International students can now apply for universities and scholarship opportunities in Saudi Arabia through the official Study in Saudi platform.
The current application period opened on September 16, 2026, and is scheduled to close on October 6, 2026.
Students can use the platform to search for Saudi universities, available programs and different study funding options.
Saudi Arabia Scholarships for International Students
Saudi Arabia offers several study options for international students, including fully funded scholarships, partially funded scholarships and paid study programs.
The Saudi Ministry of Education provides scholarship opportunities for international students from different countries at public universities across the Kingdom.
According to the Ministry, Saudi Arabia has 27 public universities offering opportunities to international students across different academic disciplines.
Government scholarships for international students are generally divided into two categories:
- External scholarships for students applying from outside Saudi Arabia.
- Internal scholarships for non-Saudi students legally residing in Saudi Arabia.
Scholarship funding and benefits can vary depending on the university and selected program.
What Do Fully Funded Saudi Scholarships Cover?
Students accepted for fully funded scholarships may receive several benefits in addition to their education.
Depending on the scholarship rules and university, benefits may include:
- Tuition or study costs
- University accommodation
- Healthcare
- Financial assistance upon arrival
- Student benefits provided by the university
- Annual travel tickets
The Saudi Ministry of Education states that these benefits are subject to the regulations governing each scholarship.
Applicants should therefore check the funding details of the specific university and program before applying.
What Study Programs Are Available?
International students can apply for programs at different levels of higher education in Saudi Arabia.
Available study levels may include:
- Arabic-language diplomas for non-native speakers
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Higher diplomas
- Master’s degrees
- PhD programs
The Study in Saudi system also includes opportunities related to academic study, research, training and professional programs.
Individual universities may set their own academic, language and admission requirements.
Applicants should review the requirements of their selected program before submitting an application.
Who Can Apply for Saudi University Scholarships?
Saudi university scholarship opportunities are available to eligible international students living outside the Kingdom as well as qualifying non-Saudi residents already living in Saudi Arabia.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the university and academic program they choose.
Requirements may vary depending on factors such as:
- Study level
- University
- Academic program
- Scholarship type
- Applicant’s academic background
- Residency status
The Ministry of Education also publishes general conditions for international scholarship students, while universities may impose additional requirements.
Students should check the official requirements carefully before applying.
How to Apply Through Study in Saudi
Applications can be submitted through the official Study in Saudi platform.
The general application process includes:
- Create an account on the Study in Saudi platform.
- Complete your applicant profile.
- Search for available universities and programs.
- Review the admission and scholarship conditions.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Select the relevant study opportunity.
- Submit the application through the platform.
- Monitor the application status through your account.
Applicants should make sure their information and documents are complete and accurate before submitting the application.
Saudi Scholarship Application Deadline 2026
The current application period runs from:
Opening date: September 16, 2026
Application deadline: October 6, 2026
Students planning to apply should submit their applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.
Individual institutions or programs may operate under additional admission schedules, so applicants should also check the specific university listing shown on the Study in Saudi platform.
Types of Scholarships Available in Saudi Arabia
Saudi government university scholarships can generally fall into three funding categories.
Fully Funded Scholarships
These scholarships provide the full benefits available under the scholarship program, subject to applicable regulations.
Partially Funded Scholarships
Partial scholarships provide only some benefits.
For example, a scholarship may provide a study place only or combine admission with accommodation.
Paid Study Programs
International students may also find programs where study costs are paid rather than covered through a full scholarship.
The exact options depend on the institution and available program.
Are Scholarships Available at Saudi Public Universities?
Yes.
The Saudi Ministry of Education states that international scholarship opportunities are available through Saudi Arabia’s public university system.
The Kingdom has 27 public universities located across different regions.
However, the availability of programs and scholarship places can differ by university and admission cycle.
Applicants should search the Study in Saudi platform to see which opportunities are currently available.
Important Points Before Applying
Before submitting an application, international students should:
- Check the exact admission requirements.
- Confirm the scholarship type.
- Review the benefits included.
- Make sure all required documents are prepared.
- Check the specific requirements of the selected university.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Monitor their Study in Saudi account for updates.
Scholarship availability, admission requirements and benefits are not identical across every Saudi university.
Applicants should rely on the details provided for their specific program.
Final Note
Saudi Arabia continues to provide university study opportunities for international students through fully funded, partially funded and paid programs.
Students interested in the current intake should review their preferred universities and programs through the official Study in Saudi platform and complete their applications before October 6, 2026.
Because scholarship benefits and admission conditions vary by institution, applicants should verify the requirements of their selected program before submitting their application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Saudi Arabia scholarships open for international students in 2026?
Yes. The current Study in Saudi application period for international and resident students opened on September 16, 2026, and is scheduled to close on October 6, 2026.
Can international students study in Saudi Arabia for free?
International students accepted for fully funded scholarships may receive tuition-free study along with additional benefits depending on the scholarship and university.
Are bachelor’s scholarships available in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Scholarship and study opportunities can be available for bachelor’s programs, subject to the university’s admission requirements.
What is the deadline for Study in Saudi applications?
For the current application period, applications are scheduled to close on October 6, 2026.
Can international students apply for master’s and PhD programs?
Yes. Saudi universities offer opportunities at master’s and PhD levels, although available programs and requirements differ by institution.
