Islamic University of Madinah & King Abdulaziz Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded in Saudi Arabia
Monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, healthcare, and in some cases two-way airfare — fully funded study in Saudi Arabia with no tuition.
The Islamic University of Madinah and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) both run fully funded scholarship programs for international students. Madinah focuses on Islamic Studies and Arabic language; KAU covers a broader range of disciplines. Both are open to all nationalities.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Islamic University of Madinah + King Abdulaziz University Scholarships |
| Host universities | Islamic University of Madinah; King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah |
| Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD (varies) |
| Value | Fully funded — tuition, allowance, accommodation, healthcare |
| Awards | Varies by university and year |
| Duration | Duration of program |
| Eligibility | All nationalities; Islamic Studies/Arabic focus at Madinah |
| Coverage | Tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, healthcare (KAU adds airfare) |
| Application Route | University portals |
| Deadline | Varies — see university portals |
| Website | kau.edu.sa |
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What the Scholarships Cover
Both universities cover the essentials — and KAU adds travel.
Islamic University of Madinah
- Full tuition: covered
- Monthly allowance: living stipend
- Free furnished accommodation: on-campus housing
- Health care: medical coverage
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
- Full tuition: covered (UG/Master’s/PhD)
- Monthly bursary: living stipend
- Accommodation: housing support
- Healthcare: medical coverage
- Two-way airfare: flights to and from Saudi Arabia
What it does NOT cover:
- Dependents’ costs
- Personal expenses beyond the allowance
- Check each university’s current terms for specifics
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Eligibility Requirements
1. Nationality
- Open to all nationalities
- No country restrictions stated
2. Academic Standing
- Strong academic record at your current level
- Meets the university’s admission requirements
3. Field Focus (Madinah)
- Islamic Studies / Arabic language focus at the Islamic University of Madinah
- KAU covers broader disciplines
4. Islamic/Community Values Fit (Madinah)
- Madinah’s programs are religiously oriented — applicants should align with the institution’s mission
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Application Process
Timeline: Varies by university — both run annual admission cycles, typically opening in the Saudi academic calendar.
Step 1: Choose Your University and Program (Now)
- Madinah: Islamic Studies, Arabic, Shariah, related fields
- KAU: broader range across sciences and humanities
Step 2: Check the University Portal
- Each university posts its scholarship admission window and requirements
- Deadlines vary year to year — monitor the portals
Step 3: Prepare Materials
- Academic transcripts, certificate, passport copy, recommendation letters
- Madinah may require Quran memorization or Arabic proficiency evidence for some programs
Step 4: Apply Online
- Submit through the university’s international admissions portal
- Deadline: varies — see university portals
Step 5: Selection and Enrollment
- Selection per university criteria
- Successful applicants receive admission + scholarship package
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Selection Criteria
Academic merit + fit with each institution’s mission.
1. Academic Excellence
- Strong grades relevant to the program
2. Program Fit
- Madinah: alignment with Islamic Studies mission
- KAU: academic fit with the chosen discipline
3. Language Readiness
- Arabic proficiency matters at Madinah; KAU programs may be in Arabic or English — verify
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Madinah/KAU vs. Study in Saudi Arabia Platform
| Scholarship | Universities | Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic University of Madinah | Madinah only | Tuition + allowance + housing + health | Portal-dependent |
| King Abdulaziz | KAU only | Tuition + bursary + housing + health + airfare | Portal-dependent |
| Study in Saudi Arabia | 25+ universities | Full funding, one application | Oct 31, 2026 |
Madinah/KAU advantages:
- Direct university scholarships with generous packages
- KAU includes two-way airfare
- Focused institutions with clear missions
Choose Study in Saudi Arabia if: you want one application covering 25 universities and a defined October 31 deadline.
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Common Mistakes
1. Missing the University-Specific Windows
Mistake: Assuming one Saudi deadline.
Fix: Madinah and KAU run separate cycles. Monitor both portals for their admission windows.
2. Applying to Madinah Without the Islamic Studies Profile
Mistake: Assuming all disciplines are available there.
Fix: Madinah is focused on Islamic Studies and Arabic. Broader fields belong at KAU or the Study in Saudi Arabia platform.
3. Overlooking Language Requirements
Mistake: Ignoring Arabic proficiency needs.
Fix: Some Madinah programs require Arabic or Quranic knowledge evidence. Verify before applying.
4. Preparing One Generic Application
Mistake: Sending the same materials to both universities.
Fix: Tailor to each institution’s mission and requirements.
5. Missing Passport and Document Deadlines
Mistake: Delaying basic documents.
Fix: International admission needs a valid passport and attested transcripts. Prepare early.
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Should You Apply?
Yes, if:
- You’re interested in Islamic Studies or Arabic (Madinah)
- You want a broader fully funded degree in Saudi Arabia (KAU)
- You meet the academic and language requirements
Realistic expectations:
- Madinah’s mission fit is a real selection factor — applicants should genuinely align
- Both universities are competitive for international seats
Worth applying:
- Fully funded study with accommodation and healthcare is a complete package
- KAU’s two-way airfare is a genuine differentiator
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Strategy Tips
1. Monitor Both Portals Monthly
Madinah and KAU post windows at different times. Set monthly checks.
2. Match Your Field to the Right Institution
Islamic Studies → Madinah. Broader STEM/humanities → KAU.
3. Prepare Arabic Evidence Early
If targeting Madinah, gather language and Quranic study documentation now.
4. Consider the Study in Saudi Arabia Platform Too
One application there covers 25 universities — including KAU — with an October 31 deadline. Apply to both routes.
5. Attest Documents Early
International admission requires attested transcripts and a valid passport. Start the paperwork now.
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Next Steps
1. Now: Visit both university portals; note their admission windows
2. This month: Prepare transcripts, passport, references
3. Track deadlines: Apply via each university’s portal when the window opens
4. In parallel: Consider the Study in Saudi Arabia platform (deadline Oct 31, 2026)
5. On offer: Complete enrollment and prepare for arrival
Fully funded study in Saudi Arabia — monthly allowance, accommodation, healthcare, and (at KAU) airfare. If your profile fits either institution’s mission, start the paperwork this month.
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Related: Study in Saudi Arabia 2027 · KAUST Scholarship 2027 · Qatar Scholarships 2027 · Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2026-27