The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers world-class educational opportunities through several fully funded scholarship programs in 2026. These active scholarships in Saudi Arabia initiatives aim to attract global talent and foster international collaboration as part of the Saudi Vision 2030. You can secure comprehensive financial support that covers every aspect of your academic journey in the Middle East.
Saudi universities offer prestigious degree programs. The Ministry of Education manages the national scholarship portal. International students receive full financial backing. Academic committees select candidates based on merit.
You must understand the specific Scholarships in Saudi Arabia requirements for each institution to maximize your chances of success. Most applications require three essential categories of documents: academic records, personal identifications, and health certifications. Use the following guide to strengthen your application and meet the 2026 deadlines for the top universities in the Kingdom.
Active Scholarship List (2026)
| Scholarship Name | Study Level | Eligible Nationalities | Deadline (2026) |
| KAUST Fellowship | MS, PhD | All Nationalities | February 28, 2026 |
| King Abdulaziz University (KAU) | BS, MS, PhD | All Nationalities | June 14, 2025 (BS) / Oct 31, 2025 (MS/PhD) |
| King Saud University (KSU) | BS, MS, PhD | All Nationalities | June 14, 2025 (BS) / Oct 31, 2025 (MS/PhD) |
| Islamic University of Madinah | BS, MS, PhD | International (Non-Saudi) | December 2025 (Postgrad) |
| Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman | BS, Diploma | International Female Students |
Active Scholarships in Saudi Arabia Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Master’s (MS), and Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
- Location: Saudi Arabia (major cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Thuwal).
- Institution(s): King Saud University (KSU), King Abdulaziz University (KAU), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and Islamic University of Madinah.
- Program Period: 2 to 5 years depending on the degree level.
- Course offered: STEM fields (Engineering, Computer Science, Biology), Humanities, Business, and Islamic Studies.
- Deadline: Various dates between January 15 and June 30, 2026.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship packages in Saudi Arabia are highly competitive and inclusive. Recipients receive full tuition fee waivers for the entire duration of their studies. The program provides three key financial stipends: a monthly living allowance, a one-time arrival grant, and a graduation allowance for shipping books.
You will also receive free on-campus accommodation in modern student dormitories. The active Scholarships in Saudi Arabia covers comprehensive health and dental insurance at university hospitals. Furthermore, students receive annual return airfare tickets to their home countries during summer breaks. Some programs, like the KAUST Fellowship, offer stipends up to $30,000 per year for advanced research students.
Scholarships in Saudi Arabia Eligibility Criteria
There are four primary eligibility criteria you must satisfy to qualify for a active Scholarships in Saudi Arabia in 2026. You must be between 17 and 25 years old for undergraduate programs, while graduate applicants should generally be under 30 for Master’s and under 35 for PhDs. Applicants must hold a previous degree with a “Very Good” grade (typically a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher).
You must provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (minimum 70). You must be medically fit and submit a report showing you are free from infectious diseases. Finally, you must possess a clean criminal record and provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.
Application Process to Saudi Arabia Scholarships
To apply for scholarships in Saudi Arabia, visit the centralized “Study in Saudi” platform or the individual university’s graduate portal. You must create a user profile by providing your passport details, contact information, and educational history. Select up to three preferred universities and programs that align with your career goals.
Upload high-quality scans of your documents in PDF format. These include your degree certificate, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation from former professors. You must submit a well-crafted Statement of Purpose that explains your motivation for studying in the Kingdom.
If you are applying for a research-based PhD, you must submit a detailed research proposal and potentially identify a host supervisor. Submit the application through the online portal once all sections are complete. You will receive a unique application number to monitor your status. The university will invite you for a virtual interview if you pass the initial screening. You must accept the formal offer letter through the portal to begin the visa process.
You May Read This: Scholarships to study a Master’s in Saudi Arabia for International Students.
Deadline
The deadlines for the 2026 academic year vary by program. The KAUST Global Fellowship deadline is January 15, 2026. King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University typically close undergraduate applications in June 2026, while graduate deadlines often fall earlier. You should complete your submission 30 days before the deadline to ensure all attestations are verified.
