Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for International Students 2027: Fully Funded Universities, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students looking for affordable and high-quality higher education, particularly students interested in engineering, computer science, business, Islamic studies, medicine, science and research.
For students searching online for “Saudi Arabia scholarships for international students,” “fully funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia,” “Saudi scholarships for Pakistani students” and “study in Saudi Arabia”, there are several opportunities worth exploring.
The most important route is the Saudi Government’s Study in Saudi platform, which allows international students to apply to participating Saudi universities and explore scholarship opportunities. The official platform states that full scholarships for foreign students can cover study costs and provide additional financial assistance. Benefits can include accommodation, healthcare, an arrival allowance and annual air tickets, subject to the applicable rules.
Why Study in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a growing higher-education sector and a number of universities offering programmes for international students.
Students can find programmes in areas including:
- Computer science and information technology
- Engineering
- Business and management
- Medicine and health sciences
- Natural sciences
- Islamic studies
- Arabic language
- Social sciences
- Research and postgraduate studies
The official Study in Saudi platform currently lists universities including King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, Taibah University, University of Jeddah, University of Hail and others.
Saudi Arabia can therefore be particularly interesting for students looking for fully funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes.
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Top Saudi Universities Offering Scholarships
1. King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah is one of the most important universities to investigate when searching for Saudi Arabia scholarships for international students.
KAU states that its international scholarship programmes are available across various fields at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Its scholarship information indicates that awards can typically include tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses, together with support such as healthcare and academic guidance.
The university also provides an external scholarship route for international students living outside Saudi Arabia. Its published scholarship information lists benefits including a monthly stipend, arrival allowance, healthcare, accommodation subject to availability, subsidised meals and annual round-trip airfare.
KAU’s official website currently states that applications for non-Saudi students for undergraduate and graduate programmes are being accepted through the Study in Saudi platform from 16 September to 6 October 2026 for the current application cycle.
2. King Saud University
King Saud University is another major Saudi university that international students should investigate.
The Study in Saudi platform lists King Saud University among participating institutions. International applicants should check the university’s current programmes, admission requirements and scholarship availability through the official Study in Saudi system.
King Saud University can be particularly relevant to students searching for “Saudi Arabia scholarships for master’s students,” “Saudi scholarships for PhD students” and opportunities in science, engineering, business and technology.
3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a well-known Saudi institution with a strong focus on engineering, science, technology and business.
International students interested in areas such as petroleum engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering and related technical fields should investigate the university’s graduate admission and funding opportunities.
For students searching for “fully funded master’s in Saudi Arabia” or “PhD scholarships in Saudi Arabia”, KFUPM is an important university to research.
4. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
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King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is particularly important for students interested in postgraduate study and scientific research.
KAUST states that all admitted graduate students receive the KAUST Fellowship for the duration of their graduate studies. The fellowship provides full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, housing, medical and dental coverage and relocation support.
KAUST’s current information gives the annual living allowance as approximately US$20,000–30,000, depending on qualifications and progress through the degree programme. The fellowship also covers tuition and bench fees, with the university stating that the overall value can reach approximately US$70,000–80,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances.
This makes KAUST particularly relevant for searches such as:
“fully funded PhD in Saudi Arabia”
“fully funded master’s in Saudi Arabia”
“KAUST scholarship for international students”
“Saudi Arabia PhD scholarships”
For the 2027 entry, KAUST states that applications will open in mid-August 2026.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Saudi Arabia
One of the strongest features of studying in Saudi Arabia is the availability of government and university scholarships that can provide substantial financial support.
The official Study in Saudi platform categorises scholarships for foreign students into full, partial and paid study options. Full scholarships can include tuition-related benefits as well as financial assistance.
The official platform lists potential benefits such as:
- Tuition and university services
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- Financial allowance
- Arrival allowance
- Annual travel tickets
- Other student benefits
However, not every student receives every benefit, and the exact package depends on the university and scholarship programme. Students should therefore check the specific scholarship terms before applying.
Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia is an attractive option for Pakistani students looking for international education, particularly at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Pakistani students can search for opportunities through the Study in Saudi platform rather than relying exclusively on individual university websites. The platform provides access to participating Saudi universities and their available study opportunities
