The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established itself as a premier destination for graduate research, offering some of the world’s most comprehensive financial aid packages for 2026. For the 2026 academic year, Master scholarships in Saudi Arabia provide essential funding through 100% tuition waivers, monthly stipends up to $30,000 annually, and free premium on-campus housing. The primary purpose of this guide is to assist international applicants in navigating the “Study in Saudi” portal and specific university requirements, which include maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 and proving English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. Furthermore, this resource details major institutional programs like the KAUST Fellowship and the KAU Scholarship to help you secure 100% funding for your graduate journey.
Saudi universities host thousands of international scholars. The Ministry of Education manages the centralized scholarship portal. International students receive monthly living allowances. Selection committees evaluate research potential.
I am writing this guide on Master Scholarships in Saudi Arabia because the 2026 intake features expanded opportunities in STEM, Business, and Humanities across 27 public universities. Most fully funded programs now include relocation support, annual return airfare, and comprehensive medical insurance, making Saudi Arabia a highly competitive alternative to traditional study destinations. Use the following factual details to meet eligibility criteria and manage your application deadlines effectively.
1. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
The KAUST Fellowship 2026 is a premier fully funded scholarship in Saudi Arabia for students in science, engineering, and technology.
- Benefits: Full tuition, a monthly stipend of $20,000 to $30,000, free housing, and medical/dental insurance.
- Eligibility: Relevant Bachelor’s degree, strong research motivation, and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Deadline: Priority consideration for applications submitted by January–March 2026 for the Fall intake.
2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship
KAU offers fully funded scholarships for Master’s programs across diverse faculties including Engineering, Computing, and Environmental Sciences.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, subsidized meals, free housing, and an arrival allowance.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be under 30 years old for Master’s programs and demonstrate “Very Good” academic standing.
- Deadline: Typically October 31 for Master’s and PhD programs.
3. King Saud University (KSU) PhD & Master’s Initiative
KSU provides extensive support through its 2025/2026 initiative for international researchers in Riyadh.
- Benefits: Annual stipend of approximately $14,400, full tuition coverage, and relocation support.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with high GPA and valid English scores (TOEFL iBT 61 / IELTS 6.0).
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines; check the KSU Graduate Studies portal for specific 2026 windows.
4. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
KFUPM is renowned for its fully funded scholarships in Engineering and Business Administration.
- Benefits: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, airfare, and free textbooks.
- Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, GRE scores (min. Quant 156), and two academic references.
- Deadline: Applications typically open in November and close by early January (e.g., January 10, 2026).
Eligibility Criteria for Master Scholarships
To qualify for a 2026 Saudi scholarship, international applicants must fulfill four primary conditions.
- Academic Standing: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required for most fully funded programs.
- Age Limits: Candidates for Master’s degrees should generally be under 30 years old at the time of application.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Arabic proficiency depending on the track (Scientific vs. Theoretical).
- Health and Conduct: Applicants must provide a medical report showing no infectious diseases and a clean criminal record.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these five specific steps to successfully apply for a Master’s scholarship in 2026.
- Register on the Portal: Visit the Study in Saudi portal and create an international student account.
- Complete Your Profile: Input personal details, academic background, and passport information accurately.
- Choose Your Program: Select “Master’s” and choose between 3 to 5 preferred universities or specific scholarship types (Full, Partial, or Paid).
- Upload Documents: Submit color scans of your passport, certified transcripts, medical report, and recommendation letters.
- Track and Respond: Monitor the portal dashboard for university queries or interview invitations; final acceptance leads directly to the visa authorization stage.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
- Certified Transcripts: Bachelor’s degree records translated into Arabic or English.
- Medical Report: Official certificate showing physical fitness and no infectious diseases.
- Recommendation Letters: Explaining study goals and professional potential.
- Statement of Purpose: A one-page essay focusing on career and research goals at the target university.
Study in Saudi Arabia: Complete Guide for International Students
This detialed guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the scholarship application, which is currently the top fully funded option for science and engineering students.
