Tuition Fees and Aid
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Ribāṭ University’s Commitment to Affordability Accessible, affordable, and attainable.
Education is one of the most meaningful investments a woman can make for her future, her family, and her community. Ribāṭ University is committed to making that investment within reach.
Our programs are designed to keep tuition costs manageable while maintaining the highest standards of academic and spiritual excellence. Students have access to scholarships and financial aid that reflect our belief in equitable, values-driven education. By learning online, students save on housing, transportation, and campus-related fees without sacrificing quality or connection.
Tuition
Tuition:
Application Fee:
One-time non-refundable $35.
Matriculation Fee:
One-time non-refundable $50 fee is due upon the student’s acceptance of the enrollment agreement after having been accepted to the program.
Annual Fee:
Included in tuition
Leave of Absence Fee:
$125
Tuition:
Application Fee:
One-time non-refundable $35.
Matriculation Fee:
One-time non-refundable $50 fee is due upon the student’s acceptance of the enrollment agreement after having been accepted to the program.
Annual Fee:
Included in tuition
Leave of Absence Fee:
$125
Tuition:
Application Fee:
One-time non-refundable $35.
Matriculation Fee:
One-time non-refundable $50 fee is due upon the student’s acceptance of the enrollment agreement after being accepted to the program.
Annual Fee:
$500
Leave of Absence Fee:
$125
Publication Fee:
$100 for online publication of the dissertation is due after dissertation defense is approved.
Tuition Fee:
Application Fee:
No Application Process
Matriculation Fee:
Not Applicable
Annual Fee:
None
Leave of Absence Fee:
None
Transfer Fees:
Late Fee:
After the start of a term and during the add/drop period, a $20 late fee will apply to each Riverstead course. Late fees are non-refundable.
Technology Fee:
Riverstead students are required to pay an annual reduced technology fee of $50. The technology fee is non-refundable.
Tuition:
- QUR 0600: Forging the Chain: Orientation to the Ijāza Path
- QUR 0601: Al-Jazariyyah: A Poem in Study of the Rules of Tajwīd
- QUR 0602: Tajwīd Ijāza Retreat
Application Fee:
One-time non-refundable $35.
Matriculation Fee:
One-time non-refundable $50 fee is due upon the student’s acceptance of the enrollment agreement after having been accepted to the program.
Technology Fee:
$50/year
Certificate Processing:
One-time non-refundable $40. This is due upon completion of the program.
Leave of Absence Fee:
$125
Fees
| Category | Approx. % | Amount (USD) | Description / What it Covers |
| Technology and Learning Systems Fee | 30% | $150 | Supports maintenance and licensing of Ribāṭ’s online learning systems (Canvas, Classter SIS, Zoom, etc.), digital course delivery, and captioning/transcription services for accessibility. |
| Library and Academic Resources Fee | 20% | $100 | Provides access to Ribāṭ’s digital library (e-books, journals, databases, reference collections), research tools, and librarian support. |
| Advising and Student Support Fee | 20% | $100 | Covers academic advising, degree planning, accessibility accommodations, and access to the Student Affairs team (advising, wellness, career, and alumni engagement). |
| Institutional Services Fee | 15% | $75 | Contributes to administrative systems (student records, transcript processing, FERPA compliance, enrollment management, and help desk support). |
| Student Engagement and Community Fee (or co-curricular) | 10% | $50 | Funds co-curricular programming (student pods, halaqas, alumni mentoring, leadership development, and spiritual enrichment events). |
| Assessment and Quality Assurance Fee | 5% | $25 | Supports ongoing assessment, surveys, and accreditation compliance (DEAC, ADA, FERPA, UDL improvements). |
Transcript Fee: $25 to request an official transcript. Unofficial transcripts are available at no cost through the university portal.
Graduation Fee: $40, due in the term before graduation for students who will be attending graduation in person.
When enrollment for a term is open, registration fees can be paid via credit card or bank transfer through the registration portal. Some courses have the option to pay in installments. The enrollment options for a course will be listed on each course registration page when registration is open. All fees will be processed in US dollars, and it is not possible to accept other currencies.
Registration fees are not transferable to other students or academic terms.
Refunds are processed per course, whether or not the student is enrolled in a degree or certificate program.
Students may request a full refund of tuition fees before the start of the term.
Application, matriculation, annual, technology, late, and any other fees other than tuition are not eligible for a refund.
After the start of the term, tuition refunds are processed according to the following schedule:
| Length of Term | Week | Percentage of Tuition Returned (Minus Fees) |
1-6 weeks Arabic 6-week modules and Summer intensives | 1st week | 70% |
| 2nd week | 40% | |
| 3rd week | 20% | |
| 4th week | 0% | |
7-10 weeks
| 1st week | 80% |
| 2nd week | 60% | |
| 3rd week | 40% | |
| 4th week | 20% | |
| 5th week | 0% | |
11-16 weeks Regular Fall, Spring and Summer Terms
| 1st week | 80% |
| 2nd week | 70% | |
| 3rd week | 60% | |
| 4th week | 50% | |
| 5th week | 40% | |
| 6th week | 30% | |
| 7th week | 20% | |
| 8th week | 10% | |
| 9th week | 0% |
Any money due a student will be refunded within 30 days of a cancellation request. Cancellation, withdrawal, and/or refund requests must be communicated to the registration department by email. Any other communication with Ribāṭ faculty, staff, or other team members will not be considered official notice of withdrawal.
Registration fees do not include textbooks or other course materials. These will be listed on the course registration page and the syllabus. Most textbooks can be purchased from Rabata Bookshop, and a student textbook discount is available to students enrolled in a current Ribāṭ course. After enrolling in a course, students will have access to the textbook discount code through the course syllabus.
Technology Requirements
To ensure a successful online learning experience, all students must have regular access to a personal computer and reliable high-speed internet. Courses at Ribāṭ University are delivered through Canvas and may include video lectures, interactive discussions, digital readings, and multimedia assignments. Students are responsible for maintaining the technology needed to participate fully.
- Computer: A desktop or laptop computer or similar device manufactured within the last five years, capable of running current software and updates. It is not recommended to rely solely on a phone as coursework will require a full computer interface with full functionality.
- Operating System: Computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.
- Internet: High-speed broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps download / 2 Mbps upload).
- Web Browser: Current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
- Software:
- Microsoft Office, or Google Workspace, or Apple iOS products (for word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets).
- PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat).
- Updated antivirus and security software.
- Multimedia: Functional webcam, microphone, and speakers (or headset) for participation in live sessions and assessments.
- Students are expected to check course announcements and email regularly.
- Technical support is available to assist with login issues, accessing course materials, and troubleshooting basic technical problems. For support, click “Help” on your Canvas course page or email techsupport@rabata.org.
Scholarships & Discounts
Scholarships are either holistic-based and needs-based and are available to accepted applicants who are unable to cover the cost of their courses. Accepted applicants may choose to apply for full or partial scholarships through the options listed below.
Lifelong Luminary Scholarship
This scholarship supports a student aged 50 and above who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree and embodies a lifelong commitment to learning and serving the deen. Ideal candidates are individuals returning to formal education later in life, bringing wisdom, dedication, and a desire to continue growing in knowledge and community impact.
$2,000 a year toward tuition
Illumination Scholarship
This flexible scholarship supports a deserving student based on overall potential. It is open to applicants across all programs who demonstrate commitment to their studies and a sincere intention to benefit from and contribute to the wider community.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
Mariam & Zahra Community Care Scholarship
Established in honor of Mariam and Zahra, this scholarship prioritizes single mothers, widows, and survivors of domestic violence. It supports resilient women who are working to rebuild and uplift their lives through education, with a strong potential to positively impact their families and communities.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
Timiro Warsame Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship supports students pursuing the Business, Organizational Leadership, and Development (BOLD) degree. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to using their education to strengthen and serve their communities. Established in loving memory of Timiro Warsame.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
Human Development Fund Scholarship
This scholarship supports students who are actively engaged in volunteerism and community service with a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved Muslim communities. Ideal candidates show financial need and a clear intention to use their education as a means of creating meaningful, community-centered impact.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
The Mrs. Laila Elamin Scholarship
Established in honor of Umm Thowaiba, Khaleh Laila Elamin, this scholarship supports students pursuing the Business, Organizational Leadership, and Development (BOLD) degree. It is awarded to individuals who embody the spirit of community stewardship, lifelong service, and quiet leadership.
Ideal candidates are students who demonstrate a commitment to nurturing others through education, mentorship, or community-building, and who aspire to use their leadership to strengthen institutions and uplift future generations. Preference may be given to those who reflect dedication to teaching, service, and sustained impact within their communities.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
Mother’s Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship is established in honor of a mother whose legacy lives on through faith, sacrifice, and the nurturing of future generations. It supports a student who demonstrates strong character, perseverance, and a commitment to carrying forward the values instilled in them through family and community.
Ideal candidates are those who embody gratitude, resilience, and a desire to honor their upbringing by seeking knowledge and using it in service to others.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
Pathways to Knowledge Scholarship
This scholarship supports students at the beginning of their academic journey who show strong promise and a sincere intention to pursue knowledge for the sake of Allah. It is designed to ease the initial financial barrier to entry and encourage students to take their first steps with confidence.
Ideal candidates are new or incoming students who demonstrate dedication, humility, and readiness to grow.
$1,000 a year toward tuition (4 scholarships are available for 2026)
Sadia Khan Need-Based Scholarship
This scholarship is designated for a student who meets zakat eligibility criteria and demonstrates financial need. It supports individuals seeking to pursue higher education at Ribāṭ University while striving to build a stable and meaningful future rooted in faith and service.
$5,000 a year toward tuition
Riverstead scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic performance, and commitment to learning. To qualify, students must be in good academic standing and must have successfully completed any previous courses for which they received a scholarship with a passing grade. To apply for a Riverstead scholarship, students will need to complete a scholarship application form, which becomes available through the website when registration opens for the term. Scholarship applications must be submitted before the start of the term.
Each student may apply for up to two course scholarships per term. Students who pass an Arabic module may apply for a scholarship for an additional Arabic module in the same term, bringing the total possible to three scholarships in one term in this case only.
Students who do not complete their courses in which they registered on scholarship or do not receive a passing grade may lose eligibility for future scholarships until they successfully complete and pass at least one course.
Scholarships cover tuition only and do not include textbooks or additional fees. Students receiving a scholarship will still need to pay the $50 annual fee. Scholarship availability is limited.
Ribāṭ University is committed to supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering need-based scholarships determined primarily on financial need. Need-based scholarships are available for accepted students into a full-time bachelor program. Preference is given to first-time degree-seekers. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for need-based scholarships during the application process and be required to answer questions regarding personal financial situation.
Students receiving need-based scholarships are expected to maintain a good academic standing of 70% or higher and notify Ribāṭ University of any change to financial status that may make them ineligible to receive need-based scholarships.
Scholarships for degree programs are limited and subject to an application process.
The Andrea Scholarship Fund awards one convert Muslim woman, enrolled full-time, each academic year a complete scholarship to complete an Associate of Arts degree in Teaching Islam or a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Islam. The Andrea’s Legacy Scholarship does not include textbooks or fees, which will be the responsibility of the recipients.
Applications for the Andrea Scholarship are open February 1st to May 1st each year.
Financial aid is not available for textbooks.
Special discounts are available for students in countries with a significant difference in currency. Applications will be available February 1 to May 1 each year. It is the admitted applicant’s responsibility to complete the application request and submit it for review and approval.
Registration Office Contact
All inquiries about registration fees and policies, payments, withdrawals, and financial aid should be directed to registration@rabata.org.