If you're looking to embark on an academic journey in Saudi Arabia, you're in luck! Numerous scholarships are available for international students in top universities across the country. These scholarships offer both partially and fully funded opportunities, making it easier for you to pursue your educational dreams in one of the most renowned academic hubs in the world. Whether you're interested in undergraduate, master's, or PhD programs, these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden, covering tuition fees, accommodation, healthcare, and even travel allowances.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the details of the most prestigious scholarships offered by leading Saudi Arabian institutions, the benefits they offer, and the step-by-step application process for 2025-2026.
1. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship
The KAUST Scholarship is one of the most sought-after fully funded scholarships available for international students pursuing master's and PhD programs. KAUST offers a generous package that includes full tuition support, an annual living allowance of up to $30,000, on-campus housing, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage. Relocation assistance is also provided to help you settle into your new life in Saudi Arabia.
- Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Level of Study: Master's, PhD
- Benefits: Full tuition fees, living allowance, housing, medical/dental coverage, and relocation support
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
2. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships
The Islamic Development Bank offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master's, PhD, post-doctoral, and training programs. This prestigious scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, medical support, and travel allowances. It's designed to help international students from member countries pursue higher education in various fields of study.
- Institution: Islamic Development Bank
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master's, PhD, Postdoctoral, Training
- Benefits: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, medical coverage, travel allowance
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
3. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship
The Islamic University of Madinah offers a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing undergraduate and master's degrees. Scholarship recipients receive monthly allowances, furnished accommodation, and quality healthcare, making it an excellent opportunity to study in one of the most prestigious Islamic institutions in Saudi Arabia.
- Institution: Islamic University of Madinah
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master's
- Benefits: Monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, quality healthcare
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
4. King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) provides fully funded scholarships for international students at the undergraduate, master's, and PhD levels. These scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, healthcare, and two-way airfare tickets. It is a great opportunity to study at one of the leading universities in Saudi Arabia.
- Institution: King Abdulaziz University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master's, PhD
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, accommodation, healthcare, two-way airfare tickets
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
5. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarships
KFUPM offers a fully funded scholarship for master's and PhD programs in various fields of study. The scholarship includes full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support to help you make the most of your academic experience in Saudi Arabia.
- Institution: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
- Level of Study: Master's, PhD
- Benefits: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
6. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
The Aga Khan Foundation provides fully funded scholarships for master's and PhD students from around the world. The scholarships are available for study in universities outside the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland. The Aga Khan Foundation supports the academic ambitions of students from diverse fields of study, ensuring access to quality education at top global institutions.
- Institution: Leading universities (excluding UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland)
- Level of Study: Master's, PhD
- Benefits: Full funding for tuition, living expenses, and other allowances
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
7. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship offers fully funded scholarships for PhD and post-doctoral students pursuing studies in engineering, science, and technology. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 per year for PhD students and $40,000 per year for post-doctoral students, with renewal options for the duration of the studies.
- Institution: Leading universities worldwide
- Level of Study: PhD, Post-doctoral
- Benefits: Up to $50,000 per year for PhD students, $40,000 per year for post-doctoral students
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
8. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program offers fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue PhD studies in development economics and related fields. The fellowship includes a stipend of up to $42,750 for an 8-month program, designed to provide financial support to students pursuing research in key areas of economic development.
- Institution: World Bank
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Up to $42,750 stipend for 8-month fellowship
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
9. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers fully funded scholarships for PhD students in mathematics. The program covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses, with a maximum value of $10,000 per year.
- Institution: International Mathematical Union (IMU)
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, living expenses (up to $10,000/year)
Click here for deadlines and step-by-step application process
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s top universities offer a wealth of opportunities for international students seeking fully funded scholarships. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master's, or PhD program, these scholarships provide financial support that covers everything from tuition fees to living allowances and travel expenses. If you're ready to take the next step in your academic career, don't miss out on these incredible opportunities.
Start your application process today, and you might just find yourself studying at one of the prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia for the 2025-2026 academic year!
Make sure to check each scholarship's official website for specific deadlines and detailed instructions on how to apply.