FAQs
Hawza Online is a not-for-profit educational initiative offering high-quality, flexible programmes in Hawza Studies and classical Arabic, along with short courses and research opportunities. The programmes combine the rich heritage of classical Shi‘i scholarship with modern online learning and teaching methods.
Hawza Online offers seekers of knowledge and spirituality the opportunity to deeply understand the traditional Islamic sciences and enhance their spiritual development. From the comfort of their homes, students learn from highly experienced scholars at a pace that suits them.
We are honoured to have expert teachers join us at Hawza Online. Our Faculty includes well-known scholars who have completed advanced hawza and university studies and have decades of teaching experience. Our list of teachers is growing all the time; click here to see our Faculty to date.
Absolutely! Click here to see the message of thanks and support from His Eminence Sayyid Ali Husayni Sistani (may Allah protect our scholars) to Hawza Online.
We run four programmes: Hawza Studies, Arabic, Further Studies and Short Courses.
We appreciate that trying to fit a new programme of study into a busy lifestyle is challenging. This is why we have kept our courses very flexible. You can study at a pace that suits you.
Students accumulate credits as they complete modules. Each module is worth 10 or 20 credits or 40 credits, depending on the number of hours required to complete them. There are 440 credits in total: 80 credits for the Arabic programme, and 360 credits for the Hawza Studies programme.
Yes, students who complete all 440 credits of the Arabic and Hawza Studies programmes are awarded a Certificate. Similarly, those who complete 220 credits receive a Diploma.
The differences among these study paths are as follows:
Certificate:
- You pay half the price.
- You can apply for a scholarship.
- You must enrol in both the Arabic programme and the Hawza Studies programme. An exception is made for new students starting in Semester 2 (February) – they must commence Arabic in the following September, i.e. Semester 1 of the new academic year, as the Arabic course only begins in Semester 1.
- You need to complete both the Arabic and Hawza programmes (440 credits) to get the Certificate.
Diploma:
- Charged at full price.
- Scholarships are not available.
- Arabic studies are optional.
- Only 220 credits are required to earn the Diploma.
Non-award:
- Charged at full price.
- Scholarships are not available.
- Arabic studies are optional.
- Individual modules are taken as standalone courses.
The Hawza Studies programme is delivered via a blend of pre-recorded lectures and live tutorials, encompassing over 20 modules.
The programme’s flexible design means you are not required to enrol in all the modules offered each semester. Whether you are pursuing the Certificate, Diploma, or Non-award study path, you have the option to take up to 60 credits per semester (excluding Arabic) and advance through the programme at your own pace.
Click here for more information about the programme.
On average, considering all components of the programme (lectures, tutorials, private study, and assessment):
- Each 10-credit module will require approximately 5 hours a week.
- Each 20-credit module will require approximately 10 hours a week.
All the Arabic lessons are live and highly interactive.
There are 2 levels. Students have the option to study 8 hours a week and complete both levels in one year, or study 4 hours a week and complete the two levels over two years.
We are unable to accommodate students who wish to enrol solely in the Arabic programme without also participating in the Hawza Studies programme.
Click here for more information about the programme.
Our programmes utilise a variety of assessment methods, including essays, open-book tests, oral evaluations, and quizzes.
The flexible nature of our programmes allows students to study at a pace that suits them.
Typically, students complete the Arabic programme in 1-2 years, while the Hawza Studies programme takes 3-5 years. The two programmes can also be studied concurrently.
Each academic year is divided into two semesters, each lasting 12 weeks. The semesters begin on the first Monday of September and February, respectively.
For Certificate students:
- Each 10-credit module is £115.
- Each 20-credit module is £230.
- Each 40-credit module is £460.
For non-Certificate students:
- Each 10-credit module is £230.
- Each 20-credit module is £460.
- Each 40-credit module is £920.
All fees include essential books and other resources.
Click here for more information about the modules and their number of credits.
Yes. We have called them ‘The Sayyidah Khadijah (a) Scholarships’ in honour of the holy lady whose support helped the Messenger of Allah (s) fulfil his mission. Students taking the Certificate study path can apply for a scholarship by contacting us in strict confidence.
Certainly! A good teacher-student relationship is a hallmark of the hawza tradition. At Hawza Online, we uphold this tradition by complementing our pre-recorded lectures in the Hawza Studies programme with live tutorials. The tutorials offer ample opportunities for you to engage directly with your teachers, ask questions, and discuss topics in depth.
As for the Arabic programme, all the lessons are live and highly interactive.
The language of instruction is English.
You’ll need a computer, webcam, and microphone, along with a reliable internet connection.
The entry requirements are:
- Minimum of 18 years of age.
- A-levels, HSC, High School diploma, or another equivalent qualification (predicted grades are acceptable if you are yet to complete your course or awaiting results).
- Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing)
The documents you’ll need to submit are:
- Application Form
- A copy of your main passport page.
- A passport-style photo.
- A copy of your highest qualification certificate.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements and have submitted all necessary documents will be invited to a short online interview.