Study in Saudi Arabia Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded at 25 Saudi Universities
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Study in Saudi Arabia Platform — run by the Ministry of Education — is one of the most complete and student-friendly government scholarship programs in the Middle East. With a single online application, you can be considered for a fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD at more than 25 premier Saudi public universities.
There is no application fee, it’s open to all nationalities, and the Master’s and PhD deadline is October 31, 2026. If you’ve dismissed the Gulf as too expensive, this program changes the math entirely.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Study in Saudi Arabia (External Scholarship Program) |
| Managed by | Ministry of Education — Study in Saudi Arabia Platform |
| Host country | Saudi Arabia |
| Degree levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral, Diploma |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Participating universities | 25+ public universities |
| Open to | All nationalities worldwide |
| Application fee | None |
| Master’s & PhD deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Official site | studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa |
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What Does It Cover?
The package covers essentially every cost of studying and living in Saudi Arabia:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% of academic tuition at the selected university |
| Airfare | Annual round-trip economy flights |
| Housing | On-campus housing or housing allowance |
| Health insurance | Comprehensive medical coverage for the study period |
| Arrival grant | One-time cash grant on arrival for settlement costs |
| Facilities | Full access to libraries, research centers, sports facilities, student services |
This is a genuinely debt-free education: no loans, no repayment, no application fee.
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Participating Universities
The platform covers 25+ public universities across every region of the Kingdom, including:
- Islamic University (Madinah)
- Umm Al-Qura University (Mecca)
- King Saud University (Riyadh)
- King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
- King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
- King Khalid University (Abha)
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (Riyadh)
- Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (Dammam)
- Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University (Riyadh)
- Taibah University, Taif University, Qassim University, Jazan University, Tabuk University and more
Fields span engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, nursing, education, Islamic studies, and Arabic language.
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Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be a citizen of any country worldwide — no nationality restrictions
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity
- Meet the academic requirements of your chosen university and program
- Provide proof of financial capability or a financial guarantee (scholarship supplements — not replaces — your funding evidence)
- Have or obtain health insurance (the scholarship provides it)
❌ Not Eligible If:
- Your passport expires within 6 months of application
- You cannot meet the academic requirements of your selected program (each university sets its own entry standards)
- You apply after the October 31, 2026 deadline
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How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Register on the Platform
Create your candidate profile at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa.
Step 2: Select Your University and Program
From the list of 25+ participating institutions, choose your preferred university and degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoc, or Diploma).
Step 3: Complete the Application
Fill out the online form with your academic, personal, and program details. Upload transcripts, degree certificates, passport, and medical report.
Step 4: Submit Before October 31, 2026
The single submission covers scholarship consideration across the entire participating network — no separate university applications required.
Step 5: Await Selection
The Ministry of Education reviews applications centrally and coordinates offers with universities.
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Insider Tips
1. One application = 25 universities — choose your top program wisely
You apply through the platform, but your university/program choice shapes your chances. Research which universities excel in your field before selecting — for engineering, look at KFUPM; for health sciences, King Saud or King Abdulaziz; for Islamic studies, the Islamic University of Madinah.
2. The deadline is October 31 for Master’s & PhD — check Bachelor’s dates separately
The verified Master’s/PhD deadline is October 31, 2026. Bachelor’s and other levels can run on different windows — check the platform for your level.
3. Proof of financial capacity is part of the application
The scholarship covers everything, but you must still demonstrate the ability to supplement support where needed. Have bank statements or a sponsor letter ready even though you won’t need the funds.
4. Don’t confuse this with KAUST or university-specific awards
This is the centralized government platform. KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) runs its own fully funded scholarship with a $30,000+/year living allowance — apply to both if you’re in STEM: KAUST directly, and the government platform for broader options.
5. Watch your passport validity
A common rejection reason is passport expiry within 6 months. Renew early — the requirement is strictly enforced.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Study in Saudi Scholarship really open to all nationalities?
Yes — no country-specific restrictions. This is one of the few Gulf government programs with a fully global intake.
Do I need a separate application for each university?
No. One submission on the Study in Saudi Platform covers scholarship consideration across the entire participating university network.
Is it fully funded?
Yes — tuition, annual airfare, housing, health insurance, and an arrival grant are all included. No application fee.
Can I study medicine or engineering?
Yes — health sciences, engineering, computer science, business, education, and Islamic studies/Arabic are all supported.
When do I hear back?
Selection runs after the October 31 deadline; offers are coordinated with universities for the 2027 academic year.
Is there an age limit?
The central platform does not publish a universal age cap; requirements vary by program level — check the specific program details.
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Timeline Table
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Application platform open | Now |
| Master’s & PhD deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Bachelor’s/other levels | Check platform (may differ) |
| Selection and offers | Late 2026 – early 2027 |
| Academic year starts | 2027 |
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Your Action Plan
1. This week: Create your profile on studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa and shortlist 3 universities in your field.
2. By Oct 10: Gather transcripts, passport (6+ months validity), medical report, and financial guarantee.
3. By Oct 30: Submit your complete application — don’t wait for the final day.
4. Parallel: If you’re in STEM, also apply directly to KAUST (fully funded with a $30K+/year stipend) for a second fully funded Saudi option.
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Saudi Arabia is investing billions in higher education and wants the world’s best students on campus — with zero tuition, zero fees, and full support. The single application system makes this one of the easiest fully funded programs to apply to. Check eligibility and apply before October 31. Share this with someone considering the Gulf.