The Centre started on 21 May 2004, when the academic programme was formulated and classes started (slightly late) in the academic year 2004/05. The semester now starts on the first Monday of September for registration and the second Monday for teaching and ends in early January (depending on the dates of the Eids). There is then a break during which those students who have to take Comprehensive Examinations prepare and appear for the Written and Oral Comprehensives. The next semester starts in the end of January for registration and early February for teaching and ends in mid-June. The major Comprehensive examination is held after the summer break of 2 months towards the end of August.