If you are planning to study in Saudi Arabia, there has never been a better time to apply. The Saudi government currently offers fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, flights, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend — at no cost to you.
This guide covers the most important Saudi Arabia scholarships available to international students in 2025/26, how to apply through the official portal, and — critically — why learning Saudi Arabic dialect before you arrive will give you a major advantage over every other international student.
Why Study in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing higher education destinations in the world. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has invested heavily in its universities, research infrastructure, and international student programs. As a result, 22 Saudi universities now appear in the QS World Rankings, and the Kingdom now hosts students from more than 170 countries.
Moreover, the scholarships on offer are among the most generous globally — covering not just tuition, but your entire cost of living. For international students, this means studying at a world-class institution completely free of charge.
The Official Application Portal
All Saudi government scholarships go through one place:
🔗 studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa
You do not need to apply to each university separately. Instead, select your preferred university through the platform, upload your documents, and submit once. There is no application fee.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Saudi Arabia 2025/26
1. Study in Saudi Arabia — Government Scholarship Program
The Government of Saudi Arabia manages the “Study in Saudi Arabia Scholarship Application Platform.” Through this platform, applicants can apply for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in Saudi public universities. Approximately 50 public and private universities in the Kingdom participate in the program.
What the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Annual return flights
- Health insurance
- Cash settlement allowance upon arrival
Apply at: studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa
2. King Saud University Scholarship 2026
King Saud University (KSU) — Saudi Arabia’s largest and oldest public university, founded in 1957 — offers one of the most established scholarship programs in the Gulf. In the 2025 cycle, KSU received over 30,000 international scholarship applications for roughly 2,500 funded seats, making the acceptance rate around 5–10%.
Deadline: May 15, 2026 Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD Language requirement: IELTS 6.0 or STEP 85
3. King Abdulaziz University Scholarships (Jeddah)
King Abdulaziz University Scholarships are fully funded undergraduate, master’s, and PhD scholarships for international students, covering a monthly bursary, accommodation, healthcare, and a two-way airfare ticket.
Located in Jeddah — the most cosmopolitan city in Saudi Arabia — this university sits at the heart of Hijazi culture. For students interested in Saudi culture and dialect, Jeddah is an outstanding choice.
Applications open: February 1 – April 30 Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
4. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
King Fahd University Scholarship is a fully funded program for master’s and PhD studies, providing full tuition support, monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support. Additionally, KFUPM consistently ranks among the top universities in the Arab world, with particular strength in engineering, technology, and sciences.
5. KAUST — King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
KAUST holds the #1 position in the Arab world per Times Higher Education. Every student admitted automatically receives the full fellowship — admission equals full funding, with no separate scholarship application required. Furthermore, annual fellowship packages at KAUST are among the highest in the entire Gulf region.
6. Islamic University of Madinah
Islamic University Madinah Scholarship is a fully funded program for undergraduate or master’s students, providing a monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, and quality health care. Beyond the academic benefits, studying in Madinah offers a unique combination of world-class Islamic education and direct immersion in Saudi culture and dialect.
7. Umm Al-Qura University (Makkah)
Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca offers fully funded scholarships with complete financial support covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, along with a monthly stipend. Priority fields include Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, and Sharia Law.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa
- Create an account and complete your profile
- Select your preferred university and desired program
- Upload required documents
- Submit before the deadline
Documents typically required:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Academic transcripts (certified)
- Language proficiency certificate
- 2–3 recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Medical certificate
Minimum age: 16 years. Additionally, your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended entry date.
The One Thing Most Scholarship Applicants Overlook
Thousands of international students arrive in Saudi Arabia every year having studied Modern Standard Arabic — and immediately struggle, because Saudis do not speak MSA in daily conversation.
Saudi Arabic dialect is what your professors, neighbors, shopkeepers, and colleagues actually use. Learning it before you arrive does three important things: it strengthens your personal statement by showing genuine commitment to Saudi culture, it helps you settle in faster, and it builds real relationships with Saudis from day one.
At SaudiDialect.com, we have helped students, expats, and professionals prepare for life in Saudi Arabia since 2011. Our structured lessons teach you real Saudi dialect — the words and phrases Saudis actually use every day, with native Saudi audio and cultural context in every lesson.
Start learning Saudi dialect before you arrive →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Arabic to apply for Saudi scholarships? Most scholarships accept either Arabic proficiency or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), depending on the program. However, learning Saudi dialect before arrival — even at a basic conversational level — significantly improves your daily experience in the Kingdom and helps you build genuine connections.
When do Saudi scholarship applications open? The main government platform at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa typically opens applications in spring. Individual university programs have their own deadlines — for example, King Saud University’s 2026 deadline is May 15. Therefore, check each university’s official portal regularly for exact dates.
Can women apply for Saudi scholarships? Yes. All major Saudi scholarship programs accept both male and female applicants. Universities like King Abdulaziz University operate separate campuses for male and female students, both fully equipped with academic and recreational facilities.
Is there an application fee? No. There is no application fee for the Study in Saudi Arabia platform.
Which university is best for studying Arabic language in Saudi Arabia? Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah and the Islamic University of Madinah both offer strong Arabic language programs. In addition, both are located in cities of deep cultural and religious significance — making them ideal for students serious about Arabic language and Islamic studies.
Do I need to know Saudi dialect to study in Saudi Arabia? You are not required to know Saudi dialect to apply. However, students who arrive with even basic Saudi dialect knowledge consistently report faster social integration, better relationships with local students and faculty, and a more fulfilling experience overall. Start with our free lessons at SaudiDialect.com.