10 Best Saudi Arabia Scholarships 2026-2027 [Fully Funded]

This guide provides information on the 10 best fully funded scholarships available for international students to pursue studies in Saudi Arabia for the 2026-2027 academic years. These opportunities are offered by the Saudi government, leading universities such as King Abdulaziz University (KAU), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), as well as international organizations like the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The scholarships cover undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. degree programs across a wide range of academic fields. Saudi Arabia is presented as a rapidly growing study destination with several universities achieving high global rankings, offering quality education with significant financial support.

Most scholarships detailed in this guide are fully funded. Typical benefits include full tuition fee waivers, monthly living stipends, free on-campus accommodation, comprehensive health and medical care, and round-trip airfare. Additional benefits may include free textbooks, subsidized campus meals, and relocation support. It is important to note that while most are grants, some Bachelor's level programs, such as the IsDB-ISFD Scholarship, are structured as interest-free loans that require repayment after graduation and employment.

These scholarships are generally open to international students from all nationalities, including Ethiopian citizens. Specific eligibility criteria vary by scholarship. Common requirements include holding a relevant university degree (for postgraduate studies) or a secondary school certificate (for undergraduate studies) not older than 3 years, with a "very good" academic grade or higher. Age limits often apply, such as under 35 for Master's applicants and under 40 for Ph.D. applicants for some universities, or specific ranges like 17-25 for undergraduate and under 30 for Master's for others. Applicants must have a clean conduct record and be medically fit. Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) or Arabic proficiency is typically required, depending on the program's language of instruction. Some scholarships have specific demographic restrictions, such as the Islamic University of Madinah being exclusively for Muslim male students, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University's external scholarship being for non-Saudi female students.

Applicants are generally required to have a recognized Bachelor's degree (for Master's programs) or Master's degree (for Ph.D. programs) from an accredited institution, often with a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5-3.0 out of 4.0, varying by program). Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is usually mandatory unless the applicant's previous degree was taught entirely in English. A GMAT score may be required for international MBA applicants. For undergraduate programs, a high school diploma or equivalent (12 years of education) is needed. All application documents must be submitted in either Arabic or English and may require attestation by the Saudi Embassy upon admission. A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity and a medical report confirming freedom from contagious diseases are also standard requirements.

The application process varies for each scholarship. Many opportunities can be applied for through the "Study in Saudi" official government platform, which centralizes applications, university admissions, and visa processing for over 50 public and private Saudi universities. Other scholarships require direct application through the respective university's graduate studies or admissions portals. Applicants are strongly advised to visit the official websites of each specific scholarship or university to confirm the most current application procedures, required documents, and specific deadlines, as these can change annually.

It is essential for applicants to independently verify all details, including funding amounts, specific benefits, eligibility criteria, and exact deadlines, on the official scholarship provider or university websites. This guide serves as an overview, and program details are subject to change. Applicants should pay close attention to gender-specific eligibility and confirm whether the program is fully funded before investing time in the application process.