Saudi Arabia Government Scholarships 2026–27

 Fully Funded Saudi Arabia Scholarship Opportunities 2026–27 for International Students, including Pakistani Students. Explore Bachelor's, Master's and PhD opportunities across Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Business, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Islamic Studies, Law and other fields. Apply through the official Study in Saudi platform and explore additional opportunities such as KAUST graduate scholarships and the KAUST VSRP research internship.

The Saudi Arabia Government Scholarship is a major opportunity for international students seeking higher education in Saudi Arabia. Through the official Study in Saudi platform, international students can explore admission and scholarship opportunities at participating Saudi universities.

Opportunities may be available at the Bachelor's, Master's and PhD/Doctoral levels, depending on the university and program.

Scholarship types can include Fully Funded, Partially Funded and Paid/Self-Funded study options, and the exact benefits and eligibility criteria depend on the selected university, program and scholarship category.

📌 Quick Facts

Country: Saudi Arabia

Target Applicants: International Students, including Pakistani Students

Application Platform: Study in Saudi

Current 2026 Application Window: 16 September 2026 – 6 October 2026 for the current reported application window

Official Portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/

Scholarship Types:

Fully Funded

Partial Scholarship

Paid/Self-Funded Study

🎓 Levels of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's opportunities may be available across numerous academic disciplines, depending on the universities and programs listed on the official portal.

Typical undergraduate study duration is approximately 3–4 years, although the actual duration depends on the selected program.

Master's Degree

Master's programs are available in areas including:

Health Sciences

Engineering

Computer Science & IT

Business & Management

Science & Research

Education & Social Sciences

Law

Architecture & Design

Applied Sciences

Typical duration is approximately 2 years, depending on the program.

PhD / Doctoral Degree

Doctoral opportunities may be available in:

Science & Engineering

Medical Sciences

Business & Social Sciences

Technology & Innovation

Humanities & Social Sciences

Other research disciplines

Typical duration is approximately 3–4 years, depending on the university and research program.

🏫 Top Universities to Explore

The following universities are important institutions to research when considering Saudi higher education and scholarship opportunities:

King Saud University (KSU)

📍 Riyadh

Relevant areas may include Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Sciences, Humanities and other disciplines depending on current program availability.

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

📍 Jeddah

A major Saudi university with programs across numerous academic fields.

Islamic University of Madinah

📍 Madinah

Particularly relevant for Islamic Studies, Arabic and related disciplines.

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU)

📍 Dammam

Offers programs across health, science, engineering and other fields.

Umm Al-Qura University

📍 Makkah

Offers programs across numerous academic disciplines.

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

📍 Dhahran

Particularly important for Engineering, Petroleum, Computer Science, Technology and related fields.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

📍 Thuwal

Graduate research university — Master's/PhD level.

KAUST is not a Bachelor's university and should therefore not be listed as a Bachelor's scholarship option.

Alfaisal University

📍 Riyadh

Relevant particularly for programs in areas such as Business, Medicine, Engineering and other disciplines depending on current offerings.

Prince Sultan University (PSU)

📍 Riyadh

Offers programs in areas including Computing, Business, Engineering and other disciplines

 Important: The exact scholarship availability and program availability of each university must be checked in that current admission cycle.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 — Create Your Account

Go to:

https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/

Enter:

Full Name

Nationality

Date of Birth

Passport Details

Email

Phone Number

Verify your account as required.

Step 2 — Complete Your Profile

Enter:

Personal information

Educational background

Passport information

Contact information

Other required details

Complete the profile carefully because some submitted information may not be editable later.

The official FAQ states that address/contact details can be modified, while other submitted data may not be editable after submission. 

Step 3 — Start a New Application

Select:

Degree level

Scholarship/funding type

University

Program

Your research notes recommend applying to multiple suitable universities/programs rather than relying on one institution.

The exact number of choices permitted should be checked in the current portal rather than relying on older guides.

Step 4 — Upload Documents

Upload the required documents according to the portal's specifications.

Recommended:

Clear scans

Readable documents

Correct file formats

Complete documents

Properly certified documents where required

Avoid poor-quality phone photographs if the portal requests scanned documents.

Step 5 — Review & Submit

Before submission:

Check personal information

Check passport information

Check academic information

Check program selections

Check uploaded documents

Check scholarship type

Then submit the application.

Save your Application ID/reference number.

📊 What Happens After Submission?

According to the official Study in Saudi FAQ:

Student submits application → selected university reviews it → after university approval, the Ministry of Education processes the application. 

Therefore, applicants should:

1. Track the application through the portal.

2. Check email regularly.

3. Respond to requests for additional documents.

4. Monitor university/admission updates.

5. Follow official instructions if selected.

📅 2026 Application Timeline

2026 Application Window

Opening: 16 September 2026

Deadline: 6 October 2026

⚠️ Important

For the current application, use 6 October 2026 as the working deadline rather than the old 21 May 2026 deadline.

Always confirm the deadline shown inside the official Study in Saudi portal before submitting.

🛂 Educational Visa

Saudi Arabia has educational visa routes for international students.

The official Study in Saudi information states that long-term educational visas are intended for studies lasting more than one year, including Bachelor's, Master's and PhD studies. The listed requirements include:

Applicant age of at least 16

Passport with at least 6 months validity

Admission from a licensed/accredited Saudi educational institution

Financial capability/guarantee according to applicable requirements

Written guardian consent for applicants under 18 where applicable

Medical report concerning infectious diseases

Medical insurance

Proof of language proficiency where applicable, with an exception for those studying Arabic. 

Visa Processing

Follow the current official visa instructions provided after admission.

Do not rely on older guides that say every educational visa must be processed through one specific center or that use old visa procedures.

🏥 Medicine / MBBS Application Strategy

Medicine is highly competitive.

Recommended preparation:

Strong Biology marks

Strong Chemistry marks

Strong Physics marks

Strong overall academic record

Relevant extracurricular/volunteer experience where available

Strong personal statement/SOP where required

Research-Based Application Strategy

Consider applying to several suitable medical programs where available rather than relying on one university.

Your earlier research identified universities such as:

King Saud University

King Abdulaziz University

Islamic University of Madinah

Umm Al-Qura University

However, medical-program availability and international scholarship status must be verified for the current cycle.

⚙️ Engineering Application Strategy

Strong preparation in:

Mathematics

Physics

Relevant science subjects

Potential fields:

Civil

Mechanical

Electrical

Chemical

Petroleum

Aerospace

Environmental

Industrial

Biomedical

Computer

Materials

Geological

Mining

Marine/Naval

Agricultural

Architectural Engineering

Research-Based Tips

💻 Computer Science / IT Strategy

Useful preparation may include:

Programming

Computer Science fundamentals

Mathematics

Projects

Coding portfolio

Research experience where available

Potential areas:

Computer Science

AI / Machine Learning

Data Science

Cybersecurity

Software Engineering

Cloud Computing

Information Systems

💼 Business Strategy

Potential fields:

Business Administration

Finance

Accounting

Marketing

International Business

Entrepreneurship

Human Resources

Business Analytics

For postgraduate applicants, relevant work/research experience may strengthen the overall profile where the program considers it.

Alfaisal University, Prince Sultan University and King Saud University are  institutions worth exploring for business-related programs.

🕌 Islamic Studies Strategy

Potential fields:

Islamic Studies

Sharia

Quranic Studies

Hadith

Islamic History

Islamic Theology

Arabic

Islamic University of Madinah

Islamic University of Madinah  is  important university for Islamic Studies.

Arabic knowledge can be useful, although exact language requirements depend on the program.

🎯 Application Strategy

If You Are Targeting Medicine

Explore multiple available medical programs.

If You Are Targeting Engineering

Consider:

KFUPM + other suitable engineering universities

If You Are Targeting IT

Explore:

KAUST for graduate research + KSU/KAU and other universities according to program availability

If You Are Targeting Business

Explore:

Alfaisal + Prince Sultan + KSU, subject to current scholarship/program availability.

If You Are Targeting Islamic Studies

Explore:

Islamic University of Madinah + other universities offering the relevant program

🚨 Important Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Do not:

Submit incomplete applications.

Wait until the final day.

Upload poor-quality documents.

Enter incorrect passport information.

Ignore university-specific requirements.

Assume a university offers your desired program.

Assume a program is fully funded without checking the funding category.

Rely on old deadlines.

Rely on old medical-program lists.

Submit only one option when multiple suitable options are available.

Use false or unverifiable documents.

✅ Do:

Apply early.

Prepare documents in advance.

Keep backup copies.

Check email regularly.

Check the official portal regularly.

Save your Application ID.

Verify every selected program.

Read the university-specific requirements carefully.

💡  “Maximum Success” Strategy

Your original research recommends:

1. Maintain the strongest academic profile possible.

2. Apply to multiple suitable universities/programs.

3. Do not depend completely on one highly competitive university.

4. Prepare a targeted SOP where required

5. Obtain strong recommendation letters where required.

6. Build a meaningful CV rather than simply collecting certificates.

7. Include research, projects, volunteering, internships or relevant experience where genuinely available.

8. Check Saudi Vision 2030-related sectors such as healthcare, STEM, engineering, technology, energy and sustainability when selecting relevant programs.

9. Learn basic Arabic where useful for your intended program and daily life.

10. Apply as early as practical rather than waiting for the deadline.

 Important: These are application-strategy recommendations based on our research and general admissions considerations; they do not guarantee scholarship selection.

🇸🇦 Saudi Embassy & Visa Information in Pakistan

Saudi Embassy — Islamabad

Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad

Address: No. 14, North Service Road, Diplomatic Enclave, G-4, Islamabad

Phone: +92-51-260-0900

Reported timings: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

> Important: Embassy contact details and operating hours can change. Verify before visiting.

Consulate General — Karachi

20–22 Khayaban-e-Hafiz, Phase V, DHA, Karachi

Services mentioned in your research:

Visa processing

Attestation

Lahore

Thokar Niaz Baig, Multan Road, Lahore

🛂 Etimad Visa Centers

Islamabad

3rd Floor, Awami Trade Center Building, G-9 Markaz

Karachi

2nd Floor, 67/1 Maqbool Empire, Main Korangi Road

Lahore

Ground/1st Floor, The Enterprise Building, 1 km Thokar Niaz Baig, Multan Road

Peshawar

3rd Floor, Al Hajj Tower, Main University Road

Hyderabad

 Important: Visa procedures and authorized service-center arrangements can change. Follow the current instructions issued with your educational visa application rather than relying solely on an older center list.

🎓 KAUST — Separate Graduate Scholarship Opportunity

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

KAUST was established in 2009 and is a graduate research university focused on science, engineering and technology.

It is particularly focused on areas including:

Food and Health

Water

Energy

Environment

Digital technologies

Advanced scientific research

Study Level

Master's / PhD

❌ Not a Bachelor's scholarship.

💰 KAUST Fellowship Benefits

The KAUST Fellowship includes:

1. Full tuition support

2. Annual living allowance of approximately USD $20,000–30,000, depending on qualifications and degree progression

3. Housing

4. Medical and dental coverage

5. Relocation support

These benefits are associated with KAUST's graduate admissions/fellowship structure. 

🗣️ KAUST English Requirements

KAUST currently lists:

IELTS: 6.5 minimum

TOEFL iBT: 81 minimum

Applicants should check the current KAUST requirements for accepted alternatives and exemptions.

📑 KAUST Required Documents

Typical requirements include:

1. Online application

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Official academic transcripts

4. Statement of Purpose

5. Passport

6. Three recommendation contacts/letters, according to the KAUST application requirements

Recommendation Letters

 Recommendations should come from professors/advisors who have worked with you on research or courses in your major field and can meaningfully evaluate your academic/research ability.

📅 KAUST Current Admission Deadlines

Spring 2027 — PhD Only

Round 1 Deadline: 27 September 2026

Decision: 8 November 2026

Semester Starts: 17 January 2027

Fall 2027 — MS / MS-PhD / PhD

Applications Open: 28 September 2026

Deadline: 3 January 2027

Decisions: 14 February 2027

Semester Starts: 29 August 2027

KAUST notes that these dates are tentative and may change. 

🔬 KAUST Fully Funded Research Internship — VSRP

Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP)

The KAUST VSRP is separate from the KAUST Master's/PhD scholarship.

It is a short-term, fully funded research internship for students in STEM fields.

Participants are placed into research projects and work with faculty/research teams rather than simply observing.

Duration

2–6 months

Application Availability

Year-round

KAUST currently states that internship applicants can choose start and end dates throughout the year. 

🔬 VSRP Available Research Areas

Projects may include:

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Computer Science

AI

Data Science

Cybersecurity

Computer Science

Biological Sciences

Biotechnology

Genetics

Bioinformatics

Bioscience

Bioengineering

Physical Sciences

Physics

Chemistry

Nanotechnology

Materials

Environmental & Earth Sciences

Climate

Water

Energy

Environmental Science

Earth Science

Marine Science

> Important: These are broad research areas. Actual VSRP options depend on the specific research projects available at the time of application. KAUST currently lists 100+ active projects. 

👨‍🎓 VSRP Eligibility

Generally:

3rd-year Bachelor's students or above

4th-year Bachelor's students

Master's students

STEM background

Minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0 or equivalent

English proficiency

Current PhD candidates, KAUST students and KAUST alumni are not eligible according to the current VSRP requirements. 

💰 VSRP Benefits

The current KAUST information lists:

USD $1,000 monthly stipend

Private bedroom and bathroom

Round-trip airfare

Social and cultural activities

Access to core laboratories

Access to major research and community facilities

Fully funded participation

No application fee

📑 VSRP Required Documents

Prepare:

1. Official academic transcript(s) in English

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Statement of Purpose

4. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity

5. One recommendation letter from a faculty member at your current institution

6. English proficiency evidence where required

KAUST states that the recommender is contacted directly during the admissions process. 

📝 VSRP Application Procedure

Step 1

Visit the KAUST VSRP internship/project portal.

Step 2

Search the available research projects.

Step 3

Select a project matching your:

Academic background

Research interests

Skills

Career goals

Step 4

Read the complete project description.

Pay attention to:

Required skills

Preferred background

Research topic

Expected outcomes

Duration

Step 5

Create/complete your KAUST application.

Step 6

Upload the required documents.

Step 7

Submit the application.

Step 8

The relevant faculty/research team reviews applications.

Step 9

Some research groups may contact applicants for an interview or additional assessment.

Step 10

Successful candidates receive further instructions and an offer.

🌍 Why Consider KAUST VSRP?

The VSRP is particularly useful for students interested in:

Research

Graduate studies

International academic exposure

Laboratory experience

STEM projects

Faculty mentorship

Building a research profile

KAUST states that many interns use the experience as preparation for future Master's/PhD studies and that some participants have presented findings at conferences or contributed to publications. 

🔗 Official Links

Study in Saudi Arabia:

studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/

Saudi Ministry of Education:

www.moe.gov.sa/en

KAUST:

www.kaust.edu.sa/

KAUST Admissions:

admissions.kaust.edu.sa/

KAUST Admission Timeline:

admissions.kaust.edu.sa/how-to-apply/admission-timelines

KAUST VSRP:

admissions.kaust.edu.sa/study/internships

KAUST VSRP Projects:

admissions.kaust.edu.sa/internship/search

King Saud University:

www.ksu.edu.sa/

King Abdulaziz University:

www.kau.edu.sa/

Islamic University of Madinah:

iu.edu.sa/

KFUPM:

www.kfupm.edu.sa/

Alfaisal University:

www.alfaisal.edu/

✅ Final Applicant Checklist

This Week

☐ Check passport validity

☐ Prepare FSC / academic certificates

☐ Prepare marks sheets

☐ Prepare high-quality scans

☐ Check medical requirements

☐ Check Police Clearance requirements

☐ Prepare photograph

☐ Check English/Arabic requirements

Before Application

☐ Create Study in Saudi account

☐ Complete profile

☐ Research suitable universities

☐ Check exact program availability

☐ Check scholarship type

☐ Prepare SOP if required

☐ Arrange recommendation letters if required

☐ Prepare CV where required

Before Deadline

☐ Upload all documents

☐ Check every field carefully

☐ Review university/program selections

☐ Submit application

☐ Save Application ID/reference number

After Submission

☐ Check portal regularly

☐ Check email regularly

☐ Respond to requests

☐ Track admission status

☐ Prepare for visa procedures if selected

⚠️ FINAL IMPORTANT NOTE

This guide combines official information + researched guidance and practical application notes. Some practical recommendations and university/program observations are based on research rather than a single official webpage.

Current Key Dates

🇸🇦 Study in Saudi current application window:

16 September 2026 – 6 October 2026

🎓 KAUST Spring 2027 PhD Round 1:

27 September 2026

🎓 KAUST Fall 2027 MS/MS-PhD/PhD deadline:

3 January 2027

🔬 KAUST VSRP:

Applications year-round

Last Updated: 26 September 2026