Introduction
Saudi Arabia has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students who want to pursue quality higher education while receiving full financial support. Through its Study in Saudi Arabia Scholarships, the Ministry of Education offers a wide range of opportunities for students at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels.
These scholarships are not only fully funded but also provide students with a chance to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the Kingdom. From tuition fee coverage to monthly stipends, free accommodation, and medical insurance, this program is designed to make education accessible and stress-free for deserving students worldwide.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know: eligibility, benefits, required documents, universities, timeline, and why you should consider applying for the 2025/26 intake.
Why Choose Saudi Arabia Scholarships for Higher Education?
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in its education sector over the past two decades. Many of its universities are now ranked among the best in the Middle East, with globally recognized programs in science, engineering, medicine, and Islamic studies. The country also welcomes thousands of international students every year, making it a hub of cultural exchange and global academic cooperation.
Some reasons why international students prefer Saudi Arabia:
Fully Funded Education – Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses are covered.
Generous Monthly Stipend – Students receive a financial allowance to manage their daily needs.
Global Recognition – Degrees from Saudi universities are accepted worldwide.
Cultural Diversity – Students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond study together.
Safe Environment – Universities provide secure and well-maintained campuses for students.
Scholarship Benefits
The Study in Saudi Arabia Scholarships are designed to remove the financial barriers to education. If selected, you can expect the following benefits:
Full Tuition Fee Waiver – 100% of tuition costs are covered by the government.
Monthly Stipend – Depending on the degree level, students receive a stipend (approximately $800–$1,000).
Accommodation – Free university housing or housing allowance.
Comprehensive Health Insurance – Coverage for medical treatment throughout the study period.
Airfare Tickets – Annual round-trip ticket from your home country to Saudi Arabia.
Settlement Allowance – Cash support upon arrival to help students adjust.
Student Facilities – Access to libraries, labs, research centers, and extracurricular activities.
These benefits ensure that students can focus completely on their studies without worrying about finances.
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Levels of Study Available
Scholarships are available for:
Bachelor’s Degree Programs – A wide range of undergraduate fields such as engineering, business, computer science, Islamic studies, Arabic language, and natural sciences.
Master’s Degree Programs – Postgraduate degrees in advanced fields, often requiring research components.
PhD Programs – Research-focused programs where students work under supervisors on specialized topics.
Each university has its own program list, but almost all major disciplines are covered.
Participating Universities in Saudi Arabia Scholarships
Public universities in Saudi Arabia scholarships participate in this program. Some of the top universities offering scholarships include:
- Islamic University
- Umm Al‑Qura University
- Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University
- Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
- Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
- University of Al Baha
- Al‑Jouf University
- Northern Border University
- Taif University
- Qassim University
- Majmaah University
- King Khalid University
- King Saud University
- King Abdulaziz University
- King Faisal University
- University of Bisha
- University of Tabuk
- Jazan University
- Jeddah University
- University of Hail
- University of Hafar Al‑Batin
- Shaqra University
- Taibah University
- Najran University
These universities offer modern campuses, international faculty, and research opportunities in collaboration with global institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Arabia Scholarships
To apply for the Saudi Arabia Universities Scholarships, students must meet general eligibility requirements. While details may vary slightly by university, the standard conditions include:
Nationality:
Open to all international students outside Saudi Arabia.
Age:
Undergraduate applicants: generally between 17–25 years old.
Master’s applicants: under 30 years old.
PhD applicants: under 35 years old.
(Exact age limits may vary depending on university policy.)
Academic Requirements:
High school certificate for Bachelor’s programs.
Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs.
Master’s degree for PhD programs.
Grades:
Students should have good academic records that meet the university’s GPA or percentage requirements.
Language Requirements:
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught courses.
Arabic proficiency for Arabic-taught courses (especially Islamic studies).
Health:
Medical fitness certificate proving the student is free from infectious diseases.
Conduct:
Good conduct certificate/police clearance from home country.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare a complete set of documents to submit with their scholarship application. Typically required documents include:
Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
Passport-size photograph (white background)
Academic transcripts and certificates (attested and translated into English or Arabic if required)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose
Recommendation Letters (2–3, usually required for Master’s and PhD programs)
Medical Certificate
Police Clearance / Good Conduct Certificate
Language Proficiency Test Results (IELTS/TOEFL, if applicable)
Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
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Application Timeline (2025/26 Intake)
The scholarship follows a strict timeline. Below is the expected schedule for the 2025 intake:
Undergraduate Applications Close: 14 June 2025
Master’s & PhD Applications Close: 31 October 2025
Application Review Period: 4–12 weeks after submission
Final Scholarship Offers: Between July and November 2025 (depending on program level)
Visa & Travel Arrangements: 1–3 months before the academic year starts
Academic Year Start: September 2025 (for most universities)
It is highly recommended to apply well before the deadline, as late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Why This Saudi Arabia Scholarships Stands Out
There are many scholarships worldwide, but Saudi Arabia’s initiative is unique because of:
Generous Benefits: Covers almost every expense.
Diverse Fields of Study: From STEM to humanities, Islamic studies, and business.
Cultural Exposure: A chance to live in one of the most historically and religiously significant countries.
Global Recognition: Saudi universities are rapidly climbing in international rankings.
Support System: Universities provide orientation, student clubs, and resources to help internationals settle in.
Tips for Applicants
Prepare Early: Get your documents attested and translated well before deadlines.
Apply to Multiple Universities: Increases your chances of selection.
Highlight Your Strengths: In your motivation letter, clearly explain why you want to study in Saudi Arabia.
Strong Recommendations: Choose professors or supervisors who know your academic work well.
Meet Language Requirements: If you are applying for English-taught programs, make sure you have your IELTS/TOEFL scores ready.
Stay Updated: Regularly check official university websites and the Study in Saudi portal for changes.
Final Words on Saudi Arabia Scholarships
The Saudi Arabia Universities Scholarships 2025/26 are an excellent opportunity for students worldwide who want to pursue higher education without financial burdens. With full tuition coverage, stipends, free accommodation, and many other benefits, these scholarships allow students to focus entirely on building their academic and professional careers.
If you are planning to study abroad and want a fully funded option, Saudi Arabia should be one of your top choices. With strong universities, modern facilities, and global recognition, it provides both academic growth and cultural enrichment.
