Is it permissible for a mother to pay her son's university tuition from her zakat on gold?

It is permissible for a mother to give her zakat to her son among the descendants. Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on giving zakat to descendants and ascendants. The preponderant view is that it is permissible, provided that his maintenance is not obligatory upon her. University study expenses are not obligatory.

It is permissible for the mother to pay her zakat to cover his tuition fees if his field of study is religious. Jurists have specifically allowed zakat for students of Islamic knowledge, but not for students of worldly knowledge. Some scholars, however, permit giving zakat to students of worldly knowledge if their knowledge falls under communal obligations (fard kifaya).