Study in Saudi Arabia: The Ultimate Guide to Fully Funded Scholarships 2026

When people think of Saudi Arabia, they often think of oil or pilgrimage. However, in recent years, under the “Saudi Vision 2030,” the Kingdom has transformed into a global hub for higher education and research. Saudi universities are now ranking higher than many famous European institutions, and they offer financial packages that are arguably the best in the world.

If you want to study for free, live in high-end student housing, and receive a monthly salary, this guide is your roadmap to success.

1. Why Saudi Arabia is a Top Choice for 2026

Saudi Arabia is investing billions into its “Study in Saudi” program. Here is why it is becoming a competitor to the USA and UK:

No Tuition Fees: Almost all government scholarships cover 100% of tuition.
High Stipends: Monthly allowances are often higher than the actual cost of living.
Research Funding: For PhD and Master’s students, the labs in universities like KAUST are world-class.
Tax-Free Environment: Any extra income or work is tax-free.
Cultural Hub: A unique blend of ancient history and ultra-modern futuristic cities (like NEOM).

2. Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

A. KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

KAUST is a graduate-only research university and is often called the “Harvard of the Middle East.”

Level: Master’s and PhD.
The KAUST Fellowship Includes:
- Full tuition support.
- Monthly living allowance ($20,000 – $30,000 annually).
- On-campus housing (often a private apartment).
- Medical and dental coverage.
- Relocation support (Airfare).
Note: This is purely merit-based and extremely competitive.

B. King Saud University (KSU) Scholarship

Located in Riyadh, KSU is the oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in the Kingdom.

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD.
Benefits: Monthly stipend, free accommodation, subsidized meals, and a return ticket every year.

C. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

KFUPM is world-renowned for Engineering, Petroleum, and Computer Science.

Level: Master’s and PhD (Male and Female).
Benefits: Completely free tuition, monthly stipend to cover all living expenses, free air-conditioned housing, and free textbooks.

D. Islamic University of Madinah

This is the most famous destination for students wanting to study Sharia, Quranic Studies, or Arabic Language.

Level: Undergraduate and Graduate.
Benefits: Free flight on appointment and a free ticket at the end of each academic year, monthly stipend, and free meals (for some categories).

3. The “Study in Saudi” Portal (The Centralized System)

The Saudi government has launched a unified portal called “Study in Saudi”.

Website: studyinsaudi.moe.gov.tr
This portal allows you to apply to multiple Saudi universities with just one application. It has simplified the process for international students significantly.

4. Eligibility and Required Documents

Unlike Western countries, Saudi Arabia has some specific requirements:

Eligibility:

Age Limit: For Bachelor’s, you should generally be between 17 and 25. For Master’s, under 30, and for PhD, under 35. (Some exceptions apply for high-merit students).
Medical Fitness: You must provide a medical report showing you are free from contagious diseases.
No Previous Scholarship: You should not have received another scholarship from a Saudi institution previously.
Academic Merit: A minimum “Very Good” grade is usually required.

Document Checklist:

Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Must be attested (later in the process).
Birth Certificate: For age verification.
Passport: Must be valid for at least one year.
Police Clearance Certificate: Proving no criminal record.
Recommendation Letters: Usually 2 or 3 from previous professors.
Personal Statement/SOP: Highlighting your research interests or why you want to study in the Kingdom.

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Document Preparation (July – September)

Get your transcripts translated into Arabic or English (English is accepted by most STEM universities).

Step 2: Choose Your Pathway

Decide if you are applying for Religious Studies (Madinah, Umm Al-Qura) or STEM/General Studies (KAUST, KFUPM, King Saud).

Step 3: Submit via the Unified Portal

Step 4: The Interview

Many universities (especially KAUST and KFUPM) will conduct a Zoom interview to test your English skills and academic depth.

Step 5: Ministry Approval

Even if a university accepts you, the final “External Scholarship” approval comes from the Saudi Ministry of Education. This can take 3-6 months.

6. Pro-Tips for Success

IELTS/TOEFL: For STEM programs, having a 6.5+ IELTS score is a huge advantage, even if they say it’s optional.
Research Proposal: For PhD applicants, your research proposal should align with Saudi Vision 2030 (Green energy, AI, Water security, Tourism).
Arabic Language: If you are applying for non-religious tracks, you don’t need to know Arabic (they teach in English). However, showing an interest in learning the language in your SOP is a plus.
Female Applicants: Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has opened almost all its top universities (including KFUPM) to female international students.

7. Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is no longer just a destination for religious studies; it is a global powerhouse for Science and Technology. With 100% funding, free housing, and a monthly salary, it provides a stress-free environment for students to focus on their research.

The 2026 cycle is expected to open soon. Start gathering your documents now to be part of the next generation of scholars in the Kingdom!

For daily updates on Saudi Scholarship deadlines and SOP samples, keep visiting https://www.google.com/search?q=scholarship.porchabd.com!