كيفية التقديم على المنح الدراسية السعودية

Have you ever dreamed of studying in one of the most academically and economically powerful Arab countries? Do you aspire to earn an accredited degree from a prestigious university without bearing the burden of tuition and living expenses? You can easily achieve this dream by making use of the generous Saudi Arabia scholarships.

Saudi scholarships are no longer limited to local students; they have opened their doors to students from all over the world, giving them an exceptional opportunity to build a bright academic and professional future.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll give you all the information you need to know to apply successfully for a Saudi scholarship, starting with the types of scholarships, its benefits and general  requirements, to the actual application process.

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Types of scholarships available in Saudi Arabia

1. External Scholarships (for non-Saudis from outside the Kingdom)

External scholarships are one of the most prominent educational initiatives offered by Saudi universities to international students from around the world. These scholarships aim to support education, transfer knowledge, and promote cultural exchange between peoples.

What benefits does an external scholarship include?

It is often fully funded and includes:

1. Full tuition waiver.

2. An annual round-trip ticket to the student's home country.

3. A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.

4. Free or subsidized university housing.

5. Comprehensive healthcare through university hospitals.

6. An excellence bonus or beginning-of-year bonus at some universities.

7. Preparatory courses for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers (if needed).

What majors are available in the external scholarships?

These scholarships cover almost all academic majors, such as:

1. Sharia and Islamic Studies.

2. Arabic Language.

3. Engineering and Applied Sciences.

4. Medicine and Health Sciences.

5. Computer Science and Information Technology.

6. Business and Management.

7. Humanities and Social Sciences.

Who can apply?

1. Students from outside the Kingdom who do not hold Saudi citizenship.

2. The student must be of good conduct.

3. Be in good health and academically excellent.

4. Meet the age requirements, such as not exceeding 25 years for a bachelor's degree, 30 years for a master's degree, and 35 years for a doctorate. However, this may vary by university.

2. Internal Scholarships (for non-Saudis residing in Saudi Arabia)

Internal scholarships are intended for non-Saudi students legally residing in the Kingdom. They are a great opportunity for those who have completed their high school studies in Saudi Arabia and wish to complete their university or postgraduate studies without incurring significant costs.

What does the internal scholarship include?

1. A full or partial tuition waiver, depending on the type of scholarship and university.

2. Sometimes, partial financial support (such as a monthly stipend or housing support).

3. Opportunities for healthcare within university facilities.

4. Priority in admission to certain majors or programs.

Who is eligible to apply?

1. Students of non-Saudi nationalities who are permanent or legal residents of the Kingdom.

2. The student must have obtained their educational qualification (high school or bachelor's) within Saudi Arabia.

3. Meet the academic requirements specified by the university.

4. They must not have previously received a similar scholarship from another source.

General Admission Requirements for Saudi Scholarships

1. General Common Requirements for both Internal and External Scholarships

1. The applicant must be of good conduct and have not been convicted in any criminal or disciplinary case affecting honor or integrity.

2. The applicant must be in good health and free from any chronic or contagious diseases that would impede their continued study.

3. The applicant must have an appropriate and accredited academic qualification for the level they are applying for, with a GPA of no less than 80% for a bachelor's degree or a "Very Good" rating for postgraduate studies.

4. The applicant must not have previously received a scholarship from another Saudi institution.

5. The applicant must fully commit to ensuring that their residence in the Kingdom is for study purposes only, without violating labor or residency regulations.

6. The applicant is required to complete the application form accurately and upload all required documents within the specified period.

7. Some universities may require an admission test or personal interview, depending on the desired academic specialization.

2. Requirements for External Scholarships (for non-Saudis from outside the Kingdom)

1. The applicant must be a non-Saudi citizen and not hold Saudi citizenship, whether residing in their country or abroad.

2. The applicant's passport must be valid for at least one year at the time of application.

3. The applicant must be between 17 and 25 years old for a bachelor's degree, no more than 30 years old for a master's degree, and no more than 35 years old for a doctorate degree.

4. The applicant must hold a recognized academic degree with a high GPA demonstrating academic excellence.

5. Some programs require proficiency in English, and a certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required if needed.

6. Sharia or Arabic majors may not require a language certificate and offer preparatory programs for non-Arabic speaking students.

7. The applicant must not have a political or security record that violates the laws of the Kingdom or threatens its security.

8. If accepted, the student must abide by the laws of student residence and refrain from working or violating the regulations of the university or the Kingdom.

9. Approval from the official authorities in the student's country (in some cases) is required before a student visa can be issued.

3. Requirements for Internal Scholarships (for non-Saudis residing in the Kingdom)

1. The applicant must be a non-Saudi, but legally reside within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

2. The academic qualification (high school or bachelor's) must have been obtained within the Kingdom, not abroad.

3. The applicant's residency permit must be valid throughout the application and study period.

4. The applicant's last academic degree must not have been obtained more than five years ago, unless the university states otherwise.

5. The applicant must have a good grade point average or higher, depending on the requirements of each university and major.

6. The applicant must not be registered for another scholarship or have previously received a similar scholarship.

7. All required documents must be submitted accurately and clearly, and full compliance with the application and admission deadlines is required.

8. Admission preference is given to students with academic excellence or those in majors of strategic importance, such as medicine, engineering, and information technology.

9. Adherence to university regulations in terms of attendance, academic performance, and behavioral discipline is a condition for the continuation of the scholarship after acceptance.

Documents Required to Apply for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

To ensure acceptance, Saudi universities require the submission of a set of basic documents when applying for a scholarship, whether internal or external. These documents must be clear, up-to-date, and translated (if they are not in Arabic or English):

1. A clear copy of a valid passport for students from outside Saudi Arabia, or a copy of the residence card for students residing in the Kingdom.

2. A certified copy of the student's most recent academic certificate (high school diploma for a bachelor's degree, bachelor's degree for a master's degree, or master's degree for a PhD).

3. A detailed transcript showing the student's courses and grades in each subject, stamped and certified by the educational institution.

4. A certificate of good conduct from the student's school or university, or from an official authority.

5. An academic curriculum vitae (CV) including qualifications, skills, courses, and academic or community participation, if any.

6. A letter of motivation in which the student explains why he or she wants to study in the Kingdom and his or her academic and professional goals.

7. Two academic letters of recommendation from previous professors or supervisors demonstrating the student's academic qualifications and character.

8. Certification of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if the program is taught in English (some majors may be exempt).

9. Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, as required by the university.

10. A recent medical report proving the student's fitness. Some universities may require a medical examination after admission.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Saudi Arabia Step by Step

1. Understand the Types of Scholarships and Determine Which One Is Right for You

The first step toward obtaining a scholarship is to understand the types of scholarships available in Saudi Arabia. As mentioned before, there are external scholarships designated for non-Saudi students living outside the Kingdom, and there are internal scholarships designated for non-Saudis legally residing in Saudi Arabia. 

You must determine the type of scholarship that best suits your situation, then begin searching for universities that offer this type of scholarship.

2. Choose the Appropriate University and Desired Major

After determining the type of scholarship, search for Saudi universities that offer your desired major. You can visit the official university websites, use a search engine, or the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education website. 

You can check the available majors for each level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD), in addition to the language of Study (Arabic or English). Moreover, you should check the specific admission requirements for the University or Program and the application deadlines.

3. Prepare the Required Documents

Start preparing all official documents and paperwork mentioned above. It is preferable to begin before the application deadline to avoid last-minute stress.

The most important thing is to make sure that all documents are officially translated into Arabic or English and certified by the relevant authorities in your country (Ministry of Education, Foreign Affairs, Saudi Embassy).

4. Register on the Online Application Portal

Most universities require you to create an account on their official website or on their admissions portal. After opening the account, fill in your personal information accurately (name, address, email, passport number, etc.). Then, enter your academic qualifications and grade details.

After that, select your desired major and level of study (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) and upload all required documents in PDF or JPG format according to the instructions.

Make sure to review each step before submitting, and be very careful, as any error may result in the application being rejected.

5. Submitting the Application and Following Up

After completing the application and uploading the documents, you will receive an electronic application number or confirmation email. Keep this number handy, as it will be used to track the application status later.

In some cases, the university may contact applicants to request additional documents, conduct a remote interview, or conduct an admission test. Make sure to check your email daily and respond promptly.

6. Obtaining Preliminary Acceptance

If you are provisionally accepted, you will receive an official acceptance letter from the university containing your personal information, major, and program duration. This letter is essential for initiating travel or final registration procedures.

For students from outside Saudi Arabia, use the acceptance letter to apply for a student visa through the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country.

For students residing in the Kingdom, you can follow up on the procedures with the university directly, either through the portal or by visiting it.

List of the most popular scholarships in Saudi Arabia 2025

1. King Abdulaziz University Scholarships for International Students

2. King Saud University Scholarships for Non-Saudi Students

3. Islamic Development Bank grants

4. Saudi Arabian Government Scholarships

5. King Abdullah University Scholarships for Non-Saudis

6. Islamic University of Medina Scholarships

7. Majmaah University Scholarships

8. Tabuk University Scholarships for Non-Saudi Students

9. Najran University Scholarships

10. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program

11. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Scholarships for Non-Saudi Female Students

Have you found your opportunity in Saudi Arabia? Browse now the various study, work and training opportunities available in Saudi Arabia and apply immediately. Apply now!

In conclusion, Saudi scholarships represent a golden opportunity for every ambitious student seeking a distinguished higher education in a fruitful academic environment, with comprehensive support covering financial and living expenses. Whether you're targeting undergraduate or graduate studies, Saudi Arabia offers you many options through prestigious universities and diverse programs.

In this guide, we've explained the types of scholarships available, admission requirements, required documents, detailed application steps, and the most famous Saudi scholarships. All you have to do now is start preparing early, keep up-to-date with the official university websites, and carefully prepare your application to be among those accepted.

For more information about studying and scholarships, feel free to register on Forsa website and read the rest of our articles. In addition, don't forget to share so everyone can benefit as well!

References: scholarshiproar, kfu, studyinsaudi, moe, scholarshipsfuture