Saudi Arabia offers scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study at universities across the Kingdom. Students can find opportunities at different study levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The Saudi Ministry of Education supports international students through scholarships offered by higher education institutions. Depending on the university and scholarship type, students may receive full or partial financial support.
International applicants can explore available programs through the official Study in Saudi platform. The system brings together study opportunities and helps applicants find suitable programs at Saudi educational institutions.
This guide explains the scholarship types, study levels, general eligibility requirements, benefits, documents, and application process.
Saudi Arabia Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Scholarship Type | Full and partial scholarships |
| Eligible Applicants | International students |
| Study Levels | Arabic Language Diploma, Bachelor’s, Higher Diploma, Master’s and PhD opportunities |
| Host Institutions | Saudi higher education institutions |
| Fields of Study | Vary by university and program |
| Funding | Depends on scholarship type |
| Application Method | Online |
| Official Platform | Study in Saudi |
| Deadline | Varies by university and admission cycle |
What Are Saudi Arabia Scholarships?
Saudi Arabia provides opportunities for non-Saudi students to study at higher education institutions in the Kingdom.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Education, government university scholarships for international students fall into two broad categories. Internal scholarships serve non-Saudi students who legally reside in Saudi Arabia. External scholarships are available to non-Saudi applicants living outside the Kingdom.
Scholarship funding can also differ. Some students may receive a full scholarship, while others may receive partial support.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every program provides exactly the same financial package.
Students searching for other funded study options can also explore our latest international scholarships.
Types of Scholarships Available
The official Saudi education system identifies different ways international students can finance their studies.
Full Scholarships
A full scholarship provides broad financial support to eligible international students.
The Study in Saudi platform explains that full scholarships can cover study costs and services provided by the university or educational institution. International students may also receive financial assistance.
However, the exact package can depend on the institution and applicable scholarship regulations.
Partial Scholarships
Partial scholarships provide only some of the benefits available under a fully funded award.
For example, an institution may provide a study place or combine admission with another benefit such as accommodation.
Applicants should read the individual scholarship terms before applying.
Paid Study
International students may also find paid study opportunities through the Saudi system. These are different from fully funded scholarships, so students should check the funding category carefully when selecting a program.
Available Degree Levels
Saudi universities offer international study opportunities at several academic levels.
Depending on the institution and current admissions, these may include:
- Arabic language programs for non-native speakers
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Higher diplomas
- Master’s degrees
- PhD programs
Not every university offers every level or field to international applicants. For this reason, students should check the individual program before preparing an application.
Fields of Study
The available academic fields depend on the university and admission cycle.
Saudi universities offer programs across a wide range of academic areas. Opportunities can include engineering, computer-related disciplines, business, economics, agriculture, humanities, social sciences, Arabic, Islamic studies, law, education and other fields.
The Saudi Ministry of Education notes that international students can apply for available specializations subject to the rules of individual universities. Some fields may have restrictions.
Applicants should therefore search the current Study in Saudi listings rather than relying on an old list of eligible majors.
Scholarship Benefits
One of the main attractions of studying in Saudi Arabia is the financial support that may be available to international scholarship students.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Education, benefits associated with external scholarships can include:
- Tuition support under the scholarship
- Accommodation
- Health care under applicable regulations
- Financial assistance or rewards
- An arrival allowance or financial reward
- Annual travel tickets under applicable rules
- Student services and other benefits offered by the educational institution
Benefits can differ between universities and scholarship categories.
As a result, applicants should verify the exact funding package attached to their selected program before accepting an offer.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements depend on the university, degree and scholarship category.
Nevertheless, the Saudi Ministry of Education publishes general conditions for international scholarship applicants.
Applicants normally need to meet the admission requirements of the institution they wish to attend. They should also hold the required previous academic qualification.
General conditions may include the following:
- Applicants must satisfy the academic admission requirements of the university.
- Previous certificates and supporting documents may need official attestation.
- Candidates must not already hold another scholarship from a Saudi educational institution.
- Applicants may need to provide evidence of a clean record.
- Candidates should not have been dismissed from a Saudi educational institution.
- A medical examination may be required.
- The university may request recommendations or additional supporting documents.
- Applicants must meet any program-specific requirements set by the institution.
Universities can impose additional academic, language or admission conditions.
Researchers looking for postgraduate funding can also explore our international fellowships for research and professional development.
Age Requirements for Saudi Arabia Scholarship
The Saudi Ministry of Education’s published general scholarship rules state age limits for several study levels.
Under those general rules, applicants are normally expected to be:
- 17 to 25 years old for undergraduate study and Arabic language institutes
- Up to 30 years old for master’s study
- Up to 35 years old for doctoral study
Students should treat these as general rules rather than assume they apply identically to every current program.
Always check the specific university listing because institutional rules and individual programs may contain additional conditions.
Required Documents
The exact document list depends on the university and program.
International applicants should generally prepare academic and identification documents in advance. These may include:
- Valid passport
- Recent photograph
- Previous academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of language proficiency when required
- Recommendation letters for programs that request them
- Medical documentation where applicable
- Police clearance or evidence of good conduct when required
- Attested or certified academic documents
- Any additional documents requested by the university
Postgraduate programs may require further material, such as a research proposal, statement of purpose, CV or academic recommendations.
Do not upload unofficial or altered documents. Incorrect information can affect an admission or scholarship application.
English or Arabic Language Requirements
Language requirements depend largely on the selected program.
Programs taught in English may require proof of English proficiency. Universities can specify IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test.
Arabic-medium programs may have different language requirements. Meanwhile, Arabic language programs designed for international students may follow their own admission rules.
Applicants should check the language of instruction before applying.
How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Scholarship
The application process is generally completed online.
Step 1: Visit the Official Study in Saudi Platform
Start with the Saudi Ministry of Education’s official Study in Saudi portal.
Study in Saudi official platform
Step 2: Explore Available Programs
Review the available universities, programs and study levels.
Do not choose a program based only on the scholarship title. Check its academic requirements, language, funding type and eligibility conditions.
Step 3: Check the Scholarship Type
Confirm whether the opportunity is a full scholarship, partial scholarship or paid study program.
This step is important because financial benefits can differ significantly.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your passport, certificates, transcripts and other required documents.
If official attestation or translation is required, complete it before the application deadline whenever possible.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Enter your personal and academic information carefully.
Make sure names, dates and qualification details match your official documents.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload clear and valid copies in the format requested by the application system.
Check every attachment before submitting the application.
Step 7: Submit and Follow Your Application
Submit the form only after reviewing all information.
Keep your application details or reference number so you can follow the status of your application.
Application Deadline
There is no single permanent deadline for all Saudi Arabia scholarships.
Application periods depend on the academic year, university, study level and available program. The Saudi Ministry of Education states that scholarship application opening dates are determined according to university and academic-year requirements.
For that reason, Pathfinderly recommends checking the official portal for the current admission period instead of relying on deadlines published in older scholarship announcements.
Can Pakistani Students Apply for Saudi Arabia Scholarship?
Pakistani students have previously been included in Saudi scholarship opportunities.
For example, official Pakistani government information reported that Saudi Arabia had increased scholarships for Pakistani students from 600 to 700 and directed applicants to the Study in Saudi portal. Those announcements covered different degree levels and included both students living in Pakistan and eligible Pakistani residents of Saudi Arabia.
However, that announcement dates from 2023. Students applying now should not assume that the old allocation of 700 scholarships remains the current quota.
Instead, Pakistani applicants should use the current Study in Saudi platform and follow the latest requirements shown for their chosen program.
Important Tips Before Applying
Start preparing early, especially if your documents require attestation or translation.
Read the university requirements carefully because admission rules can differ between institutions. In addition, check whether your selected scholarship is fully funded or only partially funded.
Use only official application channels when submitting sensitive documents.
Applicants should also avoid websites or individuals who promise guaranteed admission in exchange for payment. A scholarship application should always be verified through the relevant university or official Saudi education platform.
Why Study in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in higher education, research and university development.
International students can study alongside students from many countries while gaining experience in a rapidly developing academic environment. Several Saudi universities also operate research centers and postgraduate programs across science, technology, engineering, humanities and other disciplines.
For scholarship recipients, financial support can make studying abroad considerably more accessible.
Saudi Arabia can therefore be worth considering for students searching for funded undergraduate or postgraduate opportunities in the Middle East.
Official Scholarship Links
Applicants should verify current information through official Saudi sources before applying.
Official Study in Saudi Portal:
Study in Saudi
Saudi Ministry of Education – Scholarships in Public Universities:
Saudi Ministry of Education scholarship information
You can also browse more international opportunities for students, graduates, and young professionals.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia Scholarships for international students provide opportunities to pursue higher education in the Kingdom with full or partial financial support.
Students can explore undergraduate and postgraduate programs, while available benefits and eligibility conditions vary by institution. The official Study in Saudi platform is the best starting point for checking current programs and submitting applications.
Before applying, read the requirements for your chosen university carefully. Prepare your documents early and verify the scholarship type, study level and application period through official sources.
Last verified: September 2026
Pathfinderly shares scholarship information for educational purposes. Scholarship requirements, benefits and deadlines can change. Applicants should always verify the latest information through the official scholarship portal or university before submitting an application.