If you are looking to start your study adventure in Saudi Arabia, then the King Saudi University Scholarship is a great opportunity for you. In this article, we will explain in detail about this scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The King Saud University Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. The King Saud University scholarship is available for PhD studies and provides full free tuition support, a monthly living allowance (annually $ 14,400), on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support.
King Saud University is one of the leading public universities in Saudi Arabia and the first university established in the Kingdom, founded in 1957 in Riyadh. It is widely recognized for its strong academic reputation, advanced research centers, and diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across fields such as medicine, engineering, science, business, and humanities. The university is committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community service, playing a major role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through research development and global collaboration. With modern facilities, distinguished faculty members, and a vibrant multicultural student community, King Saud University continues to position itself as a hub for higher education and scientific advancement in the region.
The initiative is designed to attract outstanding and highly talented graduate students from Saudi Arabia and across the globe to pursue their studies at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh. Approved by the KSU Board of Directors, this program represents a strategic effort to recruit exceptional academic and research talent in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The vision emphasizes the advancement of higher education and the strengthening of scientific research as key drivers of sustainable development. Launched at a time when global demand for advanced research expertise is rapidly increasing, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to developing effective strategies that draw top minds from around the world and position KSU as a leading hub for innovation and academic excellence.
The initiative aims to attract highly talented and distinguished students, locally and globally, who have exceptional academic and research achievements, to pursue a Ph.D. degree in selected programs offered by KSU. This initiative comes in line with KSU transformation to be a world-class university.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: PhD
- Institution(s): King Saud University KSU
- Study in: Saudi Arabia
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Graduate programs offered at KSU
- Deadline: Click here to check the application deadline
Scholarship Coverage
The King Saud University Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
All eligible full-time students will be granted the following benefits under the Initiative, which provides support throughout their PhD studies (for 3 years). These benefits include:
- Full tuition support
- Monthly living allowance [a total of Riyal 54,000 ($ 14,400) annually]
- On-campus Housing
- Comprehensive health coverage at the university hospitals
- Relocation support for students from outside Riyadh
- Part-time work opportunities might be available
- Eligibility to work in KSA for up to one year after graduation
Eligibility Criteria for King Saud University Scholarship
To qualify for the King Saud University Scholarship, a candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Required Languages: Only official TOEFL, IELTS, and STEP scores will be accepted. KSU requires a minimum TOEFL score of 61 on the IBT (Internet Based Test) or 6 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or 85 on STEP. The KSU admissions code for IELTS (147080) and for TOEFL (7498). A waiver from this requirement is possible if the applicant received a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Eligible Countries: All countries.
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), with an evidence of a recent publication or a patent if available.
- A statement of purpose.
- The GRE general test is preferable, but not required, unless specified by the selected program.
- A personal interview may be required (virtual or in-person).
How to Apply for the King Saud University Scholarship?
Please follow the following steps to avail this scholarship:
- Apply Online
Submit your application through the official initiative application portal. - Application Period
Applications will be accepted between March to May 2026.
(The next phase will be announced soon.) - Initial Review & Nomination
The Initiative Steering Committee reviews applications and selects initial nominees. - Upload Official Documents
Nominated applicants (both inside and outside Saudi Arabia) will be contacted and must upload all required official documents through the Study in Saudi portal.
⚠️ Failure to upload documents will result in rejection. - Final Processing & Enrollment
Selected applicants may begin their studies as early as Winter Semester , after completing all required documents and legal procedures.
Websites
To know more about the King Saud University Scholarship, please visit the official website: