Is it permissible to enroll in a mixed-gender university—assuming one is safe from temptation and goes solely for the academic material—to study a desired specialization, as opposed to enrolling in a non-mixed-gender university to study an undesired specialization? And is it obligatory to search for a non-mixed-gender university that accepts one in the required specialization if enrollment in a mixed-gender university is permissible?

It is impermissible to study in co-educational universities unless there is a necessity or a dire need. If the desired specialization is only available in a co-educational university, then it is permissible to enroll, provided there is security from temptation (fitna) and presence in it is limited to the extent of the need. If the attendance is solely to acquire academic material and leave immediately, along with security from temptation, then the matter is less severe. One must search for another non-co-educational university that offers the specialization. If such a university is found, it is obligatory to leave the co-educational university unless a harm would result from the transfer.