Saudi Arabia Scholarships for Muslims vs Non-Muslims: there are hundreds of scholarships that students can apply for to come to Saudi as an international student. If your are searching for a best route depending on your field of study, then this is a ranked list of the most prominent and competitive fully funded or highly supported scholarship opportunities available to international students in Saudi Arabia. Ranking is based on funding generosity, university reputation, research strength, global recognition, and popularity among international applicants. Bear in mind that there Religion and Travel Policy in Saudi Arabia (Visa Rules) for every applicant.
1. KAUST Fellowship (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, stipend $20,000–$30,000/year, housing, medical & dental insurance, relocation)
- Focus: Science, engineering, technology, computational science
- Note: One of the most generous packages in the world; automatic for all admitted students.
2. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Graduate Scholarships
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Funding: Full tuition + monthly stipend + free housing + medical care + airfare
- Focus: Engineering, petroleum, computer science, business, sciences
3. Saudi Government / “Study in Saudi” Scholarships (Ministry of Education)
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Diploma
- Funding: Full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, annual airfare, health insurance
- Focus: Wide range across 25+ public universities
4. King Saud University (KSU) International Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full tuition + stipend (approx. SAR 850–1,500/month) + housing + airfare
- Focus: Medicine, engineering, sciences, humanities
5. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) External Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Funding: Full tuition + monthly stipend + housing + annual airfare + healthcare
- Focus: Medicine, engineering, marine sciences, business
6. Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) External Scholarship
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, accommodation, meals, medical care, annual flights)
- Focus: Islamic studies, Sharia, Arabic language, Quranic studies
- Note: Primarily for Muslim male students.
7. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full or partial government scholarships
- Focus: Sharia, Arabic, Islamic studies, law, social sciences
8. Umm Al-Qura University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full tuition + stipend + housing
- Focus: Sharia, education, Arabic, Islamic studies (located in Mecca)
9. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Funding: Full tuition + stipend + free dormitory
- Focus: Wide range of programs
- Note: Female students only.
10. King Faisal University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Fully funded packages available
- Focus: Agriculture, veterinary science, business, medicine-related fields
11. Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Government scholarship support
- Focus: Medicine, dentistry, engineering, business
12. King Khalid University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full or partial
- Focus: Medicine, engineering, business, education
13. Taibah University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Government-supported
- Focus: Medicine, sciences, education (Medina)
14. Qassim University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full packages available
- Focus: Agriculture, medicine, Sharia, engineering
15. King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Funding: Tuition + stipend + medical support
- Focus: Health sciences, medicine, nursing
16. University of Jeddah Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Government scholarships
- Focus: Engineering, IT, business
17. Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full support available
- Focus: Engineering, sciences, business
18. Jazan University Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Government packages
- Focus: Marine sciences, medicine, engineering
19. University of Tabuk Scholarships
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Full or partial
- Focus: Medicine, IT, education, engineering
20. Taif University / Northern Border University / Other Regional Public Universities
- Level: Bachelor’s to PhD
- Funding: Ministry of Education scholarships
- Focus: Various (engineering, education, sciences, medicine)
Notes:
- The most competitive and highest-value programs are KAUST, KFUPM, and the main Ministry of Education “Study in Saudi” scholarships at top public universities.
- Islamic-focused scholarships (IUM, IMSIU, Umm Al-Qura) are excellent options for Muslim students interested in religious and Arabic studies.
- Most applications for public university scholarships go through the official Study in Saudi portal or individual university websites.
- Deadlines usually fall between April and June each year (aligned with the academic calendar).
Categories of Scholarships for International Students in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers two broad categories of scholarships for international students:
- Islamic-focused scholarships — primarily or exclusively for Muslims (especially at institutions like the Islamic University of Madinah).
- General university scholarships — open to students of any religion (including non-Muslims) at research and comprehensive universities.
Below is a clear breakdown of the main eligibility rules and requirements.
1. Scholarships Primarily for Muslims
Example: Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) External Scholarship (one of the most well-known fully funded options)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be Muslim (this is a stated requirement).
- Male applicants are prioritised or required for most undergraduate programmes (some remote or postgraduate options may accept females).
- Non-Saudi nationality and residing outside Saudi Arabia (for external/full scholarships).
- Age: Usually 17–25 years for bachelor’s programmes; higher limits (around 30 for Master’s, 35 for PhD) may apply for postgraduate levels.
- Have good conduct and character.
- You have to be medically fit.
- Not previously dismissed from a Saudi educational institution.
- Not holding another Saudi scholarship at the same time.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s: High school diploma (or equivalent) obtained within the last 5 years. Science stream often required for scientific colleges.
- Master’s/PhD: Relevant previous degree with satisfactory grades (specific GPA thresholds may apply).
- Arabic language proficiency is usually preferred or required (many programmes are taught in Arabic). English may not be mandatory for Islamic studies programmes.
Common Documents Required
- Valid international passport
- High school/previous degree certificates and transcripts (attested)
- Birth certificate from your home country
- Certificate of good conduct / police clearance from home country
- Medical fitness certificate
- Recommendation/tazkiyah letter from a recognised Islamic scholar, institution, or organisation in the home country
- Passport-sized photographs
- Motivation letter (in some cases)
Benefits
Fully funded: tuition, monthly stipend, free furnished accommodation, meals, medical care, annual return airfare, and other allowances.
2. Scholarships Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims
These are offered by major universities such as:
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
- King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
- King Saud University (KSU)
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (female students)
- Other public universities under the Ministry of Education “Study in Saudi” framework
Eligibility Criteria (General)
- Non-Saudi nationality.
- Age limits typically: 17–25 for bachelor’s, up to 30 for Master’s, up to 35 for PhD (exact limits vary by university).
- Good conduct and medical fitness.
- Not previously dismissed from a Saudi institution.
- Not holding another concurrent Saudi scholarship.
- For external scholarships: usually must reside outside Saudi Arabia at the time of application.
- Female applicants may need a mahram (male guardian) under certain regulations, though practices vary.
Academic and Language Requirements
- Strong academic record (high school diploma for bachelor’s; relevant degree with good GPA for postgraduate).
- English proficiency for English-taught programmes (e.g., IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL equivalent at many universities; KAUST typically requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79–81).
- Arabic proficiency for Arabic-taught programmes (common in humanities and Islamic studies).
- Some universities accept Medium of Instruction certificates if previous education was in English.
Common Documents Required
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates and transcripts (attested by relevant authorities)
- English/Arabic language test scores (if required)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of purpose / motivation letter
- Two or three academic recommendation letters
- Medical fitness certificate
- Police clearance / certificate of good conduct
- Passport photographs
- Proof of financial need (in some need-based cases)
Special Notes by University Scholarship in Saudi
- KAUST: All admitted graduate students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship (full tuition, generous stipend of roughly $20,000–$30,000 per year, housing, medical coverage, relocation support). Highly competitive and research-focused. No religious requirement.
- KFUPM: Strong focus on engineering, science and petroleum-related fields. Full scholarships available for qualified international students.
- Ministry of Education “Study in Saudi” scholarships: Cover many public universities. Applications usually go through the central portal or individual university sites.
Important Shared Requirements for Both Categories
- Certificates must be attested by the Saudi embassy/consulate or relevant authorities in the home country.
- Applicants must pass a medical examination.
- Clean security/background check.
- Ability to obtain a Saudi student visa after acceptance.
- Commitment to full-time study and university rules.
Summary Comparison of Scholarship in Saudi
| Requirement | Islamic University of Madinah (Muslim-focused) | General Universities (Open to All Faiths) |
|---|---|---|
| Religion | Must be Muslim | No religious requirement |
| Gender | Mainly male for undergraduate | Open to male and female |
| Age (Bachelor’s) | 17–25 years | Usually 17–25 years |
| Language | Arabic preferred/required | English or Arabic depending on programme |
| Recommendation | Often from Islamic scholar/institution | Academic referees |
| Location advantage | Medina (holy city access for Muslims) | Various cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, etc.) |
Recommendation
- Muslim students interested in Islamic studies, Arabic, or Sharia should prioritise the Islamic University of Madinah and similar institutions.
- Students of any faith seeking science, engineering, technology, business or research programmes should target KAUST, KFUPM, KAU, KSU and other public universities.
Disclaimer: This is not the official Saudi scholarship website. Always check the official university websites or the “Study in Saudi” portal for the most current deadlines, exact GPA requirements, and application links, as details can change each academic year (usually aligned with the Hijri calendar). Also verify the latest details, deadlines, and exact benefits on the official university websites or the Ministry of Education “Study in Saudi” platform, as offerings can change annually.