Saudi Government Scholarships for International Students 2026

Saudi Government Scholarships for International Students 2026 are fully funded awards offered by the Saudi Ministry of Education across public universities in Saudi Arabia. They support international students at Bachelor, Master and PhD level, with free tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, healthcare and annual airfare.

They are open to students of any nationality who meet the age limits: 17 to 25 for undergraduate and Arabic diploma study, under 30 for a Master's and under 35 for a PhD. Applicants need attested certificates, a clean criminal record and a medical exam. The deadline is on the official page. Read on for benefits, eligibility and how to apply.

Students selected for external scholarships enjoy:

• Free tuition fees.

• Monthly stipend (varies by degree level).

• University housing.

• Healthcare coverage.

• Annual round-trip airfare.

• Financial reward upon arrival.

• Equal student privileges as Saudi nationals in universities.

• Undergraduate
• Masters
• PhD

You can apply for a variety of subjects. 

Students from all those nationalities having embassies of Saudia Arabia in their countries can apply.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 17–25 years old for undergraduate and Arabic diploma programs.

• Be under 30 years for Master’s degree applicants.

• Be under 35 years for PhD applicants.

• Have certificates attested by relevant authorities.

• Provide a clean criminal record certificate.

• Pass a medical exam approved by the university.

• Not hold another Saudi scholarship.

• Female students must have a mahram (guardian) residing in the Kingdom.

There are three official application routes:

1. Apply directly through the university’s website

   • Visit the admission portal of the university you are interested in.

   • Submit your application online during the admission window.

   • Most fields are available, except for medical and health specialties.

2. Apply through the Saudi Cultural Attaché

   • If your country has a Saudi cultural office, you can apply there.

3. Apply through the Saudi Embassy

   • If there is no Saudi cultural attaché, apply directly via the Saudi Embassy in your country.

Required Documents

Prepare the following before applying:

• Attested academic certificates and transcripts.

• Passport copy valid for at least one year.

• Recommendation letters (if required).

• Good conduct certificate (no criminal record).

• Medical fitness certificate.

• Statement of purpose (for Master’s/PhD).

Study Visa & Residence Permit

• Once admitted, the university issues a scholarship letter.

• This letter must be presented at the Saudi Embassy to obtain a study visa.

• After arrival, students receive a free residence permit (Iqama) valid throughout their studies.

Application Timeline for 2026

• Each Saudi university sets its own application opening and closing dates.

• Most scholarship calls open between January–April and September–November.

• Applicants must regularly check the websites of their chosen universities for 2026 scholarship announcements.