Non-Degree Students
Students who wish to enrol in some of HMI's courses as non-degree students need to fill out an application form.
Language Students
Applicants fill out an application form. The language teacher will assess the language skills of the individual students at the time of application, and will accordingly assign them to their appropriate course level.
Post-Graduate Diploma Students
After submitting an application, the candidate is asked to come to HMI to write an entrance exam on the basics of the Islamic faith and contextualization in a pluralistic society such as India, followed by an interview. A sample of the entrance exam is available with the Academic Department.
Candidates who do not have a B. D. degree from Serampore University or an equivalent degree from any seminary, college or university may also apply for the Post-Graduate Diploma if they possess a Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
Masters of Theology Students
An applicant for the M. Th. programme must possess a B. D. degree from Serampore University or another equivalent B. D. degree from a recognized institution in religious studies, theology, humanities or social studies. Candidates should document their grounding in academic studies related to Islam and/or Muslim societies. In addition, the candidate is required to pass the Post-Graduate Diploma course in Islam from HMI or have an equivalent Diploma / Certificate from a recognized institution. Candidates should submit their applications to Serampore in November well in advance of the Serampore entrance examination in March. The entrance test normally covers one advanced paper on Arabic and a paper on Islam.
Applicants should have good knowledge of English, oral and written; proficiency in another European language is meritorious. They should also have proficiency in Arabic or another Oriental language such as Persian or Urdu.
As part of their applications, M. Th. candidates should submit:
- Bio-data
- Transcripts of grades and diplomas
- Copies of scholarly articles and papers
- At least two letters of recommendation witnessing to proficiency in English and general academic proficiency
- A statement clarifying the ability of the applicant to finance the studies without support from HMI, or specifying the level of support/ scholarships needed
Ph. D. Students
Applicants must have an M. Th. or M. A. degree (or the equivalent) in religious studies, theology, humanities or social studies. Through published articles and/or unpublished papers candidates should document their grounding in academic research related to religious studies and/or religious societies. Students must enrol at their degree-granting institution and also apply to HMI's Academic Committee.
Applicants should be fluent in English, oral and written; some proficiency in another European language is meritorious. They should also be proficient in Arabic or another oriental language such as Persian or Urdu; Knowledge of Arabic is essential for those intending to do research in Islamic Studies. An intensive programme in Arabic may be undertaken by candidates at HMI during their first year of enrolment. Applicants should also have thorough knowledge of more than one religion (such as Christianity for a Muslim student) and at least basic knowledge about a third (such as Hinduism for a Christian student of Islam).
A scholarship usually covers tuition. For students who do not live in Hyderabad the scholarship support may also include local room and board. Continued scholarship support beyond the first term is dependent upon the academic performance and progress of the recipient.
Applications should be submitted no later than one month before the intended start of the programme.
Grading
Details of grades with corresponding percentages
| A+ 80% and above |
| A |
75-79 |
| A- |
70-74 |
| B+ |
65-69 |
| B |
60-64 |
| B- |
55-59 |
| C+ |
50-54 |
| C |
45-49 |
| C- |
40-44 |
| D |
30-39 |
| E |
20-29 |
| Fail F |
10 |
As part of their applications, Ph. D. candidates should submit:
- Bio-data
- Transcripts of grades and diplomas
- List of publications plus some samples
- At least two letters of recommendation witnessing to proficiency in English and general academic proficiency
- A statement clarifying the ability of the applicant to finance the studies without support from the HMI, or specifying the level of support needed
- A statement of their research interests
B. Financial Aid
HMI is able to award some scholarships each academic year through the cooperation of our partners. Scholarships may be granted to Post-Graduate Diploma, M. Th. and Ph. D. students. Applicants should demonstrate that they are unable to get support from a church or any other organization / institution with which they are connected.
