Scholarships

🎓 High Commission of Saudi Arabia Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded for International Students

Gradualin

April 26, 2026
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Imagine studying at a world-class university in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula — completely free of charge. No tuition fees, no rent worries, and even your flight ticket covered. That is exactly what the High Commission of Saudi Arabia Scholarships 2026 offers to ambitious international students around the world.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), under its Ministry of Education, runs one of the most generous government scholarship programs in the world. These scholarships are offered to international students at 27 public universities spread across different regions of Saudi Arabia, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to outstanding students from over 200 countries.

This is not just an academic opportunity — it is a chance to be part of a nation that is rapidly transforming itself under Saudi Vision 2030, building world-class research institutions, futuristic cities, and a globally connected education system. Read on to find out everything you need to know and how you can apply today.

🎓 Scholarship Overview

The fully funded scholarships from the Saudi Government are open for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 admissions, covering Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and MBA degree programs.

The Saudi Arabian government, under the Ministry of Education (MOE), offers fully funded scholarships to international students at 27 public universities. These scholarship initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to develop qualified global graduates who, after completing their studies, return to their home countries equipped with specialized knowledge, advanced skills, and valuable experience to contribute to sustainable development and international cooperation.

Saudi Arabia’s scholarship program is divided into two categories:

Internal Scholarships — for non-Saudi students who are already legally residing inside the Kingdom
External Scholarships — for international students applying from outside Saudi Arabia

There are approximately 600 scholarship slots available across 25 universities in Saudi Arabia, and these slots are open to both male and female students.

🎓 Benefits / Funding Available

The Saudi Arabia government scholarship is a true full-ride package. Here is what selected students receive:

Students selected for external scholarships enjoy free tuition fees, a monthly stipend (which varies by degree level), university housing, healthcare coverage, an annual round-trip airfare, a financial reward upon arrival, and equal student privileges as Saudi nationals in universities.

Breaking it down further:

Benefit	Details
💰 Tuition Fees	100% covered — no fees at all
🏠 Accommodation	Free on-campus furnished housing
✈️ Airfare	Annual round-trip flight tickets
🏥 Healthcare	Full medical coverage (family may also be included)
💵 Monthly Stipend	Paid regularly throughout the program
🎁 Arrival Bonus	Cash reward when you first arrive
📚 Academic Reward	Extra allowance for excellent academic performance
🪪 Residency	Free residence permit for duration of study

Some specific universities offer even more:

KAUST Scholarship: Provides full tuition support, an annual living allowance of up to $30,000, on-campus housing, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support.
CMA CGM Excellence Fund (at partner universities): Full overseas tuition fees plus an annual stipend of £19,500.
King Abdulaziz University: Covers a monthly bursary, accommodation, healthcare, and a two-way airfare ticket.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements apply across all degree levels. Here is what you generally need to qualify:

General Requirements (All Levels):

Must be a non-Saudi international student
Must not currently hold another Saudi government scholarship
Must have a clean criminal record (police clearance certificate)
Must pass a medical examination approved by the university
All academic certificates must be officially attested by relevant authorities
For internal scholarship students already residing in Saudi Arabia: they must obtain approval from their current sponsor and have valid legal residency in the Kingdom.

Age Requirements: Applicants must be 17–25 years old for undergraduate and Arabic diploma programs, under 30 years for Master’s degree applicants, and under 35 years for PhD applicants.

Academic Requirements:

For undergraduate programs, a minimum of 85% in your high school diploma is required. Graduate applicants need a 3.0 GPA or equivalent.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university for Master’s and PhD applicants

English Language Requirements: For programs taught in English, proof of proficiency is required:

IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
For Arabic-taught programs, Arabic language proficiency may be required instead
Some universities offer conditional admission with language bridge programs

Additional Note for Female Applicants: Female students must have a mahram (guardian) residing in the Kingdom. This is a regulatory requirement by Saudi institutions.

🎓 Who Should Apply

Apply if you are:

A high-achieving student looking for a fully funded degree in a rapidly growing academic environment
Interested in fields like Engineering, Sciences, Medicine, Business, IT, or Islamic Studies
A student from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East seeking a prestigious and free education
Seeking a PhD or Master’s opportunity with full financial support and research facilities
Someone who wants to experience Arab culture, language, and the Islamic heritage of Saudi Arabia
An ambitious student aligned with Vision 2030 who wants career exposure in oil, technology, healthcare, or finance

You may NOT be eligible if:

You already receive another Saudi government scholarship
Your academic record does not meet the minimum GPA or percentage requirement
You are above the age limits for your desired degree level
Female applicants without a mahram already in Saudi Arabia may face additional restrictions
You have previously been dismissed from a Saudi educational institution

🎓 Available Universities & Programs

Students have the chance to enroll at world-renowned Saudi universities including King Fahd University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), King Abdulaziz University, Islamic University of Madinah, King Saud University, and King Faisal University.

Here is a snapshot of the top scholarship opportunities:

🏛️ King Abdulaziz University (KAU) — Jeddah KAU offers fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and research opportunities for international students in 2026. Programs available across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels in Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Business, and more.

🏛️ King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) KAUST Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for master’s and PhD studies, providing full tuition support, an annual living allowance of up to $30,000, on-campus housing, and medical and dental coverage. KAUST is internationally ranked and one of the most research-focused universities in the region.

🏛️ Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) The Islamic University of Madinah is globally recognized as a leading center for Islamic and scientific learning. Every year, the Saudi government provides free seats to talented international students, offering a fully funded pathway to earn an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Students also gain access to the Prophet’s Mosque daily — a deeply meaningful experience for Muslim students worldwide.

🏛️ King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Focused on engineering, sciences, and technology. KFUPM scholarship is available for master’s and PhD studies, providing full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, and medical coverage.

🏛️ King Saud University (KSU) — Riyadh One of Saudi Arabia’s largest and most established universities offering programs across all major disciplines.

Academic Fields Available: Sciences, Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Business Administration, Information Technology & Computer Science, Islamic Studies & Arabic Language, Humanities & Social Sciences, Architecture & Urban Planning, Agriculture & Environmental Studies

🎓 Required Documents

Prepare these documents before starting your application:

✅ Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity)
✅ Certified academic transcripts from previous institutions
✅ High school diploma or undergraduate degree certificate (attested by relevant authorities)
✅ Police clearance certificate (proof of no criminal record)
✅ Medical fitness certificate (as approved by the target university)
✅ English language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) — if applying for English-taught programs
✅ Two academic recommendation letters (for graduate programs)
✅ Personal statement or statement of purpose (for some programs)
✅ Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
✅ Passport-sized photographs
✅ Proof of attested certificates from the Saudi Embassy in your country

🎓 Application Process

Applying for a Saudi government scholarship is straightforward. Here is your step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Choose Your University and Program Research the 27 public universities and identify the program that best aligns with your academic goals and background. Most fields are available except for medical and health specialties, which have separate admission processes.

Step 2 – Apply to the University’s Admission Portal Visit the admission portal of the university you are interested in and submit your application online during the admission window.

Step 3 – Use the Official Study in Saudi Platform Applications are processed through the Study in Saudi online platform, which centralizes admission, scholarship, and visa services. Register at: studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa

Step 4 – Apply Through Your Country’s Saudi Cultural Attaché or Embassy If there is no Saudi cultural attaché in your country, you can apply directly to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Contact your nearest Saudi embassy for guidance on the local process.

Step 5 – Upload Documents and Submit Application Complete the online form with accurate personal and academic details. Upload all required documents and double-check everything before submitting.

Step 6 – Await Results and Visa Processing To obtain a study visa from Saudi embassies, applicants must have a scholarship from a Saudi university. After arrival in Saudi Arabia, scholarship recipients may obtain a free residence permit for the duration of their study with a letter issued by the passport department in the university.

Application processing typically takes 8–12 weeks from submission to decision. Early applications receive priority and tend to have higher acceptance rates.

🎓 Important Dates

Application windows vary by university and degree level. Here is a general timeline to plan around:

Most undergraduate scholarships open in October and close around February for fall intake. Graduate program deadlines typically occur earlier. PhD scholarships often have rolling admissions throughout the year.

Intake	Typical Application Window
Fall 2026	September – February
Spring 2027	March – July
PhD (Rolling)	Year-round — check each university

⚠️ Important: Each Saudi university sets its own specific dates. Always check the official university website and the Saudi Ministry of Education portal regularly for updated deadlines.

🎓 Why Apply / Why Study in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is no longer just a destination for religious studies — it is fast becoming a global hub for research, innovation, and academic excellence. Here is why thousands of international students choose KSA every year:

🌍 Multicultural environment — students from 200+ countries study side by side
🏆 World-ranked universities — KAUST, KAU, KFUPM, and King Saud University all appear in global rankings
🔬 Advanced research centers with cutting-edge scientific facilities
💼 Career opportunities post-graduation in oil, IT, healthcare, banking, telecoms, and construction
🏙️ Vision 2030 transformation — Saudi Arabia is investing hundreds of billions into education, tourism, and technology including the NEOM smart city project
🕌 Unique cultural and spiritual experience, especially for Muslim students studying near Makkah and Madinah
💰 Zero financial stress — everything is covered, so you focus 100% on your studies
🪪 Free residence permit for the full duration of your scholarship

🎓 Official Sources

Apply and explore scholarships through these official channels:

🔗 Study in Saudi Official Portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa
🔗 Saudi Ministry of Education Scholarships: https://www.moe.gov.sa/en/education/ResidentsAndvisitors/Pages/PublicUniversitiesScholarships.aspx
🔗 Saudi National Portal (Internal Scholarships): https://my.gov.sa/en/services/18650

Always verify details directly from official Saudi government sources before applying.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

Detail	Information
🏛️ Offered By	High Commission / Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia
📍 Location	Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (27 public universities)
🎓 Degree Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, MBA
💰 Funding Type	Fully Funded
🌍 Eligible Students	International students (non-Saudi) from all countries
📅 Intake	Fall 2026 & Spring 2027
🔗 Official Portal	studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa