For decades, the flow of students in the Gulf was one-way: Saudi nationals flying out to Boston, London, or Sydney. In 2026, the current has reversed. As part of the massive Vision 2030 transformation, the Kingdom is no longer just exporting oil; it is importing brains.
If you are a student in Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, or even Europe, you might be looking at traditional destinations like the UK or Canada and seeing skyrocketing tuition fees and visa rejections. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is quietly offering what might be the most generous scholarship packages on the planet: fully funded degrees, monthly stipends, free housing, and annual flight tickets.
But the system has changed. The old paper-based applications are gone, replaced by the unified "Study in Saudi" digital platform. Whether you want to research AI at KAUST or study Islamic Law in Madinah, this is your human guide to navigating the 2026 Saudi scholarship landscape.
The "Study in Saudi" Platform: Your Digital Gateway
In the past, you had to hunt down individual university websites. In 2026, the Ministry of Education has centralized everything under the "Study in Saudi" unified portal. This is a digital government milestone that streamlines the process for public universities.
How it works: You create one profile, upload your documents (passport, transcripts, medicals), and select up to three universities. The system distributes your application. If accepted, your "Educational Visa" is processed directly through the same system, integrated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The "Ivy League" of the Desert: KAUST & KFUPM
Not all scholarships are created equal. If you are in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), two institutions stand miles above the rest.
1. KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
This is the gold standard. Located in Thuwal (near Jeddah), it is a graduate-level research university that competes with MIT and Stanford.
- The Deal: Every admitted student receives the KAUST Fellowship.
- Stipend: $20,000 – $30,000 USD per year (Yes, paid to you).
- Perks: Free luxury housing, full medical/dental, and relocation support.
- Language: 100% English.
- Deadline: Usually has two rounds. Round 1 closes Oct 2025; Round 2 closes Jan 2026.
2. KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals)
Located in Dhahran, this is the engine room of the Saudi energy sector. For engineers, it is prestigious and notoriously difficult to get into.
- The Deal: Full tuition waiver + Monthly stipend (approx SAR 900–3,000 depending on degree).
- Perks: Free on-campus housing (AC included), subsidized meals, and textbooks.
- Focus: Engineering, Geophysics, Computer Science.
The Public Giants: KSU & KAU
For a broader range of subjects—from Arabic Literature to Pharmacy—the massive public universities in Riyadh and Jeddah are the main targets.
King Saud University (Riyadh) & King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
These are huge, city-sized campuses. Their scholarship packages are standardized by the Ministry of Education.
- Tuition: 100% Free.
- Monthly Stipend: Approx. SAR 900 (Undergrad) to SAR 1,900 (Postgrad).
- Accomodation: Free student dorms (usually shared rooms).
- Food: Highly subsidized campus cafeterias.
- Travel: One round-trip ticket to your home country every year.
For Women: Princess Nourah University (PNU)
The world's largest women's university, located in Riyadh, offers a unique environment. The Saudi women in business sector is booming, and PNU is the pipeline.
Why apply? It offers full scholarships specifically for female international students, including a year of Arabic language prep if needed. The campus features its own automated metro system and state-of-the-art gyms.
Financial Breakdown: What "Fully Funded" Means
Let's look at the cost of living context. Is the stipend enough?
| Category | KAUST Fellowship | Standard Public Scholarship (KSU/KAU) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Free | Free |
| Housing | Free (Private/Semi-Private) | Free (Dorms/Shared) |
| Annual Stipend | $20,000 - $30,000 USD | Approx $3,000 - $6,000 USD |
| Medical | Premium Insurance | Govt University Hospital Access |
| Verdict | You save money. | Covers basics; tight for luxury. |
Eligibility: The "Hidden" Rules
It’s not just about grades. The Kingdom has strict age and health criteria for 2026 intake.
- Age Limits:
- Undergraduate: 17 – 25 years.
- Master’s: Must be under 30.
- PhD: Must be under 35.
- Health: You must pass a strict medical exam. Infectious diseases (Hepatitis, HIV, etc.) are grounds for immediate visa rejection, even if you have the scholarship.
- Police Clearance: A "Certificate of Good Conduct" from your home country is mandatory.
- Mahram (Guardian) Rule: As of 2026, this rule has been significantly relaxed for student visas, but specific universities (like PNU or Islamic University) may still have specific protocols for female housing. Always check the specific university handbook.
After Graduation: Can You Stay?
This is the biggest question. In the past, you had to leave immediately. In 2026, the Saudi job market is hungry for talent.
The introduction of the Premium Residency (Special Talent Track) allows high-performing graduates (especially in tech, healthcare, and engineering) to self-sponsor and stay in the Kingdom to look for work. Universities like KAUST have dedicated career centers that actively connect graduates with NEOM, Aramco, and Red Sea Global.
Step-by-Step Application Checklist
- Document Prep (Now): Translate your transcripts to Arabic or English. Get your passport renewed if it expires within 12 months.
- Choose Your Track: Decided between STEM (KAUST/KFUPM) or General (Study in Saudi portal).
- The Medical Check: Do a pre-check at home to ensure you are fit before applying.
- Apply:
- For KAUST: Apply directly via kaust.edu.sa.
- For Others: Watch for the studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa window (usually opens early 2026 for the Fall intake).
- Verification: If accepted, you will need to attest your documents at the Saudi Embassy in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the IELTS/TOEFL required for all universities? A: For KAUST, KFUPM, and English-track medicine/engineering programs: Yes. For Arabic-taught programs (Islamic studies, Humanities): No, but you may need to pass an Arabic proficiency test or take a prep year.
Q: Can I bring my family if I get a scholarship? A: Generally, Master’s and PhD students can bring spouses and children, and the university often provides family housing (or an allowance). Undergraduate students typically cannot sponsor family members.
Q: Is the scholarship available for all nationalities? A: Yes, the "Study in Saudi" program is open to roughly 160+ nationalities. However, quotas apply, and diplomatic relations between your country and KSA must be active.
Q: Can I work part-time while studying? A: International students are generally restricted from off-campus commercial work. However, on-campus jobs (Research Assistant, Library Assistant) are legal and common, especially at KAUST and KFUPM.
