How to apply for a scholarship in Saudi Arabia

Start with the programme, not the scholarship label

Decide what you want to study, at which level and in which language. Search the official platform and university pages for programmes open to international applicants. Check the campus, delivery mode, teaching language, start term and whether the opportunity is fully funded, partly funded or self-funded.

Read the programme page carefully. “Scholarship” can cover different combinations of tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel or a stipend. Only benefits stated in the official offer should be treated as included. Consider costs not covered by the award, including document preparation, travel and day-to-day living.

Check eligibility

• Required previous qualification and grades.
• Language evidence for the language of instruction.
• Programme-specific tests, portfolio, references or research proposal.
• Any applicant age or graduation-date condition stated by that programme.
• Medical, conduct or nationality conditions shown in the official listing.
• Whether applicants already living in Saudi Arabia use a different category from applicants overseas.

If a requirement is unclear, contact the university through the address published on its official website. Do not assume rules from one institution apply to King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University or another participating university.

Prepare your documents

A programme may request a passport, recent photograph, school or university certificates, transcripts, proof of language ability, references, a statement of purpose and medical information. Postgraduate research applicants may also need a proposal and evidence of previous research.

Scan complete, legible colour copies. Names and dates should match the passport. If an academic record uses a different name, include the official evidence requested to connect the records. Follow the listing’s instructions on translation, authentication and file format; do not pay for speculative document processing before confirming what is required.

Apply through Study in Saudi

1. Create an account on the official platform and secure it with an email address and mobile number you will keep.
2. Complete your profile exactly as shown in your passport and academic records.
3. Select an available programme and read its current conditions and deadline.
4. Upload only the documents requested. Label files clearly and check that every page is visible.
5. Review the application before submission and save the reference number.
6. Monitor the platform and your email for requests, interviews or status updates. Respond through the official channel.

An application acknowledgement is not an admission or scholarship award. Universities assess applications and may request verification. Never represent an offer as final until you can view and validate it through the official platform or institution.

After an offer

Read the admission and funding letters together. Check the programme, campus, start date, award benefits, renewal conditions and any action required to accept. Overseas students should then follow the official educational-visa instructions linked to their admission. Students already resident in Saudi Arabia should confirm whether sponsor or residency steps apply to them.

Do not book non-refundable travel until admission, visa and entry requirements are complete. Arrange accommodation only through the university or a provider you have independently verified.

Fraud and practical checks

• Use the Ministry platform and official university domains, not social-media application forms.
• Be cautious if someone promises admission, asks for payment to a personal account or requests your account password.
• Check that correspondence names the same programme and university you selected.
• Keep copies of the listing, submitted form, reference number, offer and visa documents.