Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a rising hub for global education by offering numerous fully funded scholarships to international students. These scholarships open doors for talented students worldwide to study at some of the Kingdom’s most prestigious universities, with financial support that covers nearly all academic and living expenses.
Why Study in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is home to several top-ranking universities offering cutting-edge facilities, globally recognized academic programs, and a strong commitment to research and innovation. Through its scholarship initiatives, the country aims to attract bright minds from all over the world and foster academic and cultural exchange.
These fully funded scholarships are typically sponsored by the Saudi Ministry of Education and are available through the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform.
What the Scholarships Cover
International students who are awarded these scholarships can expect comprehensive financial support, which generally includes:
- 100% tuition coverage
- Free university housing or accommodation allowance
- Monthly living stipend
- Medical insurance
- Annual return airfare
- Relocation support (for select institutions)
Top Universities Offering Scholarships
Several renowned Saudi universities welcome international students through their scholarship programs. Here’s a look at some of the top institutions participating:
1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
- One of the Kingdom’s oldest and most respected universities. Offers a variety of programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Full scholarship includes tuition, stipend, housing, medical care, and airfare.
- Website
2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
- Known for its diverse range of programs in sciences, humanities, and engineering.
- Scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly allowance, and healthcare.
- Website
3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran
- Specialized in science, engineering, and business.
- Fully funded for graduate programs with benefits like tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and relocation support.
- Website
4. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal
- A research-intensive institution offering only master’s and PhD programs in science and technology.
- Scholarships include full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and accommodation.
- Website
5. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh
- The largest women-only university globally.
- Offers scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly allowance for international female students.
- Website
6. Islamic University of Madinah – Madinah
- Focuses primarily on Islamic studies and related disciplines.
- Fully funded support including housing, food, and a monthly stipend.
- Website
- Other Participating Institutions
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Dammam)
- Jazan University (Jazan)
- Northern Border University (Arar)
- Taibah University (Madinah)
These universities also offer a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs for international applicants.
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Eligibility and Required Documents
To apply for a Saudi scholarship, most universities require the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A recent passport-sized photo
- High school diploma or equivalent (with Arabic translation if required)
- Birth certificate
- National ID
- Parents’ identification documents
- A police clearance certificate (valid for at least 6 months)
- A recent medical report (valid for at least 3 months)
- Recommendation letter from your previous school or institution
- Contact details of a Saudi resident sponsor (in some cases)
- Active email and phone number
When to Apply?
Application deadlines are university-specific and generally fall between June and October. It’s strongly recommended to check each university’s official website for exact dates and requirements.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
- Visit the official platform: Study in Saudi Arabia
- Browse available programs and partner universities.
- Review admission criteria and document requirements.
- Prepare your documents and complete the online application.
- Track your application status through the portal.
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Conclusion
Saudi Arabia offers a golden opportunity for international students to pursue world-class education without financial burden. From state-of-the-art research institutions to women-only universities, the Kingdom provides diverse academic options for students from all backgrounds.
If you’re looking to study abroad with full financial support, consider applying to Saudi Arabia’s fully funded scholarships—it might just be your first step toward a brighter future.