Are you looking to study in Saudi Arabia with full financial support? The King Saud University Scholarship is among the most sought-after opportunities for international students seeking funded education abroad. Covering a wide range of academic disciplines, this scholarship opens doors to world-class learning at no personal cost. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from benefits and eligibility to required documents and a step-by-step application process.
The King Saud University Scholarship 2026–2027 targets PhD-level applicants and covers full tuition, a monthly stipend amounting to $14,400 per year, on-campus accommodation, medical insurance, and relocation assistance.
Founded in 1957 in Riyadh, King Saud University is Saudi Arabia’s oldest and one of its most distinguished public universities. The institution has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, pioneering research, and a comprehensive selection of programs in fields including medicine, engineering, science, business, and the humanities. Deeply invested in innovation and community development, KSU plays a significant role in driving Saudi Vision 2030 forward through research collaboration and global academic engagement. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, a highly qualified faculty, and a diverse international student body, the university has firmly established itself as a premier center for higher education and scientific progress across the region.
This initiative was created to draw exceptional graduate students — both from within Saudi Arabia and around the world — to pursue doctoral studies at King Saud University in Riyadh. Sanctioned by the KSU Board of Directors, the program reflects a deliberate strategy to recruit top-tier academic and research talent in support of Saudi Vision 2030. The vision places particular emphasis on elevating higher education standards and advancing scientific research as foundational pillars of sustainable national growth. At a time when the global appetite for advanced research skills continues to grow, this initiative underscores KSU’s commitment to building world-class strategies that attract brilliant minds and cement the university’s status as a hub of academic innovation.
Through this initiative, KSU seeks to enroll highly gifted and accomplished students — from both local and international backgrounds — who demonstrate outstanding academic and research potential, into selected PhD programs. The program is a direct reflection of KSU’s ongoing transformation into a globally competitive 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 offers recipients a robust support package throughout their PhD journey.
All admitted full-time students benefit from the following for up to 3 years:
- Full tuition support
- Monthly living allowance totaling SAR 54,000 ($14,400) annually
- On-campus housing
- Comprehensive medical coverage at university hospitals
- Relocation assistance for students coming from outside Riyadh
- Potential part-time work opportunities
- Eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia for up to one year post-graduation
Eligibility Criteria for the King Saud University Scholarship
Applicants must meet all of the conditions below to be considered:
- Language Proficiency: Only official TOEFL, IELTS, or STEP scores are accepted. The minimum required scores are: TOEFL IBT 61, IELTS 6.0, or STEP 85. KSU’s IELTS admissions code is 147080 and TOEFL code is 7498. Candidates who completed a master’s degree at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand may be eligible for a language requirement waiver.
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all nations.
- A master’s degree from a recognized and accredited university
- Two letters of recommendation
- An up-to-date CV, including any recent publications or patents where applicable
- A statement of purpose
- GRE general test scores are preferred but not compulsory, unless the chosen program specifically requires them
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a personal interview, held virtually or in person
How to Apply for the King Saud University Scholarship?
Follow the steps below to complete your application:
- Apply Online — Submit your application via the official initiative application portal.
- Application Period — The application window runs from March to May 2026. The next intake phase will be communicated in due course.
- Initial Review & Nomination — The Initiative Steering Committee evaluates all submissions and identifies initial nominees.
- Upload Official Documents — Shortlisted candidates, whether based inside or outside Saudi Arabia, will be contacted with instructions to upload all required official documents through the Study in Saudi portal. ⚠️ Applications without uploaded documents will be automatically disqualified.
- Final Processing & Enrollment — Successful applicants may begin their studies from the winter semester onwards, following completion of all documentation and legal formalities.
Websites
For full details on the King Saud University Scholarship, visit the official website: