The U.S. and parts of Europe remain popular destinations for international students because of their established higher education systems. However, if you are planning to study in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia can be a strong option.
A good number of Saudi universities are currently ranked among the top research centers and leading universities in the world. If you’re looking to continue your studies abroad while saving money and enjoying travel opportunities, then this may be an ideal destination.
Every year, universities, external organizations, and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offer scholarship programs for international students looking to study in the country. This article will cover some of the best financial aid opportunities that you can consider as you plan to join one of the Saudi institutions. Read on to learn more!
Top Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships | Government of Saudi Arabia | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Free, partial, or paid scholarships; full external scholarships may include tuition-free study, housing, health care, travel tickets, and financial support |
| King Fahd University Scholarship Program | King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | Bachelor’s | Full scholarship for eligible international students living outside Saudi Arabia; need-based tuition support may also be available for some undergraduates |
| King Abdulaziz University Scholarship Program | King Abdulaziz University | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Tuition fees, accommodation or living support, health insurance, and academic support; benefits vary by scholarship route |
| KFUPM Scholarship | King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | Master’s, Ph.D. | Full tuition fees, stipend, furnished housing, medical/dental care, airfare for international students, textbooks, subsidized meals, and research opportunities |
1. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Free, partial, or paid scholarships; full external scholarships may include tuition-free study, housing, health care, annual travel tickets, and financial support
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Saudi government offers scholarship opportunities to students from around the world. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships are among the major scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students and are designed to attract talented students in theoretical, scientific, and research fields. Apart from financial aid and access to Saudi universities, you also get to learn about different cultures since the kingdom hosts students from more than 200 countries.
If you’re applying for undergraduate programs or Arabic-language institute programs, you must be at least 17 years old and not older than 25 years old. For master’s programs, applicants must not be older than 30 years old, and for doctoral programs, applicants must not be older than 35 years old. Depending on your native country, you might need to obtain approval from the relevant authorities before commencing your plans to study in Saudi Arabia. To qualify for a scholarship, you can apply through Saudi public universities, the Saudi Cultural Attaché in your country, or the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia if there is no cultural attaché.
Scholarship benefits depend on the type of award. Full external scholarship students may receive health care for themselves and eligible family members, a financial reward upon arrival, housing, advantages offered to fellow students of the institution, and annual travel tickets in accordance with applicable regulations.
2. King Fahd University Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition waiver or tuition support, with additional benefits for eligible international students living outside Saudi Arabia
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is ranked among the best institutions for higher education in the Arab region. Named after King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, the university is prestigious and remains an attractive destination for both domestic and international students.
The university offers scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students. KFUPM states that international students living outside Saudi Arabia receive a full scholarship and waived tuition fees, with benefits that may include free on-campus housing, course texts, a monthly stipend, and medical services. A separate undergraduate scholarship page also states that non-Saudi students may otherwise be expected to pay SR 20,000 per year, while need- and performance-based scholarship support can cover 10% to 100% of tuition fees.
Applications are handled online through the university’s admissions system, and applicants should check the current admission tracks and dates before applying. Scholarship availability, award level, and continuation requirements may depend on the applicant’s category, academic performance, financial need, and available funding.
3. King Abdulaziz University Postgraduate Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition fees, accommodation or living support, health insurance, and academic support; benefits vary by scholarship route
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
- Meet the KAU Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Jawad Bashir Mustafvi from Pakistan and Idrees Hadi Khan from Pakistan
King Abdulaziz University is one of the best public universities both in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. Its education system and focus on scientific research have made the university a popular destination for many international students.
King Abdulaziz University offers scholarship opportunities for international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels in various fields of study. For students applying through the postgraduate scholarship route, the award may cover tuition fees and provide support such as accommodation or living expenses, health insurance, housing, and academic guidance. Benefits and eligible programs can vary by scholarship route, so applicants should check the current official scholarship and admission pages before applying.
As a beneficiary, you may receive support such as housing, health insurance, academic guidance, and living support. Some scholarship routes may also include additional benefits such as travel support, depending on the current terms.
Applications are submitted through the current university scholarship pages or the Study in Saudi portal when the relevant application period is open. Be sure to contact the school or review the official admissions portal for the most recent requirements, deadlines, and program availability.
Here is what the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship Scholars Say:
“One of the most important things I did was to start preparing early.”
Jawad Bashir Mustafvi
“I was accepted to the Deanship of Graduate Studies, with a fully funded scholarship, at King Abdulaziz University to study Sociology.”
Idrees Hadi Khan
4. KFUPM Scholarship at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s and Ph.D.: Full tuition fees, stipend, furnished on-campus housing, medical/dental care, airfare for international students, textbooks, subsidized meals, and research opportunities
- Meet the KFUPM Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys, including Reno Muhammad Fadilla from Indonesia
The KFUPM Scholarship is a funded award for distinguished full-time Master’s and Ph.D. students at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Benefits can include free study with no tuition fee, a stipend based on scholarship category, furnished on-campus housing, medical and dental care, airfare for international students, free textbooks, subsidized meals, access to research projects, and possible conference funding under specific conditions. Deadlines are tied to KFUPM’s graduate admissions cycles and may vary by program, so review the admissions pages before applying.
Here is what KFUPM Scholarship Scholars Say:
“This scholarship included full tuition, round-trip airfare (including one annual holiday trip), on-campus housing, and a monthly stipend of around 2,500 SAR.”
Reno Muhammad Fadilla
“Although I initially struggled and needed five attempts to achieve a CEFR B2-equivalent score on the TOEFL, my perseverance paid off.”
Reno Muhammad Fadilla
KSA is a notable study destination in the Arab region. Its public universities, individual institutions, and external organizations provide scholarship opportunities for international students, including the awards mentioned above.
We hope this article on the best scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the KSA Study Guide and Available Programs for International Students!
