Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for international students aiming to pursue higher education. For the 2025-2026 academic year, numerous fully funded scholarships are available, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and additional benefits. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also offer a chance to immerse in Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and advanced educational system. This comprehensive guide outlines top scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students, detailing their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
List of Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students 2025-2026
1. King Abdullah University Scholarship
- Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Program Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
- Scholarship Duration: Duration of the degree program
- Deadlines: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year had an application deadline of April 15, 2025
Benefits of the King Abdullah University Scholarship
- Full tuition support
- Annual living allowance up to $30,000
- On-campus housing
- Medical and dental coverage
- Relocation support
Eligibility Criteria for the King Abdullah University Scholarship
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field for Master’s applicants; Master’s degree for Ph.D. applicants
- Strong academic record
- Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required)
How to Apply for the King Abdullah University Scholarship
- Complete the online application on the KAUST admissions portal.
- Submit required documents.
- Await interview notification.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- English proficiency test scores
2. IsDB Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
- Host Institution: Various universities in IsDB member countries
- Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D., and Post-doctoral
- Scholarship Duration: Duration of the degree program
- Deadlines: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programs for the 2025-2026 academic year are currently accepting applications. The application deadline is April 5, 2025
Benefits of the IsDB Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fees
- Medical support
- Travel allowance
Eligibility Criteria for the IsDB Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
- Citizens of IsDB member countries or Muslim communities in non-member countries
- Strong academic record
- Commitment to community development
How to Apply for the IsDB Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
- Register on the IsDB scholarship portal.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit required documents.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
3. Islamic University Madinah Scholarship
- Host Institution: Islamic University of Madinah
- Program Level: Undergraduate
- Scholarship Duration: Duration of the degree program
- Deadlines: ​The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for applications.
Benefits of the Islamic University Madinah Scholarship
- Monthly stipend
- Free furnished accommodation
- Quality healthcare
- Airfare ticket upon admission and after graduation
Eligibility Criteria for the Islamic University Madinah Scholarship
- Non-Saudi male Muslims
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Age between 17 and 25 years
How to Apply for the Islamic University Madinah Scholarship
- Access the online application portal.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload necessary documents.
Documents Required
- High school transcripts
- Birth certificate
- Passport copy
- Recommendation letters
4. King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
- Host Institution: King Abdulaziz University
- Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
- Scholarship Duration: Duration of the degree program
- Deadlines: ​The King Abdulaziz University Scholarships for international students are currently open for applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. deadlines as December 18, 2025.
Benefits of the King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
- Monthly bursary
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- Two-way airfare ticket
Eligibility Criteria for the King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
- International students
- Strong academic performance
- Age limits: 25 years for Bachelor’s, 30 for Master’s, and 35 for Ph.D.
How to Apply for the King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
- Apply online through the university’s admission portal.
- Submit all required documents.
- Await confirmation and further instructions.
Documents Required
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Recommendation
5. King Fahd University Scholarship
- Host Institution: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)​
- Program Level: Master’s and Ph.D.​
- Scholarship Duration: Duration of the degree program​
- Deadlines:​The application deadline for the King Fahd University Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year was December 12, 2025.
Benefits of the King Fahd University Scholarship
- Full tuition fee coverage​
- Monthly stipend for living expenses​
- Furnished, air-conditioned accommodation​
- Medical and dental care​
- Free textbooks​
- Subsidized meals in the university cafeteria​
- Funding for research projects​
- Airfare ticket to Saudi Arabia and return ticket after completion of studies​
Eligibility Criteria for the King Fahd University Scholarship
- For Master’s Programs:
- Four-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution​
- Major in the proposed field or evidence of suitable background​
- For Ph.D. Programs:
- Master’s degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution​
- Demonstrated research capabilities​
- Strong academic record​
- Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required)​
How to Apply for the King Fahd University Scholarship
- Complete the online application through the KFUPM Online Application Portal.​
- Submit all required documents.​
- Await notification for further steps, which may include interviews or additional assessments.​
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts​
- Statement of purpose​
- Recommendation letters​
- English proficiency test scores​
- GRE scores (if applicable)​
- Passport copy​
- Recent photograph​
6. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- Host Institution: Various universities worldwide (excluding institutions in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland)​
- Program Level: Master’s and Ph.D.​
- Scholarship Duration: Duration of the degree program​
- Deadlines: The 2025-2026 award cycle opens in early January 2026 and closes by 31 March 2026.
Benefits of the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- Financial assistance for tuition and living expenses​
- Half of the scholarship amount is considered a loan, requiring reimbursement with a 5% annual service charge​
- The payback period is five years, starting six months after the funded study period​
Eligibility Criteria for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- Citizens of selected developing countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique​
- Demonstrated academic excellence​Aga Khan Development Network
- Genuine financial need​
- Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution​
- Relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas​
How to Apply for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- Obtain application forms from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services/Boards in your country of residence.​
- Complete and submit the application by the deadline.​
- Participate in an interview as part of the selection process.​
Documents Required
- Completed application form​
- Proof of admission to a postgraduate program​
- Academic transcripts​
- Detailed financial information​
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)​
- Recommendation letters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which universities offer Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students?
Several universities offer Scholarships in Saudi Arabia, including King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Islamic University Madinah, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Are Scholarships in Saudi Arabia fully funded?
Yes, most Scholarships in Saudi Arabia are fully funded and cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, free accommodation, health insurance, and travel expenses.
How can I apply for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
You can apply for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia by visiting the official university websites, filling out the online application forms, and submitting the required documents before the deadline.
What documents are required for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
Commonly required documents for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, and a passport copy.
What are the eligibility criteria for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
The eligibility criteria vary by university and program, but generally, applicants must have a strong academic record, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and relevant qualifications for their chosen degree.
Can I apply for multiple Scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can apply for multiple Scholarships in Saudi Arabia as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each university.
Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL score for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia?
Most universities require English proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL) unless your previous education was conducted in English. However, some universities, such as Islamic University Madinah, may not require it for certain programs.
