The U.S. and some parts of Europe are among the biggest destinations for international students. These places have gained a lot of popularity, thanks to their highly-developed education system. However, if you are planning to study in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is your best option,

A good number of Saudi universities are currently ranked among the top research centers in the world. If you’re looking to continue your studies abroad while saving money and enjoying some amazing travel opportunities, then this is your ideal destination.

Every year, NGOs, universities, and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offer several scholarship programs for all 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

1. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition fee, accommodation, and annual travel tickets
  • Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Saudi government offers annual scholarship opportunities to students from all over the world. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships, the best scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students, are given as part of the kingdom’s support for scientific research. Apart from this financial aid and high-quality education, you also get to learn about different cultures since the kingdom hosts students from over 165 countries.

If you’re applying for undergraduate programs, you must be at least 17 years and not older than 25 years. As for the master’s and doctoral levels, one must be at least 30 and 35 years respectively. 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 the scholarship, you’ll have to apply directly to one of the Saudi government universities.

So, what are the benefits that come with this scholarship? You and any of the family members living in Saudi Arabia will receive health care coverage. On top of the full tuition fee, you’ll also receive accommodation, annual travel tickets, and financial stipends from the time you begin your studies.

2. King Fahd University Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition fee, accommodation, and allowances
  • Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

King Fahd University is ranked among the best institutions for higher education in the Arab region. Named after one of the most famous Kings of Saudi Arabia, King Fahd University is quite prestigious and an attractive destination for both domestic and international students.

The university currently offers scholarship opportunities for incoming undergraduate students. The application, which is an entirely online process, is open to both local residents and international candidates. All you need to do is fill out the application form and attach all the necessary documents before submitting it for assessment. However, keep in mind that you must meet the scholarship requirements for you to be considered.

King Fahd University Scholarship Program covers full tuition fees which is equivalent to SR 20,000 per year.

3. King Abdulaziz Postgraduate Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition fee, accommodation, and allowances
  • Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

King Abdulaziz University is one of the best public universities both in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. Its top-notch education system and focus on scientific research have made the university a favorite destination for many international students.

King Abdulaziz Postgraduate Scholarship is a fully-funded program. If you qualify for this scholarship in Saudi Arabia, the university will cover all your expenses as a student throughout the duration of your bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. course. Keep in mind that the financial aid is applicable to just about all programs offered by King Abdulaziz University.

As a beneficiary, you’ll get an airfare ticket, accommodation, health care coverage, and a full tuition fee. Also, throughout your degree program, the university will provide stipends up until your graduation year.

The opportunity is open throughout the year and all applications are submitted via the university’s online application portal. Be sure to contact the school for more information.

4. Islamic Development Bank Scholarships

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition fee, accommodation, and allowances
  • Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a finance institution located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Apart from Saudi Arabia, which is the largest shareholder, there are 56 other shareholding member states across the world. The bank offers financial aid to students from these member states with every candidate given the opportunity to choose their favorite university.

As an international student from either of these countries looking to study in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for one of the Saudi Arabia scholarships offered by this financial institution. The IsDB scholarships are available for those taking the undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. programs. Vocational Education & Training (VET) is also offered to students hailing from the 21 least developed member countries.

Every year, IsDB’s Department of Scholarships announces the commencement of the application process which is usually towards December. The process then runs through February, after which no further submissions will be accepted. Therefore, be sure to regularly check the bank’s website for relevant announcements.

5. Mahmoud S. Rabbani Scholarships

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Value: Up to US$18,000
  • Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.

Mahmoud S. Rabbani Scholarship, one of the best scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students, is a financial aid program named after the founder of the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation. The objective of this scholarship is to help students from the Arab World looking to study in the Netherlands. It’s also available for Dutch candidates who are planning to study in the Arab World. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that accepts this financial aid for its students.

Among the main requirements for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of this scholarship while studying in Saudi Arabia is Dutch citizenship. In addition, the scholarship only aims to cover master’s and doctoral students. All beneficiaries receive up to US$18,000 distributed across all academic years.

 

KSA is among the popular study destinations in the Arab region and though it follows strict rules, it is slowly opening to the international community. One of which is by providing scholarships intended for international students and scholarships mentioned above are just some of the numerous academic opportunities the country provides.

 

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!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships. I also provide consulting services, which you can subscribe here.