Applications are now being accepted for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s fully funded scholarships for 2026, which are offered to overseas students enrolled in 27 public colleges nationwide. In keeping with the objectives of Vision 2030, these scholarships demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting learning, research, and international cooperation.
This guide will give you all the necessary information on the prerequisites and application process if you are an international student hoping to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Saudi Arabia.
Host Country: Saudi Arabia
University: Saudi Arabia Universities
Opportunity Type: Masters, PhD, Undergraduate
Subjects: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Why Choose Saudi Arabia for Your Studies?
Saudi universities are quickly becoming well-known throughout the world for their excellent research contributions and high academic standards. Important justifications for studying there are:
- universities with a growing academic reputation and a global ranking.
- modern scientific facilities and cutting-edge research centres.
- a thriving global community that includes students from more than 200 nations.
- full scholarship advantages that include travel, healthcare, accommodation, stipend, and tuition.
Types of Saudi Scholarships
- Internal Scholarships – For non-Saudi students already residing in the Kingdom with valid residency.
- External Scholarships – For international students applying from outside Saudi Arabia.
Scholarships are further divided into:
- Full Scholarships – Cover tuition, housing, monthly stipend, medical care, and airfare.
- Partial Scholarships – Provide limited benefits, such as a study seat and housing.
- Paid Grants – Where some costs are shared between the student and the university.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates for Arabic diploma programs and undergraduate degrees must be between the ages of 17 and 25.
- Candidates for master’s degrees have to be younger than thirty.
- Candidates for a PhD program ought to be younger than 35.
- The appropriate authorities must attest all academic credentials.
- A certificate of a clean criminal record is necessary.
- Candidates need to clear a university-approved medical exam.
- Candidates cannot be in possession of more than one Saudi scholarship.
- A mahram, or guardian, who resides in Saudi Arabia is required for female applicants.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver: The award fully covers all educational costs.
- Monthly living allowance: Depending on the degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), a stipend is given to help with everyday expenditures.
- Free on-campus living: University housing that is furnished is provided to scholarship recipients.
- All-inclusive medical care: During the study period, medical coverage is offered.
- Annual round-trip travel: Once a year, the scholarship covers the cost of airfare to and from the student’s home nation.
- Arrival allowance: When students first arrive in Saudi Arabia, they are given money.
- Equal opportunities: At public universities, international students have the same access to academic resources, services, and advantages as Saudi students.
Required Documents
- verified transcripts and certificates of education.
- A copy of your passport that is valid for at least a year.
- letters of recommendation (if the university requests them).
- Good behaviour certificate (no criminal history).
- certificate of medical fitness.
- Statement of Purpose (for candidates pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees).
Application Timeline for 2026
- Application periods vary, as each Saudi university sets its own deadlines.
- Most scholarships typically open between January–April and again in September–November.
- Applicants should frequently monitor the official websites of their selected universities for the latest 2026 scholarship announcements.
