If you’re an international student aspiring to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia, several prestigious universities offer fully funded scholarships for the 2025 academic year. These scholarships cover various academic levels and provide comprehensive benefits. Here’s an overview of four notable programs:
1. King Saud University Initiative 2025
Degree Level: Ph.D.
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT ≥ 61, IELTS ≥ 6, or STEP ≥ 85
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with evidence of recent publication or patent
- Statement of purpose
- GRE general test is optional unless specified by the program
- Personal interview may be required
Benefits:
- Full tuition support
- Annual living allowance of $14,400
- On-campus housing
- Health coverage
- Relocation support for students outside Riyadh
- Potential part-time work opportunities
- Eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia for up to one year post-graduation
Fields of Study:
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Basic and Applied Sciences
- Health and Medical Sciences
2. IDB-KAUST Ph.D. Scholarship Program
Degree Level: Ph.D.
Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Eligibility:
- Citizens of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) member countries
- Strong academic background in relevant fields
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance (ranging between $20,000 and $30,000 annually)
- On-campus housing
- Medical and dental coverage
- Relocation support
Fields of Study:
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering
- Physical Science and Engineering
3. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 2025
Degree Levels: Undergraduate and Master’s
Location: Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Eligibility:
- Muslim males of good conduct
- For undergraduate programs: aged 17 to 25 with a high school diploma or equivalent
- For master’s programs: holding a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5
- Good physical and medical health
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Free furnished accommodation
- Quality health care
- Travel expenses
- Subsidized meals
- Book allowance
- Graduation bonus
Fields of Study:
- Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering
- Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry
- Islamic Theology, Islamic Propagation and Culture, Islamic History
- Arabic Language, Computer Science, Data Science, Virtual Reality, Security Technologies
4. King Abdulaziz University Scholarships 2025
Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum “Very Good” grade (certified by the Saudi Embassy)
- Maximum age: 40 years for Ph.D., 35 years for Master’s
- Good conduct and medically fit
- Two recommendation letters from former professors
- Must not have been dismissed from any university in Saudi Arabia
- English proficiency test required (TOEFL: PBT 500, CBT 173, IBT 61, IELTS 5)
Benefits:
- Monthly bursary
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- Two-way airfare ticket
Fields of Study:
- Computing & Information Technology
- Arts & Humanities
- Science
- Engineering
- Meteorology, Environment, Arid Land Agriculture
- Marine Science
These scholarships offer comprehensive support for international students aiming to study in Saudi Arabia. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documentation for your application.
Mishal Iftikhar
Learning & Development Specialist
CEO at LEAP