Arabic and Islamic Studies combines the study of the Arabic language with Islamic religion, history, culture and related areas.
Candidates interested in this course should pay attention to the exact programme name used by their preferred university because some institutions may offer Arabic Studies and Islamic Studies separately rather than as one combined degree.
For the 2027/2028 admission session, always confirm the course title available in JAMB before choosing your subjects.
Read also:
- JAMB Recommended Textbooks for All Subjects 2027/2028
- JAMB Syllabus 2027/2028 All Subjects Download PDF
- JAMB Areas of Concentration for All Subjects 2027/2028
- JAMB Registration Accredited CBT Centres 2026/2027
JAMB Subject Combination for Arabic and Islamic Studies 2027/2028
The JAMB subject combination for Arabic and Islamic Studies is:
- English Language
- Arabic
- Two other Arts or Social Science subjects
Suitable subjects may include:
- Islamic Studies
- Literature in English
- History
- Government
- Hausa
- Economics
- Other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects accepted by the university
A suitable combination can therefore be:
English Language, Arabic, Islamic Studies and Government.
Another acceptable option may be:
English Language, Arabic, History and Islamic Studies.
English Language is compulsory for all JAMB UTME candidates.
Arabic is also an important subject for this programme, although some universities may apply special consideration or accept alternative qualifications in specific cases.
Candidates should therefore check the exact requirement of their preferred university before submitting their JAMB subject combination.
O’Level Requirements for Arabic and Islamic Studies
Candidates generally need five O’Level credit passes.
For Arabic and Islamic Studies, the important subjects are usually:
- English Language
- Arabic
- Three other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects
Relevant subjects may include:
- Islamic Studies
- Literature in English
- History
- Government
- Hausa
- Economics
Some universities also require Mathematics at credit level.
For example:
ABU: requires five O’Level credits including English Language, Arabic and three Arts or Social Science subjects.
KASU: requires English Language, Mathematics, Arabic and two other Arts or Social Science subjects.
FED-KASHERE: requires English Language, Mathematics, Arabic and two Arts or Social Science subjects.
Candidates applying through WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or an equivalent qualification should therefore confirm the exact subject requirements of their chosen university.
Direct Entry Requirements for Arabic and Islamic Studies
Direct Entry candidates may be considered with qualifications such as:
- Two A’Level passes in relevant subjects
- IJMB
- NCE
- ND
- Relevant diploma qualifications
The exact requirement depends on the university.
ABU: accepts A’Level or IJMB passes involving Arabic, as well as relevant NCE or Diploma qualifications.
ILORIN: accepts at least two A’Level passes including Arabic and another Arts or Social Science subject. Relevant NCE and diploma qualifications may also be accepted.
IBADAN: accepts NCE Merit in Arabic and other Arts or Social Science subjects.
KASU: accepts NCE in Arabic or Islamic Studies, A’Level passes in relevant subjects, IJMB and relevant ND qualifications.
SOSU: accepts NCE or Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Studies, or Diploma in Shari’ah, subject to the required grade.
Direct Entry applicants should also make sure they meet the required O’Level conditions for their chosen university.
Admission Requirements for Arabic and Islamic Studies at a Glance
| Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| JAMB Subjects | English Language, Arabic and two relevant Arts or Social Science subjects |
| O’Level | Five credits including English Language, Arabic and three relevant subjects |
| Mathematics | Required by some universities, but not all |
| Direct Entry | A’Level, IJMB, NCE, ND or relevant Diploma, depending on the university |
A suitable JAMB combination is:
English Language + Arabic + Islamic Studies + Government
Other relevant subjects may include History, Literature in English, Hausa and Economics.
Candidates should note that university requirements can differ. Some institutions specifically require Mathematics at O’Level, while others focus mainly on English Language, Arabic and relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
Direct Entry applicants should also check the minimum grade and qualification accepted by their preferred university.
Universities and Special Consideration
Admission requirements can differ by university, especially for Arabic-related programmes.
ABU: requires Arabic in the UTME combination together with two other Arts or Social Science subjects. At O’Level, candidates need English Language, Arabic and three Arts or Social Science subjects.
ILORIN: requires Arabic and two other Arts or Social Science subjects for Arabic Studies. It also accepts some relevant NCE and diploma qualifications for Direct Entry.
KASU: requires Arabic and two other Arts or Social Science subjects. Its O’Level requirements include English Language, Mathematics, Arabic and two other Arts or Social Science subjects.
FED-KASHERE: requires Arabic and two Arts or Social Science subjects for UTME, while O’Level candidates need English Language, Mathematics, Arabic and two relevant subjects.
YSU: candidates should pay particular attention to the current programme name. Although the admission material lists Arabic and Islamic Studies, Yobe State University currently has separate Departments of Arabic and Islamic Studies. Candidates should therefore confirm which programme appears during JAMB registration before applying.
Some universities may also accept recognised Arabic or Islamic qualifications as alternatives under their special admission conditions.
The safest approach is to check the exact university requirement rather than assuming every institution uses the same combination.
Arabic and Islamic Studies and Related Courses
Related programmes include:
- Arabic Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Arabic and Literary Studies
- Religious Studies
- Comparative Religious Studies
- Common and Islamic Law
- Islamic/Sharia Law
These programmes may share some subjects, but they do not always use the same admission requirements.
For example, Arabic Studies places stronger emphasis on Arabic Language, while Islamic Studies focuses more directly on Islamic Studies and may accept different UTME subject combinations.
Important Things to Know Before Choosing Arabic and Islamic Studies
Arabic is an important subject: For Arabic-related programmes, Arabic is normally part of the UTME combination.
Some universities require Mathematics at O’Level: This applies to institutions such as KASU and FED-KASHERE, so candidates should check carefully.
Programme names may differ: A university may offer Arabic Studies and Islamic Studies separately instead of a combined Arabic and Islamic Studies degree.
Special consideration varies: Some institutions accept recognised Arabic or Islamic certificates, NCE, IJMB, ND or diploma qualifications.
Before selecting the course in JAMB, confirm the exact programme name, UTME subjects, O’Level requirements and Direct Entry conditions of your preferred university.
FAQ About JAMB Subject Combination for Arabic and Islamic Studies 2027/2028
1. What is the JAMB subject combination for Arabic and Islamic Studies?
The common combination is:
English Language, Arabic and two other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
These may include Islamic Studies, History, Government, Literature in English, Hausa or Economics.
2. Is Arabic compulsory for Arabic and Islamic Studies?
Arabic is normally required for Arabic-related programmes, although some universities may apply special consideration in certain cases.
3. What are the O’Level requirements for Arabic and Islamic Studies?
Candidates generally need five O’Level credit passes including English Language, Arabic and three other relevant subjects.
Some universities also require Mathematics.
4. Can I study Arabic and Islamic Studies through Direct Entry?
Yes. Depending on the university, accepted qualifications may include A’Level, IJMB, NCE, ND or relevant diploma qualifications.
5. Can I use Islamic Studies instead of Arabic in JAMB?
For Arabic Studies and most Arabic-focused programmes, Arabic is normally part of the required UTME combination.
However, some universities may have special consideration, so candidates should check the exact institutional requirement.
6. Is Arabic and Islamic Studies the same as Islamic Studies?
No.
Arabic and Islamic Studies combines Arabic language study with Islamic Studies, while Islamic Studies focuses more directly on Islamic religion, history, teachings and related areas.
Their admission requirements may also differ.
Conclusion
The JAMB subject combination for Arabic and Islamic Studies generally includes:
English Language, Arabic and two relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
Candidates also usually need five O’Level credit passes including English Language, Arabic and other relevant subjects, although some universities specifically require Mathematics.
Direct Entry applicants may qualify with A’Level, IJMB, NCE, ND or relevant diploma qualifications, depending on the institution.
Before submitting your JAMB choices for the 2027/2028 admission session, compare your UTME subjects, O’Level results and Direct Entry credentials with the exact requirements of your chosen university.
Also confirm whether the institution offers Arabic and Islamic Studies as one programme or lists Arabic Studies and Islamic Studies separately.
For more admission guides, check our other JAMB subject combination articles for Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, Common and Islamic Law and other related Arts courses.