KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2027: MS and PhD Full Funding Guide

The KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2027 gives qualified students an opportunity to pursue a thesis-based Master’s or doctoral degree in Saudi Arabia. A frequent source of confusion is that King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals offers several graduate tracks, not all of which follow the same admissions window or scholarship policy. A project-based Master’s admission should not be mistaken for a fully funded thesis-based programme. Applicants need to identify the correct academic track and submit before the verified closing date.

KFUPM’s College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies states that distinguished full-time MS and PhD applicants with strong academic records can be admitted with a full scholarship. Selected scholars may receive tuition support, a stipend, furnished campus housing, medical care and additional university benefits under applicable conditions. The award is competitive rather than automatic. Admission criteria also differ between thesis-based Master of Science, conventional PhD and direct-entry doctoral routes, particularly for previous degrees and English-language results.

The current thesis-based MS and PhD application period officially opened on 1 November 2026 and closes on 15 December 2026. Therefore, it is open as of 12 November 2026. This article uses KFUPM’s own scholarship, admissions and eligibility information to explain funding, the correct degree route, academic documents, references and the application process. It also distinguishes scholarship-funded study from fee-paying enrollment, so candidates can interpret the offer accurately before committing to a programme or paying any university fees.

Scholarship Summary

KFUPM, officially King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, offers graduate routes in research-intensive fields. Its current College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies admission round for thesis-based MS and PhD study is open. The university states that exceptionally qualified full-time graduate applicants may receive full scholarship support, but eligibility and award selection are not automatic.

KFUPM separately operates project-based MS programmes, direct-entry PhD routes and executive programmes. Applicants should not mix those admissions calendars or presume every Master’s offer includes full funding. The published deadline in this guide applies to the current thesis-based MS/PhD window only.

Scholarship Coverage

KFUPM’s official scholarship page describes benefits awarded to distinguished full-time MS and PhD scholars. Eligibility and duration depend on the actual degree and formal award.

1. Tuition: Full-scholarship students may be exempt from university tuition charges.
2. Stipend: The university lists a stipend according to scholarship category rather than a single guaranteed amount.
3. Accommodation: Furnished air-conditioned campus housing, with utilities and maintenance under university rules.
4. Health: Medical and dental care under programme benefits.
5. Travel: Air tickets for international scholarship recipients, subject to applicable conditions.
6. Research support: Subsidised meals, textbooks, possible conference funding and research-project opportunities depending on eligibility.

KFUPM describes a five-year direct-entry PhD with full scholarship for the first four years, so the duration of funded support must not be assumed from the overall degree length. Self-funded applicants are subject to separate tuition charges. Check the award type and fee liability before accepting admission.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements depend on the MS versus PhD track, but the university’s published admission criteria provide a useful starting point.

1. Thesis-based MS: Normally a recognised four-year Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or evidence of suitable academic background.
2. Scholarship MS academic criterion: KFUPM lists GPA 3.00/4.00 or equivalent for scholarship applicants; a lower threshold may apply to some non-scholarship MS candidates.
3. Conventional PhD: Normally a suitable MS degree following a four-year BS, with a GPA of at least 3.00/4.00 in both degrees.
4. English-language evidence: KFUPM accepts specified TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores; for standard thesis-based MS, the official entry guidance lists TOEFL iBT 70, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105, with qualifying exemptions.
5. References and programme fit: Provide two appropriate academic references and satisfy additional department-specific rules.

The department can require extra assessments or tests. Programmes may differ in research background and preferred academic preparation; satisfying the published minimum does not guarantee a place or a scholarship.

Requirements

Candidates should prepare documents reflecting the exact degree they are entering. Do not use a project-based MS fee or checklist as the default thesis-MS/PhD funding policy.

Required Documents: The exact combination depends on the degree and applicant; prepare the following evidence in the format requested by the university.

1. Previous degree credentials: BS and, for conventional PhD, MS certificates or permitted interim graduation evidence.
2. Official transcripts: Complete university academic results and a grading scale.
3. Language scores: Accepted English exam result or documentation of eligibility for an exemption.
4. Two recommendation letters: Preferably from teaching or research faculty, submitted as required by the system.
5. Personal statement or research information: Goals, academic and research interests, and relevant achievements if required by the portal.
6. Identity and supplementary evidence: Passport/national identification and any documents the specific programme requests.

Applicants should prepare English translations of non-English documents if required. The university may assess GPA equivalence, educational field and departmental capacity independently of the central application.

Application Process

The correct route for the current funded-admission opportunity is thesis-based MS or PhD, not the closed or separately scheduled project-based MS calendar:

1. Review available KFUPM thesis-based MS and PhD programmes and their entry qualifications.
2. Confirm whether you are eligible for the full scholarship rather than a self-funded programme.
3. Prepare transcripts, degree evidence, English results, research information and referees.
4. Open the official College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies application page and choose the correct thesis-MS/PhD route.
5. Complete personal, academic and programme details accurately; upload required documents.
6. Submit the application no later than 15 December 2026 and record the acknowledgement.
7. Respond to interview, referee or document requests; wait for admissions and scholarship evaluation.
8. Examine the scholarship offer, expected stipend, housing and full duration of funding before accepting.

A different application start date shown for KFUPM’s project-based MS programmes is not the deadline for this full-scholarship thesis route. Verify any degree-specific conditions in the live university portal.

Deadline

Current KFUPM thesis-based MS/PhD application deadline: 15 December 2026. The official KFUPM site shows the window beginning 1 November 2026. Applications are currently open as of 12 November 2026.

The date is for the current thesis-based MS and PhD admissions call. Future cycles and separate project-based, executive or direct-entry routes may use other deadlines; always identify the programme before applying.

Apply Now Official Website

Apply through the official KFUPM graduate application application website. Use the university’s own form and programme rules; third-party scholarship directories are not application portals. This article is an independent guide and does not guarantee admission or funding.

Related Scholarships

Compare these existing WsScholar4U guides for related graduate opportunities and alternative research-funding routes.

• Saudi Arabia Scholarships Guide — a different scholarship guide; confirm each programme’s current deadline separately.
• Master Scholarships in Saudi Arabia — a different scholarship guide; confirm each programme’s current deadline separately.
• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme — a different scholarship guide; confirm each programme’s current deadline separately.
• Fully Funded Master Scholarships — a different scholarship guide; confirm each programme’s current deadline separately.

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