IKI Academy Signs Memorandum of Agreement with International Open University (IOU)

Tbilisi, Georgia — The Institute of Knowledge Integration (IKI Academy) is pleased to announce a formal academic partnership with the International Open University (IOU), based in Kanifing, The Gambia. Following the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both institutions have officially ratified a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) establishing a direct academic articulation pathway for postgraduate students.

Academic Pathway & Credit Recognition

Under this MoA, students who complete IKI Academy’s 36-credit-hour online postgraduate program and earn the Postgraduate Certificate in Islamic Thought and Knowledge Integration are eligible to apply for IOU’s Master of Arts in Islamic Studies (MAIS) program, dissertation phase. IOU formally recognizes and accepts these 36 credit hours, fulfilling the complete theoretical coursework requirement for entry into the dissertation track.

Admission & Program Impact for Current and Graduating Students

●    Eligibility Threshold: Graduating and current students who achieve a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 in their IKI Academy postgraduate coursework are eligible for direct admission into IOU’s MAIS dissertation track.

●    English Language Proficiency Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate competence in English as the Language of Teaching and Learning (LOTL):

●    Applicants are required to meet a high level of English proficiency, specified as an overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS (with at least 6.0 in writing) or equivalent.

●    For candidates with English as an additional or foreign language, IOU may require completion of its English for Academic Purposes Placement Test (EAPP).

●    Degree Conferral: Upon successful defense and completion of the dissertation under IOU's academic framework, IOU will confer the accredited Master of Arts in Islamic Studies degree. The MAIS program is accredited by the National Accreditation and Qualification Assurance Authority (NAQAA) of The Gambia.

●    Faculty Collaboration: Qualified IKI Academy faculty members may serve as co-supervisors and external examiners during the dissertation phase.

●    Dissertation Requirements: The dissertation phase consists of a research thesis between 35,000 and 50,000 words.

This partnership offers a streamlined, flexible pathway for IKI Academy students to achieve a recognized Master’s degree while preserving the core benefits of our specialized curriculum.