to learn in six months.
The certificate provides foundational proficiency, not fluency. It covers basic grammar, reading and conversation, with further study available through diploma programmes.
There are no career opportunities for Arabic speakers in Kenya.
Kenya has trade and diplomatic relations with Arabic-speaking countries, creating demand for Arabic speakers in translation, NGOs, embassies and international organisations.