Fully funded programs covering tuition, flights, accommodation, and monthly stipend — at no cost to you
The Saudi government currently offers fully funded scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, flights, health insurance, and a monthly stipend — for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. All applications go through one official portal: studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa. No application fee required.
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 hosts students from more than 170 countries.
The scholarships on offer are among the most generous globally — covering not just tuition, but your entire cost of living.
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. No application fee.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Saudi Arabia 2025/26
Study in Saudi Arabia — Government Scholarship Program
The flagship program managed by the Saudi Ministry of Education. Approximately 50 public and private universities participate. Available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.
- Full tuition waiver
- Free accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Annual return flights
- Health insurance
- Cash settlement allowance upon arrival
King Saud University Scholarship 2026
Saudi Arabia’s largest and oldest public university, founded in 1957. In the 2025 cycle, KSU received over 30,000 international scholarship applications for roughly 2,500 funded seats — an acceptance rate of around 5–10%.
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Language: IELTS 6.0 or STEP 85
King Abdulaziz University Scholarships — Jeddah
Fully funded scholarships for international students at one of Saudi Arabia’s most cosmopolitan universities. Located in Jeddah — the most internationally open city in the Kingdom. For students interested in Saudi culture and dialect, Jeddah is an outstanding choice.
- Monthly bursary
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- Two-way airfare
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
Consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab world, with particular strength in engineering, technology, and sciences. Fully funded for master’s and PhD students.
- Full tuition support
- Monthly living allowance
- On-campus housing
- Medical coverage
- Relocation support
KAUST — King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Ranked #1 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. Annual fellowship packages at KAUST are among the highest in the entire Gulf region.
Islamic University of Madinah
A fully funded program for undergraduate or master’s students. Studying in Madinah offers a unique combination of world-class Islamic education and direct immersion in Saudi culture and dialect.
- Monthly allowance
- Free furnished accommodation
- Healthcare
Umm Al-Qura University — Makkah
Fully funded scholarships with complete financial support. Priority fields include Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, and Sharia Law. Located in Makkah — one of the most historically significant cities in the world.
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Monthly stipend
How to Apply — Step by Step
- 1Visit studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa
- 2Create an account and complete your profile
- 3Select your preferred university and desired program
- 4Upload all required documents
- 5Submit before the deadline
Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity remaining |
| Academic transcripts | Certified copies required |
| Language proficiency certificate | IELTS 6.0+ or Arabic equivalent |
| Recommendation letters | 2–3 letters required |
| Personal statement | Tailor to the specific university |
| Medical certificate | From a licensed physician |
Minimum age: 16 years. 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.
Before You Come to Saudi Arabia
Start learning real Saudi Arabic before you arrive, so you can understand daily conversations, settle in faster, and feel more confident from your first day.
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 significantly improves your daily experience and helps you build genuine connections.
When do Saudi scholarship applications open?
The main government platform typically opens applications in spring. King Saud University’s 2026 deadline is May 15. 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.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for the Study in Saudi Arabia platform at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa.
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 — located in cities of deep cultural and religious significance.
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.
