10 Best Saudi Arabia Scholarships 2026-2027 [Fully Funded]

Planning to study abroad in 2026? Saudi Arabia is home to some of the fastest-rising universities in the Middle East, and international students can access a wide range of Funded and Fully Funded Scholarships to study there. These opportunities - offered by the Saudi government, top universities like KAUST and KFUPM, and international organizations - cover Undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. degree programs across nearly every field of study.

Saudi Arabia has climbed rapidly in global rankings in recent years, with several universities now placing among the world's top 200, making it an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking quality education at little to no cost. Most scholarships on this list include full tuition waivers, monthly stipends, free accommodation, and airfare - removing nearly every financial barrier to studying in the Kingdom.

In this guide, we've listed the 10 best Saudi Arabia scholarships for 2026-2027, including what each one covers, who's eligible, and how to apply.

Study in Saudi Arabia: Country & University Overview

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It's generally safe for international students, with a low overall crime rate, though standard travel precautions are advised outside major towns and cities. The country is the birthplace of Islam and home to the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) - the world's largest contiguous sand desert.

Saudi Arabia has become one of the region's top study destinations, with several universities now ranking among the world's best. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is currently Saudi Arabia's highest-ranked institution, placing 63rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 - the first Saudi university to ever break into the global top 100. King Saud University, based in Riyadh, follows closely as the country's second-highest-ranked public university, at 107th globally (QS World University Rankings 2027). It's especially well-regarded for Agriculture Sciences and Computer Science, and international students can pursue Fully or Partially Funded Scholarships there through both the Saudi government and the university itself.

List of 10 Best Scholarships in Saudi Arabia 2026-2027

We've researched and shortlisted the 10 best Saudi Arabia scholarships for international students, covering government, university, and organization-funded programs across all fields of study. Explore the full list of Saudi Arabia scholarships for international students below.

#1 King Abdul-Aziz University Scholarships for International Students

King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is a research-focused public university in Jeddah and one of the leading institutions in Saudi Arabia, ranked #200 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degree programs across all major fields.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must hold a university degree (or, for undergraduate applicants, a secondary school certificate not older than 3 years) from an accredited institution, with a "very good" grade or higher
2. Master's applicants must be under 35 years old; Ph.D. applicants must be under 40 years old
3. Applicants must have a clean conduct record and be medically fit
4. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) or Arabic proficiency, depending on the program's language of instruction
5. Applicant must be an international student without existing Saudi residency (a separate track exists for legal residents)

Benefits of King Abdulaziz University Scholarships

The KAU scholarship covers a full round-trip airfare ticket, accommodation (subject to availability), health and medical care, and full tuition, along with a monthly stipend for the full duration of the degree.

Application Deadline

KAU runs a rolling admission cycle with no single fixed annual deadline - the screening process typically takes place twice a year, and each intake window is announced on the official portal. Because dates shift from year to year, always confirm the current cycle's deadline on the KAU Deanship of Student Affairs scholarship portal before applying.

To Apply: Read the full King Abdulaziz University Scholarships guide.

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#2 King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarships for International Students

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is Saudi Arabia's highest-ranked university and a regional leader in engineering, science, and technology education, placing 63rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. KFUPM primarily offers fully funded scholarships for Master's (project-based and thesis-based) and Ph.D. programs, along with select MBA tracks, across fields such as engineering, computing, business, and applied sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

1. A recognized Bachelor's degree (for MS applicants) or Master's degree (for PhD applicants), with a minimum GPA of around 2.5-3.0 out of 4.0 (varies by program)
2. English proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS) unless the previous degree was taught entirely in English
3. GMAT score required for international MBA applicants
4. Open to applicants of all nationalities, including Saudi nationals
5. Commitment to full-time study for the entire scholarship duration and ability to meet standard medical clearance requirements

Benefits of King Fahd University Scholarships

The KFUPM scholarship covers full tuition, a free furnished and air-conditioned on-campus apartment, a monthly living stipend, medical insurance, free textbooks, subsidized campus meals, and round-trip airfare at the start and end of the program.

Application Deadline

KFUPM's Master's and PhD application windows open and close at different times each year depending on the program track - historically falling between May and July. Because exact dates shift annually, check the current cycle's opening and closing dates directly on the KFUPM Graduate Studies application portal before applying.

To Apply: Visit the King Fahd University Scholarships official page.

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#3 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarships for International Students

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate-only research university on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, consistently ranked among the world's top institutions for research impact. The KAUST Fully Funded Scholarship is a highly competitive opportunity for international students pursuing Master's and Ph.D. degree programs across 16 STEM disciplines - KAUST does not offer undergraduate degree programs.

Eligibility Criteria

1. A relevant Bachelor's degree (for Master's applicants) or Master's degree (for Ph.D. applicants) from a recognized institution
2. Strong academic record in a STEM-related field (engineering, computer science, biological/environmental science, or physical science)
3. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), as all programs are taught in English
4. Open to applicants of all nationalities

Benefits of King Abdullah University Scholarships

The KAUST scholarship covers full tuition, an annual living allowance of up to $30,000, on-campus housing, medical and dental coverage, relocation support, and a round-trip airfare ticket, along with free textbooks.

Application Deadline

KAUST admits students on a rolling basis across Fall and Spring intakes, with PhD applications open across both cycles and Master's applications typically tied to Fall entry. Because exact submission windows shift by cycle, confirm current deadlines on the official KAUST Admissions portal before applying.

To Apply: Read the full King Abdullah University Scholarships guide.

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Not ready for a Master's or Ph.D. yet? KAUST also offers fully funded research internships through the KAUST VSRP Internship Program for current undergraduate and master's students.

#4 Islamic University of Madinah Scholarships for International Students

The Islamic University of Madinah (IU) is a public university founded in 1961 by the Saudi government, located in the holy city of Madinah. IU offers a fully funded external scholarship for international Muslim male students to pursue Bachelor's degree programs - this is the primary open pathway for general international applicants. Master's and Ph.D. admission at IU is more restricted, generally limited to Saudi nationals, GCC citizens, existing residents, or students arriving through an external scholarship sponsored by their home country.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Open only to Muslim male applicants who are not Saudi nationals
2. Undergraduate applicants must be between 17 - 25 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent (12 years of education), and be in good academic standing, sound health, and good conduct
3. Master's/Ph.D. applicants must generally qualify as Saudi nationals, GCC citizens, existing residents, or arrive via an external scholarship route from their home country - this track is not a general open application for all international students
4. All application documents must be submitted in Arabic or English, later attested by the Saudi Embassy upon admission

Benefits of Islamic University Madinah Scholarships

The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance (with an extra allowance for high-achieving students), free furnished accommodation for unmarried students, quality healthcare, and a round-trip airfare ticket each academic year - plus free transportation to the Prophet's Mosque and organized Umrah trips.

Application Deadline

Deadlines are level-specific and vary each year - undergraduate applications have historically closed in May or June, while Master's/Ph.D. admission follows the university's regular academic-calendar cycle. Always confirm current-cycle dates on the official portals linked below before applying.

To Apply:

1. Undergraduate (external scholarship): Visit the Department of Scholarships official page
2. Master's/Ph.D. (postgraduate admission requirements): Visit the Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Studies official page

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#5 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships for International Students

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), headquartered in Jeddah, is a multilateral financial institution offering scholarships to students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries. Importantly, IsDB scholarships fund study at approved partner universities worldwide - including institutions in Malaysia, Turkey, the UK, and beyond, not exclusively Saudi Arabia - for Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degree programs.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant must be a citizen of an IsDB member country, or a Muslim from an eligible non-member country
2. Age limits: under 24 (Bachelor's/TVET), under 30 (Master's), under 35 (Ph.D.)
3. Strong academic record; demonstrated financial need
4. Not currently holding another active scholarship
5. Admission secured (or in process) to a qualifying institution in a relevant field

Benefits of Islamic Development Bank Scholarships

The IsDB Master's and Ph.D. tracks are fully funded, covering tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and study materials. Note: the Bachelor's-level track (IsDB-ISFD Scholarship) is structured as an interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) rather than a grant - recipients repay it in installments after graduation and employment. Students selected to study abroad also receive round-trip economy airfare and an installation allowance.

Application Deadline

IsDB scholarships follow a fixed annual deadline of January 31, making this one of the more predictable deadlines on this list - still worth confirming on the official portal each cycle in case of extensions.

To Apply: Visit the official Islamic Development Bank Scholarships page.

#6 Government of Saudi Arabia Scholarships (Study in Saudi Portal)

The Saudi Ministry of Education runs Study in Saudi, the official government platform that centralizes scholarship applications, university admissions, and visa processing for international students across more than 50 public and private Saudi universities. Through this single portal, applicants can apply for Undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. programs and choose between Fully Funded, Partially Funded, or Self-Funded study tracks.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant must be an international student (non-Saudi national), at least 16 years old
2. Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
3. Medical report confirming freedom from contagious diseases
4. Must meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen Saudi university/program
5. Must not currently hold another scholarship from a Saudi institution
6. Supporting documents (academic transcripts, certificates) attested and translated into Arabic or English where required

Benefits of the Study in Saudi Government Scholarship

Fully funded awards through this portal typically cover full tuition, free accommodation, health insurance, an annual round-trip airfare allowance, and a monthly stipend (roughly SAR 850 - 900 for Bachelor's, higher for postgraduate levels).

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary by participating university and intake cycle, generally falling somewhere between spring and autumn each year. Because timing differs by institution, always check current openings directly on the Study in Saudi portal.

To Apply: Visit the official Study in Saudi - Scholarships & Educational Visas page

#7 Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) External Scholarship for International Female Students

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), located in Riyadh, is the largest women-only university in the world and one of Saudi Arabia's top public institutions. Its External Scholarship program is offered specifically to non-Saudi female students residing outside the Kingdom who want to pursue a Bachelor's degree or diploma on its all-female campus - this is distinct from PNU's separate "internal" scholarship track, which is reserved for non-Saudi women already residing in the Kingdom on a valid Iqama.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Open only to female applicants who are not Saudi nationals and are residing outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the time of application
2. Applicants must be within the standard undergraduate age range (historically 17 - 25 years old) and hold a high school certificate obtained within a limited window prior to application (historically within the last five years)
3. Applicant must be medically fit and pass the required medical examination
4. Must not currently hold another scholarship from a Saudi educational institution, and must have no prior study record at PNU
5. Must also meet PNU's standard academic admission requirements for the chosen program, same as domestic applicants

Benefits of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Scholarships

The scholarship covers a full tuition fee waiver, free housing on the secure female-only campus, a monthly stipend, and annual round-trip airfare, plus visa and residency support. Some third-party sources describe the stipend as roughly equivalent to what Saudi students receive, though PNU's own page does not publish a fixed figure - always confirm current amounts on the portal before applying.

Application Deadline

There is no separate, fixed PNU deadline - applications are tied to the "Study in Saudi" platform's annually announced timelines, since PNU does not run a standalone application system for this track. Always confirm current-cycle opening and closing dates directly on the official portal before applying.

To Apply: Visit the official PNU External Scholarships page, and submit your application through the official Study in Saudi portal

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#8 Effat University Scholarships for Female Students

Effat University is a leading private, non-profit women's university in Jeddah, operating under the King Faisal Foundation. It offers merit-based scholarships to female students pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs, with applicants from all nationalities considered for all awards. The university is well known for its Engineering, Energy Engineering, Architecture, and Humanities programs.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Open only to female applicants, from all nationalities
2. Scholarships are merit-based and GPA-tiered rather than a flat "full ride" - the exact award percentage depends on academic standing:
   1. Bachelor's: 50% grant for 90-100% high school GPA, 25% for 80-89.99%, 20% for 75-79.99%
   2. Master's: 50% grant for 90-100% (or equivalent 3.00-4.00/4.86-5.00) Bachelor's GPA, with 25% and 20% tiers below that
   3. PhD: 50% grant for 95-100% (or equivalent 3.86-4.00/4.86-5.00) Master's GPA, with 25% and 20% tiers below that
3. Recipients must maintain the cumulative GPA specified in their scholarship contract to keep the award
4. Must remain in good disciplinary standing, and may change major only once, before completing the fourth academic level

Benefits of Effat University Scholarships

Unlike the flat "full tuition" claim in some listings, Effat's scholarships are tiered grants covering a percentage (20-50%) of tuition, not automatically 100% - the grant covers all required credit hours toward graduation, including regular and summer semesters. Overseas/international-specific costs like visa expenses and accommodation are handled separately under the university's Overseas Students admissions track, not as part of the merit scholarship itself - confirm current details on the official overseas admissions page before applying.

Application Deadline

Not fixed on a single annual date - scholarships are awarded per admission cycle (the published criteria are for the 2024-2025 cycle), so confirm the current cycle's criteria and dates directly on the official portal before applying.

To Apply: Visit the official Effat University Scholarships page, and complete the Effat University online application

#9 Ministry of Education Internal Scholarships for Non-Saudi Residents

The Saudi Ministry of Education (MOE) runs a distinct government scholarship track separate from the "Study in Saudi" external program: the Internal Scholarship, reserved for non-Saudi students who already legally reside in the Kingdom on a valid residency permit (Iqama). This is different from #6 above, which covers new applicants from outside Saudi Arabia - this track is specifically for non-Saudi families and residents already inside the country.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant must be a non-Saudi national residing in the Kingdom with a legal residency permit (Iqama) at the time of application
2. Applicant must not be less than 17 years old, and must meet the standard age limits applied to Saudi students at the relevant academic level
3. Must meet the same academic admission requirements applicable to Saudi nationals at the chosen public university
4. Applications are submitted electronically through the Ministry's national portal, without needing to visit Ministry offices in person
5. As with the external track, applicants must not already hold another active scholarship from a Saudi institution

Benefits of the Internal Scholarship

Scholarships in Saudi public universities fall into different tiers depending on benefits - some are "free" scholarships covering full tuition and benefits, while others cover partial costs. The Ministry states international and resident scholarship students are provided sponsorship "free of charge and without tuition fees," though the exact benefits package (stipend, housing, healthcare) varies by university and program - always confirm current entitlements directly with the awarding institution.

Application Deadline

Not fixed on a single date - applications open according to each public university's own admission and registration timelines for the academic year. Always confirm current opening dates on the official portal before applying.

To Apply: Visit the official Ministry of Education page on Scholarships in Public Universities, or apply directly through the National Platform - Internal Scholarships for Non-Saudis service

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#10 Umm Al-Qura University Scholarships for International Students

Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), founded in 1949 and located in the holy city of Mecca, is one of Saudi Arabia's largest public universities. Unlike some Saudi universities that admit only one gender, UQU accepts both male and female international students through separate faculties. International admission and funding are processed through the official Study in Saudi platform rather than a standalone UQU international-scholarship office - UQU's own "Office of Scholarships" handles outbound scholarships for its existing students to study abroad, not incoming international applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant must be a non-Saudi international student, applying through the official Study in Saudi platform
2. Must meet UQU's standard academic admission requirements for the chosen Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program
3. Some programs require completion of an Arabic language preparation course before the academic program begins, since many UQU programs are taught in Arabic
4. Funding is offered at different tiers depending on the program - some listings are Partial Scholarships (the sponsor covers part of tuition, student pays the remainder), while others are Paid Study tracks (student covers all tuition and living costs) - not every program guarantees full funding
5. Standard supporting documents apply: valid passport, certified and translated academic transcripts, medical fitness report, and recommendation letters for postgraduate applicants

Benefits of Umm Al-Qura University Scholarships

Benefits vary by specific program and funding tier rather than being uniformly "fully funded" - some programs are listed as Partial Scholarships covering part of the tuition cost, while others are self-funded Paid Study tracks with published per-semester fees. This is a meaningful difference from university-wide full-funding claims made elsewhere, so always check the funding type listed for your specific program on the Study in Saudi platform before applying.

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary by program and are typically announced in early spring each year, in line with the Study in Saudi platform's broader annual cycle - confirm current-cycle dates directly on the official portal.

To Apply: Browse Umm Al-Qura University programs and funding types on the official Study in Saudi - Umm Al-Qura University institution page

Tips & Tricks for a Stronger Saudi Arabia Scholarship Application

Confirm whether the program is fully funded before you invest time in it

Not every scholarship labeled "fully funded" actually is. While researching this list, we found real cases where funding is tiered or partial rather than a flat full ride - Effat University's scholarships, for instance, are merit-based grants covering 20-50% of tuition depending on GPA, not automatically 100%, and some Umm Al-Qura programs are listed as Partial Scholarship or even self-funded Paid Study tracks. Before you spend hours preparing an application, check the specific funding type listed for your program on the official portal, rather than relying on a general "fully funded" label from a summary page.

Know whether you need the internal or external scholarship track

Saudi government scholarships are split into two distinct categories: external scholarships for students applying from outside the Kingdom, and internal scholarships for non-Saudi students who already legally reside in Saudi Arabia on a valid Iqama. These have different eligibility rules and separate application routes. Applying through the wrong track is a common, avoidable mistake - confirm your residency status first, then choose the matching portal.

Check gender eligibility before you apply, not after

Several Saudi institutions have gender-specific admission rules that aren't always obvious from a program's title. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Effat University are women-only institutions, while the Islamic University of Madinah's external undergraduate scholarship is open only to male applicants. Umm Al-Qura, by contrast, accepts both genders through separate faculties. Confirming this early saves you from preparing a full application package for a program you're not eligible for.

Ask about STEP if you don't have IELTS

IELTS isn't always mandatory. King Saud University, for example, accepts the STEP test - administered locally by Qiyas/ETEC - as a direct equivalent to IELTS 6.0 for scholarship purposes, and it's considerably cheaper and more accessible across the Arab world than IELTS. If cost or access to an IELTS test center is a barrier, check whether your target university accepts a regional alternative before ruling out an application.

Don't treat stipend and deadline figures as fixed - always verify on the source

Across nearly every scholarship in this guide, published stipend amounts and deadlines vary between sources, and several official university pages don't publish a fixed figure at all (Princess Nourah, the Rabbani Foundation, and Effat all fall into this category). Treat any number you read - including the ones in this article - as a starting estimate, and confirm the current cycle's exact figures directly on the official portal before making financial or travel plans.

Watch for language requirements beyond IELTS or STEP

Because a number of Saudi programs are taught in Arabic, some scholarships require an Arabic-language preparation course before your academic program begins, even if you meet the English proficiency requirement. This is easy to miss if you're only checking for an English test score, so review the language-of-instruction details for your specific program, not just the general admission page.

Never apply while holding another active scholarship from a Saudi institution

This is a near-universal condition across the programs in this guide - from the general Study in Saudi portal to specific university tracks. If you're already receiving support from a Saudi institution, disclose it or resolve it before applying elsewhere in the country, since holding two simultaneously is typically grounds for disqualification.

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If Saudi Arabia isn't the right fit, or you'd like to compare options elsewhere, here are more fully-funded opportunities across Europe:

1. Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS | Study in Norway
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3. Chevening Scholarship in UK [Fully Funded Scholarships]
4. Study in Germany Without IELTS on Scholarship

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