Critical Success Factors for a Waqf University: Comparative Insights from Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia for the Implementation of a Waqf University in Malaysia

The sustainability and success of waqf-based higher education institutions depend largely on the identification and implementation of critical success factors (CSFs) derived from proven international models. This paper explores the critical success factors for waqf universities through a comparative analysis of three prominent countries: Turkey, Egypt, and Indonesia. Using a qualitative comparative analysis approach, data were collected from academic literature, institutional reports, and uses the comparative analysis methodology Turkey demonstrates institutional autonomy and professional management of foundation universities; Egypt highlights the historical legacy and integration of waqf in national education policy through Al-Azhar; while Indonesia illustrates the successful integration of waqf in pesantren-based higher education, emphasizing community participation and leadership ethics. By comparing these models, the study proposes a conceptual framework for implementing a sustainable waqf university in Malaysia, emphasizing transparency, regulatory coherence, and professionalized waqf governance. The findings provide policymakers and waqf practitioners with valuable insights into adapting global best practices to strengthen Malaysia’s higher education waqf ecosystem. This paper presents an Implementation Framework of Waqf University in Malaysia based on comparison of practices of waqf funded higher education in Turkey, Indonesia and Egypt.