Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for International Students: Top 20 Saudi Scholarships-Apply Now

🎓 Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for International Students

Saudi Arabia offers some of the most generous government-funded scholarships for international students, including those from India. These scholarships are administered under the “Study in Saudi” initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Education. The program aims to attract talented students from around the world to study in leading Saudi universities and contribute to academic and research excellence.

These scholarships are fully funded, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worrying about tuition fees or living expenses. They cater to all major academic levels, including Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.

📌 Study in Saudi (Government Scholarship – Official Platform)

The Study in Saudi scholarship is the primary gateway for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Saudi public universities. It is open to students from over 150 countries, and India is one of the top participating nations.

👉 Official Application Portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/

🏛️ King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarships

Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, housing, stipend, healthcare)
Why Apply:
- Top-ranked research university in Jeddah
- Diverse international student body
- Strong scientific and research facilities
Apply via: KAU’s Student Affairs Portal (linked from Study in Saudi)

🔬 King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

Levels: Master’s & PhD (select engineering, sciences, business)
Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- On-campus housing
- Health insurance, textbooks, subsidised meals
- Airfare (arrival & return)
Highlights:
- Ranked #2 globally in petroleum engineering
Apply via: KFUPM Graduate Studies page or Study in Saudi

🎓 King Saud University (KSU) PhD Initiative 2025–26

Level: PhD (Computer Science, Engineering, Sciences, Medical Sciences)
Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Generous stipend (~USD 1,200/month; USD 14,400/year)
- Housing, healthcare, relocation support & optional part-time work
- Post-study work permit (1 year)
Deadline: ~May 15, 2025
Why KSU:
- Leading research university in Riyadh
- Strong focus on Vision 2030 & innovation Opportunities Circle
Apply via: KSU Graduate Studies / external links (e.g. Birzeit announcement)

🧬 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Fellowship

Levels: Master’s, PhD, Post-doc, Undergrad Research
Coverage:
- Tuition, housing, health insurance, relocation
- Monthly stipend
Why KAUST:
- Elite research institution with global ranking
- Cutting-edge science centres & supercomputing Birzeit University
Apply via: KAUST Graduate Studies portal

🏫 Qassim University Scholarships

Levels: Undergrad, Master’s, PhD (various disciplines)
Coverage: Fully funded (based on portal info)
Apply via: Study in Saudi portal; search “Qassim University”

📌 Additional Universities Offering Scholarships

From the official Ministry of Education portal

Al-Baha University
Taibah University
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University
Others among 27 public universities

✅ List of 27 Saudi Public Universities Offering Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is home to some of the best universities in the Arab world, many of which provide fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, and health insurance, making Scholarships in Saudi Arabia highly attractive for students worldwide.

Here’s a complete list of 27 top Saudi universities where you can apply for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs with scholarship opportunities.

1️⃣ King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

One of the largest and most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia, KSU offers fully funded scholarships for international students, especially in science, medicine, engineering, and Islamic studies.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.ksu.edu.sa/

2️⃣ Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University – Riyadh

The world’s largest women’s university, offering scholarships for female students in health sciences, humanities, business, and IT.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.pnu.edu.sa/

3️⃣ Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh

Specializes in Islamic studies, Sharia law, and Arabic language programs with scholarships for Muslim students worldwide.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.imamu.edu.sa/

4️⃣ Prince Sultan University – Riyadh

A top private university with scholarships in business, engineering, IT, and law.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.psu.edu.sa/

5️⃣ Alfaisal University – Riyadh

An elite research-focused institution providing merit-based scholarships for international students in medicine, engineering, and business.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.alfaisal.edu/

6️⃣ Al Maarefa University – Riyadh

Offers programs in health sciences, medicine, and applied sciences with limited international scholarships.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.um.edu.sa/

7️⃣ Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University – Al‑Kharj

Provides scholarships for engineering, IT, agriculture, and social sciences.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.psau.edu.sa/

8️⃣ Majmaah University – Majmaah

Focuses on engineering, medical sciences, and humanities with scholarships for partner countries.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.mu.edu.sa/

9️⃣ Shaqra University – Shaqra

Offers scholarships for teacher training, Arabic studies, and applied sciences.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.su.edu.sa/

🔟 Saudi Electronic University – Riyadh

A leading e-learning and blended learning university, offering partial scholarships in IT, business, and e-commerce.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.seu.edu.sa/

1️⃣1️⃣ King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

One of the top-ranked universities in the Arab world, KAU offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in all disciplines.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.kau.edu.sa/

1️⃣2️⃣ Umm Al‑Qura University – Mecca

Known for Islamic studies, Arabic language, engineering, and medicine, it offers scholarships for Muslim students globally.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.uqu.edu.sa/

1️⃣3️⃣ Taif University – Taif

Provides scholarships in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and Islamic studies.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.tu.edu.sa/

1️⃣4️⃣ King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal

A world-class research university offering fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships in STEM fields, including full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and research funding.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.kaust.edu.sa/

1️⃣5️⃣ Islamic University of Medina – Medina

Offers fully funded scholarships for Muslim students in Islamic studies, Arabic language, Sharia law, and Hadith sciences.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.iu.edu.sa/

1️⃣6️⃣ Taibah University – Medina

Scholarships for Islamic studies, languages, business, and IT programs.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.taibahu.edu.sa/

1️⃣7️⃣ Najran University – Najran

Focuses on engineering, applied sciences, and medicine with international student scholarships.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.nu.edu.sa/

1️⃣8️⃣ King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran

One of the top engineering universities in the Middle East, offering fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships in engineering, petroleum sciences, and IT.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.kfupm.edu.sa/

1️⃣9️⃣ Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam

Provides scholarships for medicine, dentistry, nursing, and social sciences.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.iau.edu.sa/

2️⃣0️⃣ King Faisal University – Al‑Ahsa

Offers agriculture, veterinary sciences, business, and IT scholarships for international students.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.kfu.edu.sa/

2️⃣1️⃣ Al‑Baha University – Al Baha

Scholarships available in education, engineering, and medical sciences.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.bu.edu.sa/

2️⃣2️⃣ University of Tabuk – Tabuk

Provides scholarships in engineering, environmental sciences, and IT.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.ut.edu.sa/

2️⃣3️⃣ Jazan University – Jazan

Offers scholarships for medicine, pharmacy, marine sciences, and engineering.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.jazanu.edu.sa/

2️⃣4️⃣ Bisha University – Bisha

Scholarships for teacher education, sciences, and humanities.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.ub.edu.sa/

2️⃣5️⃣ Northern Border University – Arar

Focuses on engineering, applied sciences, and humanities with partial scholarships.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.nbu.edu.sa/

2️⃣6️⃣ Qassim University – Buraydah

Provides scholarships in medicine, health sciences, agriculture, and engineering.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.qu.edu.sa/

2️⃣7️⃣ Majmaah University (Additional Campuses)

Offers scholarships for regional campuses specializing in engineering, IT, and teacher education.
🌐 Official Link: https://www.mu.edu.sa/

Why Choose Scholarships in Saudi Arabia?

✅ Fully funded programs covering tuition, housing, health insurance, and monthly stipends
✅ Access to world-class education and research facilities
✅ Scholarships available in Islamic studies, STEM, medicine, engineering, business, and humanities
✅ Opportunities for Muslim students worldwide to study in the land of the two Holy Mosques
✅ Degrees recognized globally, especially in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America

✅ Levels of Study Supported

Diploma Programs
- Focus on preparatory studies, Arabic language learning, and technical training.
- Ideal for students who wish to build a foundation before entering a full degree program.
Bachelor’s Programs
- Offered in a wide range of fields, including engineering, computer science, business administration, Islamic studies, languages, and humanities.
- Duration: Typically 4 years depending on the program.
Master’s Programs
- Advanced studies for students who already hold an undergraduate degree.
- Programs focus on research, innovation, and leadership skills, preparing students for specialized fields.
- Duration: Usually 2 years.
PhD Programs
- Doctoral research opportunities for those aiming for academic, scientific, or research careers.
- Duration: Typically 3–4 years, with extensive thesis work.

✅ Scholarship Coverage & Benefits

The Saudi Government Scholarship under the Study in Saudi platform provides comprehensive financial and personal support, which includes:

Full Tuition Fee Waiver
100% of tuition fees are covered for the entire duration of the program.
Monthly Stipend
A regular living allowance is provided to cover daily expenses.
- Approx. 900–1,200 SAR for Bachelor’s students
- 1,500–1,800 SAR for Master’s students
- 2,000+ SAR for PhD candidates (amounts may vary by university).
Free Accommodation
University-hosted dormitories or an accommodation allowance for those living off-campus.
Healthcare & Medical Insurance
Comprehensive medical coverage throughout the study period.
Arrival Allowance
A one-time cash reward given to help students settle after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Annual Airfare Tickets
Free round-trip airfare to and from Saudi Arabia once a year.
Books & Study Materials
Allowances for textbooks and academic resources.
Cultural & Recreational Activities
Access to cultural exchange programs, events, and extracurricular activities.

✅ Key Deadlines for 2025 Intake

Bachelor’s Degree Programs:
- Application deadline approximately June 14, 2025
- Admission results typically announced in July–August
Master’s and PhD Programs:
- Application deadline approximately October 31, 2025
- Admission results announced in December–January

Note: Deadlines may slightly vary by university; always check specific university timelines after creating an account on the portal.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Study in Saudi Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

Nationality
- Open to students from all countries approved by the Saudi Ministry of Education, including India.
Age Requirements
- Diploma/Bachelor’s: 17–25 years old
- Master’s: up to 30 years old
- PhD: up to 35 years old
Educational Qualifications
- Valid high school certificate for Bachelor’s applicants.
- Recognized Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants.
- Recognized Master’s degree for PhD applicants.
- Academic certificates must be attested by the Saudi Embassy or relevant authorities.
Language Requirements
- Some programs are taught in Arabic, others in English.
- For English-taught programs, TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required.
- For Arabic-taught programs, a basic Arabic proficiency certificate is recommended (some universities offer language preparatory courses).
Medical Fitness
- Applicants must submit a medical fitness certificate issued within the last 3 months.
Valid Passport
- Passport must be valid for at least one year from the application date.

✅ How to Apply

Here is the step-by-step application process for the Study in Saudi Scholarship:

Create an Account
- Visit the official portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
- Register with your email, passport details, and basic personal information.
Choose Your Program & University
- You can select up to 3 preferred universities from the list of 27 Saudi public universities.
- Review program-specific eligibility requirements.
Prepare Your Documents
- Passport copy
- Attested academic certificates
- Transcripts
- Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Arabic certificate)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Recommendation letters (for Master’s/PhD)
Submit Application
- Fill out all details and upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Double-check your information before final submission.
Wait for the Screening Process
- Applications are reviewed by the selected universities.
- Shortlisted students are contacted for further steps.
Receive Offer Letter
- If accepted, you’ll get an admission & scholarship offer via email.
Visa & Travel Arrangements
- Universities assist with your student visa (study residency permit).
- Plan your travel to Saudi Arabia before the semester start date.

🎓 Key Points About Saudi Scholarships

Scholarships are available through the Saudi Government Scholarship Program 👉 https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
Covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare & books
Degree Levels: Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD (medical fields excluded)
Eligibility:
✅ Bachelor’s: 17–25 years
✅ Master’s: up to 30 years
✅ PhD: up to 35 years
Deadlines:
✅ Bachelor’s approx. June 14, 2025
✅ Master’s & PhD approx. October 31, 2025
Top-ranked universities include KAUST, KFUPM, KSU, and KAU

🧭 How to Apply

Register on the Study in Saudi portal 👉 https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
Select up to 3 universities from the list above
Upload required documents (passport, transcripts, medical fitness report)
Submit before deadlines
If selected, proceed with visa & travel arrangements

✅ Why Study in Saudi Arabia?

Fully funded education with no tuition cost
Research-friendly environment aligned with Vision 2030
Modern infrastructure and high global rankings
Diverse community with students from 200+ countries
Opportunities for part-time work and post-study visas

🔗 Important Official Links

Study in Saudi Portal 👉 https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
Saudi Ministry of Education Scholarship Page 👉 https://moe.gov.sa/en/education/ResidentsAndvisitors/Pages/PublicUniversitiesScholarships.aspx

⚠️ Disclaimer

All scholarship details, deadlines, and benefits are subject to change as per the Saudi Ministry of Education and respective universities. Please always verify the latest information directly from the official links provided before applying.

🧭 Application Checklist

Document	Description
📝 Academic transcripts	Attested by authorities
🛂 Valid passport	Minimum 1-year validity
⭐ CV / recommendation letters	For grad programs (esp. PhD)
🏥 Medical certificate	Required by MOE
🌐 Language proof	TOEFL/IELTS if needed

Apply through Study in Saudi for multi‑university access
Check university-specific sites for deadlines (some close early)
Ensure document attestation & visa coordination
Age limits: 17–25 (Bachelor), ≤30 (Master), ≤35 (PhD)
Use MOE’s e-services for degree equivalency before arrival Ministry of Education

🔗 Official Links

Study in Saudi portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
King Abdulaziz University Scholarships: via KAU Student Affairs
KFUPM Graduate Studies: search “KFUPM scholarship”
KSU PhD Initiative archive: via Birzeit mention
KAUST Graduate Fellowship: KAUST official site

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

1. Are there fully funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students?
✅ Yes, many universities offer fully funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia that cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and even travel expenses. Top universities like King Abdulaziz University (KAU), KAUST, and KFUPM provide fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships for global students.

2. Which Saudi universities offer scholarships for international students?
✅ More than 27 Saudi universities offer scholarships in Saudi Arabia, including King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Umm Al-Qura University, and Islamic University of Medina. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.

3. Can I study medicine in Saudi Arabia with a scholarship?
✅ Yes, several universities provide medicine scholarships in Saudi Arabia, such as King Saud University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Taif University, and Jazan University. These scholarships often include full tuition, clinical training, and living expenses.

4. Are Saudi Arabia scholarships available for non-Muslim students?
✅ Yes, some Saudi scholarships for international students are open to all nationalities and religions, especially those focusing on STEM, engineering, and business fields. However, scholarships in Islamic universities like Islamic University of Medina are mainly for Muslim students.

5. What programs are available under scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
✅ Scholarships in Saudi Arabia cover a wide range of programs: Islamic studies, Arabic language, Sharia law, medicine, engineering, IT, petroleum sciences, business, humanities, and social sciences.

6. How do I apply for Saudi Arabia scholarships?
✅ You can apply directly through the official university scholarship portals like:

https://www.kau.edu.sa/ for King Abdulaziz University
https://www.kaust.edu.sa/ for KAUST
https://www.kfupm.edu.sa/ for KFUPM
Most scholarships require academic transcripts, a valid passport, recommendation letters, and language proficiency (Arabic or English).

7. Do I need to know Arabic to apply for scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
✅ No, many Saudi scholarships for engineering, medicine, and science programs are offered in English, especially at universities like KAUST, KAU, and Alfaisal University. However, knowing basic Arabic is helpful for daily life.

8. Are there PhD scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
✅ Yes, fully funded PhD scholarships in Saudi Arabia are available at KAUST, KFUPM, KAU, and other research universities, covering tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, and research funding.

9. Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Saudi Arabia?
✅ No, Saudi Arabia does not generally allow part-time work for scholarship students. However, many universities offer research assistantships or internships as part of the scholarship package.

10. Are degrees earned with Saudi Arabia scholarships recognized internationally?
✅ Yes, degrees from top Saudi universities are globally recognized, especially in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America. Institutions like KAUST, KFUPM, and KAU are ranked among the best universities in the Arab world.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Scholarships in Saudi Arabia is for informational and guidance purposes only. Scholarship details, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and benefits may change annually based on each university’s policy or the Saudi Ministry of Education.

Always verify the latest and most accurate information by visiting the official university scholarship portals or contacting the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education before applying. We do not guarantee admission, scholarship approval, or visa issuance.

✨ Conclusion

Saudi Scholarships for International Students- Saudi Arabia offers some of the best fully funded scholarships globally, particularly for engineering and research-oriented programs. With generous benefits, post-study work options, and a diverse educational ecosystem, it’s a top choice for Indian students seeking world-class education under Vision 2030.

Follow ScholarshipGrow for regular updates.