Here’s the thing – Saudi Arabia isn’t just transforming its economy anymore; it’s becoming a legitimate educational powerhouse. The Saudi Ministry of Education offers fully funded Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships to international students covering tuition, stipends, housing, and travel costs through its official “Study in Saudi Arabia” platform. What I’ve noticed is that these scholarships aren’t your typical “apply and pray” situation – they’re part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify and modernize.
The government is seriously committed to attracting international talent from over 170 countries worldwide. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, health insurance, and, honestly, the coverage is more comprehensive than what you’ll find in many Western countries. The best part? You don’t need to navigate through 50 different university websites – everything runs through one centralized platform managed by the Ministry of Education.
Key Statistics (2025):
- Over 50,000 international students registered on the platform
- 28+ participating public universities
- 5,587+ external scholarships granted through the Study in Saudi program
- Available in multiple languages on the official platform
Actually, let me correct something I said earlier. It’s not just about the money (though that’s obviously important). Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in research and development, which means you’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities and programs that align with global industry needs. The Kingdom is particularly strong in engineering, technology, medicine, business fields, and emerging areas like renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
Also read: HEC Overseas Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Scholarship Overview
- Funding Type: Fully funded scholarships covering all educational and living expenses
- Study Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
- Target Group: International students from all countries (excluding Saudi nationals)
- Host Universities: 28+ public universities across Saudi Arabia, including King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Fahd University
- Application Platform: Official “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal (studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa) managed by the Ministry of Education
- Duration: Complete program duration (3-4 years for Bachelor’s, 1-2 years for Master’s, 3-5 years for PhD)
- Language Requirements: Programs available in Arabic and English (no IELTS required for some programs)
- Gender Policy: Open to both male and female students with separate campus facilities
- Academic Fields: Available across all major disciplines, including STEM, humanities, business, and arts
- Application Fee: No application fee required for most public universities
- Annual Awards: 5,587+ external scholarships distributed through the program
Also read: Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships Coverage
So here’s what you’re actually getting – and honestly, it’s pretty impressive when you break it down. The Saudi government doesn’t do things halfway, especially when it comes to education funding.
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire program duration
- Monthly living allowance (typically ranges from 900-1200 SAR, depending on degree level)
- Free accommodation, either on-campus housing or housing allowance for off-campus living
- Round-trip airfare tickets from home country to Saudi Arabia (at program start and completion)
- Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and emergency services
- Residence permit (Iqama) processing and renewal fees covered
- Arabic language training courses (if required for your program)
- Book and study materials allowance
- Research support funding for graduate students conducting thesis work
- Family support (for married PhD students, additional allowances may be provided)
- Transportation allowance for local travel related to studies
Also read: Chinese Government Scholarship 2026 for International students
Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Government Scholarships
Now, before you get too excited, let’s talk about what they’re actually looking for. The Saudi government is selective, but not unreasonably so – they want students who’ll succeed and contribute.
- Academic Excellence: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) for undergraduate programs, 3.5/4.0 for graduate programs
- Age Requirements: Must be between 17-25 years for Bachelor’s, 30 years maximum for Master’s, 35 years maximum for PhD
- Language Proficiency: TOEFL (61+ iBT) or IELTS (5.0+) for English programs; Arabic proficiency test for Arabic programs
- Health Certificate: Medical fitness certificate from a recognized healthcare provider
- Clean Criminal Record: Police clearance certificate from the country of residence
- Educational Background: Completed previous education level with official transcripts and certificates
- Nationality: Open to all international students (non-Saudi nationals)
- Previous Scholarship Status: Should not have received a previous Saudi government scholarship
- Commitment Letter: Agreement to complete the full program duration and comply with Saudi regulations
Required Documents for Saudi Government Scholarships
Getting your paperwork together is honestly the most tedious part of this whole process, but it’s also where most people mess up. Don’t be that person who gets rejected because of incomplete documentation.
- Completed online application through the Study in Saudi platform
- Official academic transcripts (translated to Arabic or English, notarized)
- Degree certificates from previous educational institutions
- Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Arabic proficiency test results)
- Valid passport copy (minimum 2 years validity remaining)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (white background, specific dimensions as per platform requirements)
- Medical fitness certificate from an approved healthcare provider
- Police clearance certificate (must be recent, within 3 months)
- Letters of recommendation (2-3 from academic or professional references)
- Personal statement or motivation letter explaining study goals and career objectives
- CV/Resume highlighting academic achievements and relevant experience
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants only)
- Birth certificate (officially translated if not in Arabic or English)
Also read: Required Scholarship Documents: 47 Must-Have Documents
How to Apply for Saudi Government Scholarships
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat this – the application process requires attention to detail. But it’s straightforward if you follow the steps properly.
- Create an account on the official “Study in Saudi Arabia” platform (studyinsaudi.com)
- Complete personal profile with accurate biographical and contact information
- Select preferred universities (you can choose up to 3 institutions and programs)
- Upload required documents in specified formats (PDF, JPG with size limits)
- Submit an online application before the deadline
- Pay application fee if applicable (varies by program)
- Track application status through your dashboard
- Respond to university communications promptly if selected for interviews
- Accept the scholarship offer within the specified timeframe
- Complete a visa application at the Saudi embassy/consulate in your country
- Arrange travel and report to the assigned university
Also read: Monash University Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded
Application Deadline:
Applications for 2025-2026: Currently Open Application deadline: June 14, 2025 (Extended deadline) Results announcement: July-August 2025 Program commencement: September 2025
Note: Deadlines may vary between universities and programs. Check the official studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa platform for program-specific dates.
Also read: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for International Students
Official Website
For the most current information and to submit your application, visit the official Saudi government scholarship portal. I’d recommend bookmarking this because you’ll be checking it frequently throughout the process.
Apply Now – Study in Saudi Arabia Official Platform
The platform is available in multiple languages and provides step-by-step guidance throughout the application process. You can also contact their support team if you encounter technical issues or need clarification about specific requirements.
Also, check other scholarships in Saudi Arabia: Scholarships in Saudi Arabia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee for Saudi government scholarships?
No, there is no application fee. You can submit your application for the scholarship on the Study in Saudi Platform by selecting a desired university without paying any application fee. The application process is completely free through the official government portal.
Can I apply to multiple universities at once?
Yes, you can apply to multiple universities and programs in one application through the Study in Saudi platform. You don’t need to apply separately to each university. Most public universities in Saudi Arabia do not charge an application fee, making it easy to explore different options.
Do I need to speak Arabic to study in Saudi Arabia?
No, Arabic is not always required. Many programs are taught in English, especially at the graduate level. Some universities also accept applications without IELTS requirements. However, some programs may require Arabic proficiency. If your chosen program is in Arabic, you may need to take Arabic language courses first.
How much monthly allowance do scholarship recipients get?
Scholarship recipients typically receive 900-1200 SAR per month as a living allowance. The exact amount depends on your degree level and university. This money helps cover daily expenses, food, and other personal costs.
Can married students bring their families?
Yes, married PhD students may receive additional family support allowances. However, family visa arrangements depend on specific university policies and Saudi immigration rules. You should check with your assigned university for detailed family support options.
What happens if I fail my studies or want to quit?
Students must complete their full program duration as agreed in their commitment letter. If you’re expelled or quit voluntarily, you may need to repay scholarship costs. Academic performance is monitored, and continued support depends on maintaining good grades.
How long does the application process take?
The complete process usually takes 6-8 months. Applications typically open in September-November, deadlines are in December, and results come out in March-May. If accepted, you’ll start classes in September of the following year.
Can I work while studying on a Saudi government scholarship?
Generally, scholarship recipients are not allowed to work outside their studies. The scholarship provides full financial support, so external employment is typically restricted. However, you may be able to work as a teaching or research assistant within your university.
What medical requirements do I need to meet?
You need a medical fitness certificate from a recognized healthcare provider in your home country. This certificate should confirm you’re in good health and free from contagious diseases. Some universities may require additional medical tests upon arrival.
Are there scholarships available for all study fields?
Yes, scholarships are available across all major academic disciplines. This includes STEM fields, humanities, business, arts, medicine, and engineering. However, some programs may be more competitive than others, especially in popular fields like engineering and medicine.
