Introduction
Every year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers free scholarships to international students from all over the world through the platform “ادرس في السعودية” (studyinsaudi.sa), affiliated with the Ministry of Education. These scholarships cover the full tuition costs and allow students to study at 27 public Saudi universities across various disciplines. In this article, we provide you with the complete guide to scholarships in Saudi Arabia 2026.
What are Saudi University Scholarships?
These are scholarships offered by the Saudi Ministry of Education to attract outstanding international students from all over the world to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees at public universities. Through these scholarships, the Kingdom aims to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 by qualifying distinguished human resources who will contribute to development upon their return to their countries.
Types of Scholarships
Scholarships are divided into two main types:
- Internal scholarships: For non-Saudi students residing legally in the Kingdom.
- External scholarships: For non-Saudi students coming from outside the Kingdom.
Scholarships also vary in terms of financial coverage into three levels:
- Fully funded scholarships: Cover tuition fees, accommodation, healthcare, and a monthly stipend.
- Partially funded scholarships: Cover part of the costs, such as tuition only or tuition with accommodation.
- Paid scholarships: The student bears the full tuition fees.
Admission Requirements for Scholarships 2026
The Ministry of Education has set the following conditions for accepting international students:
- The applicant must be at least 17 years old and no older than 25 years old for bachelor’s degree and Arabic language institute programs.
- The age must not exceed 30 years old for master’s programs and 35 years old for PhD programs.
- The applicant must hold previously obtained certificates authenticated by the relevant authorities.
- Submission of a certificate of no criminal record from the security authorities in the applicant’s country.
- Passing the required medical examination.
- The applicant must not have been dismissed from any educational institution in Saudi Arabia previously.
- The applicant must not have received another scholarship from a Saudi educational institution.
- Approval from the applicant’s government to study in Saudi Arabia (for countries that require this).
Benefits of Free Scholarships
Upon acceptance into a fully funded scholarship, you will receive:
- Full exemption from tuition fees throughout the study period.
- Healthcare for the student and their family members if they are brought in.
- A monthly financial stipend upon arrival.
- Free university housing.
- Annual round-trip travel tickets.
- Free study and residency visa throughout the study period.
- All the benefits enjoyed by Saudi students at the same university.
Steps to Apply via the “ادرس في السعودية” Platform
- Go to the ادرس في السعودية platform.
- Create a personal account and complete the profile fully.
- Browse available programs and participating universities.
- Select preferences based on your preferred major and prioritize them.
- Upload the required documents: academic certificates, passport, personal photos, and medical certificates.
- Submit the application and wait for the acceptance result via email.
Important Dates for 2026
According to the “ادرس في السعودية” platform:
- April 19, 2026: Preferences selection opens.
- May 20, 2026: Start of application submission for students from outside the Kingdom.
- May 31, 2026: Final deadline for application submission.
- July 1, 2026: Start of application submission for residents who graduated in 2026.
- July 16, 2 End of residents’ submission.
Best Saudi Universities for International Students
Saudi Arabia includes more than 50 public and private universities, the most prominent of which are:
- King Saud University – Riyadh (one of the oldest and most prestigious universities).
- King Abdulaziz University – Jeddah.
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals – Dhahran.
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University – Riyadh (for girls).
- Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh.
- King Khalid University – Abha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL test?
Requirements vary depending on the university and major. Some universities do not require IELTS for free scholarships, especially for scientific tracks, but having an English language certificate increases your chances of acceptance.
Are scholarships available to all nationalities?
Yes, scholarships are open to students from all countries, with a focus on attracting academically outstanding students.
Can female students apply without a male guardian (Mahram)?
According to regulations, a female student must be accompanied by a male guardian (Mahram) as per the organized instructions. It is preferable to contact the relevant university to inquire about the latest regulations.
Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes, the platform allows adding multiple preferences, which increases your chances of acceptance into one of the available programs.
Is there admission for residents inside Saudi Arabia?
Yes, residents with a regular residency can apply through the internal scholarship according to the specified deadlines for the year 2026.
Summary
Saudi university scholarships for 2026 represent an exceptional opportunity for ambitious international students. With the “Study in Saudi” platform, applications are now fully electronic and accessible to everyone. Hurry up to prepare your documents and apply before the deadlines, and achieve your dream of studying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!
