Saudi Arabia is currently processing applications for the 2026/2027 school year as of April 26, 2026. The “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal has made it easier for people from other countries to apply to schools in Saudi Arabia. However, top research institutions like KAUST and KFUPM still have their own elite funding tracks that are open all year or only during certain cycles.
The following are the most important scholarship windows that are open right now.
1. The “Study in Saudi Arabia” Unified Portal (Government)
This is the first step that all international students must take if they want to apply to any of the 50 or more public and private universities in the Kingdom.
- Status Right Now: Applications Are Open.
- From April 19, 2026, to May 21, 2026.
- The Prize: * Full Scholarship: No fees for school or registration.
- • Stipends: a monthly payment and a “arrival allowance” for the first two months.
- • Welfare includes free housing, full health care, and flights home every year.
- • To apply, go to studyinsaudi.sa, make a profile, and choose your top three universities.
2. King Saud University (KSU) – The Excellence Track
KSU, which is in Riyadh, is a great place to do research for both undergraduate and PhD students.
- • Deadline: May 15, 2026.
- • Monthly Payments:
- Bachelor’s: about 990 SAR ($264).
- • Master’s: ~1,170 SAR ($312).
- PhD: about 1,500 SAR ($400).
- • English Proficiency: KSU accepts STEP 85 (given locally by Qiyas) as a common alternative to IELTS (6.0) or TOEFL (61).
3. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
KAUST is a research university for graduate students only, and it has one of the most luxurious scholarship packages in the world.
- The last day for international students to apply for autumn 2026 is May 7, 2026.
- The KAUST Grant:
- Stipend: $20,000 to $30,000 a year, depending on how far along you are in your degree.
- Housing: Free, high-end housing on campus (often in shared villas).
- • Help: a moving allowance and full medical and dental coverage.
- • How to Apply: Go to admissions.kaust.edu.sa and fill out an application. You don’t need a faculty advisor before you apply.
4. KAU, or King Abdulaziz University
KAU is based in Jeddah and is always ranked as one of the best schools in the Arab world for STEM and marine sciences.
- Deadline for undergraduates: May 21, 2026 (through the Study in Saudi portal).
- Graduate Deadline: Usually stays open for rolling admissions, but the main deadline for the next fall cycle is usually in early May.
- Requirement: People who want to get a master’s or PhD must be younger than 30 and 35, respectively.
5. Important Saudi Arabia Strategy for 2026
To get a “Free Seat” this year, remember these three strategic tips:
- The “Mahram” Rule (Update 2026): Saudi Arabia has made it easier for people to travel, but some scholarships for female students still require a male relative (Mahram) who lives in the Kingdom full-time to travel with them, or the student must be a member of an official government-sponsored group.
- Attestation of Documents: The Saudi Embassy in your home country must certify your high school or college transcripts. This is a common place where late-stage applications fail.
- Standardised Tests: By 2026, many bachelor’s programmes will require either a valid SAT score (at least 1010) or the local Qudurat/Tahsili exams if you already live there.
6. Summary of Benefits (Standardized)
| Benefit | Description |
| Tuition | 100% Free |
| Housing | Free furnished dormitory (usually includes utilities) |
| Travel | Free annual round-trip tickets to your home country |
| Health | Full coverage at university or government hospitals |
| Graduation | A three-month stipend allowance for shipping books/research |