If you are looking to study in Saudi Arabia with financial assistance, the KSU University Scholarship stands out as one of the best opportunities for international students.
This scholarship offers fully funded programs in a broad variety of academic fields. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the King Saud University Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed, step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The King Saud University Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year is available for PhD studies and provides full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance (amounting to $14,400 annually), on-campus housing, medical insurance, and relocation assistance.
King Saud University is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading public universities and the first university ever established in the Kingdom, founded in 1957 in Riyadh. It is widely recognized for its strong academic standing, advanced research centers, and diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as medicine, engineering, science, business, and the humanities.
The university is dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community service, playing a key role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through research development and international collaboration.
With modern facilities, distinguished faculty, and a vibrant, multicultural student body, King Saud University continues to establish itself as a center for higher education and scientific progress in the region.
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KSU Scholarship
1. Benefits for the KSU Scholarship
2. Eligibility Criteria for the KSU Scholarship
3. Documents required for KSU Scholarship
4. How to Apply for KSU Scholarship
5. Deadlines for KSU Scholarship
6. FAQs about the KSU Scholarship
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1. Benefits of the KSU Scholarship
The King Saud University Scholarship is a highly selective, fully funded program designed to support outstanding doctoral candidates throughout their academic studies. Through this initiative, all eligible full-time PhD students receive comprehensive financial and institutional support for up to three years.
The scholarship package is intended to promote both academic excellence and student well-being, and it includes the following benefits:
Full Tuition Support:
All tuition fees are completely waived for the entire duration of the PhD program, allowing students to dedicate themselves fully to their research and academic work without financial burdens.
Monthly Financial Support:
Scholars receive an annual stipend of SAR 54,000 (approximately USD 14,400), paid out monthly to cover basic living expenses.
University Housing:
Students are provided with convenient, comfortable on-campus accommodation, fostering a supportive academic environment with easy access to university facilities.
Health Insurance Coverage:
Comprehensive medical services are available through university-affiliated healthcare facilities, ensuring students receive quality medical care throughout their studies.
Relocation Support:
Assistance is offered to international and non-local students to help them move smoothly to Riyadh and adjust easily to their academic surroundings.
Part-Time Employment Opportunities:
Students may be eligible for part-time work options, enabling them to gain practical experience alongside their academic pursuits.
Post-Graduation Work Opportunity:
After completing their degree, graduates may be allowed to work in Saudi Arabia for up to one year, providing valuable professional development prospects.
Overall, the King Saud University Scholarship seeks to create a supportive, resource-rich, and stimulating environment that allows students to achieve academic excellence and professional growth.
2. Eligibility Criteria of KSU Scholarship
To be eligible for the King Saud University Scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic and professional requirements that demonstrate their readiness for doctoral-level education. The eligibility conditions and required documents are outlined below:
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants must show English language proficiency by submitting valid scores from one of the approved tests: TOEFL, IELTS, or STEP. The minimum required scores are:
TOEFL (iBT): 61
IELTS: 6.0
STEP: 85
Applicants should ensure that their scores are sent officially to King Saud University using the correct institutional codes (IELTS: 147080, TOEFL: 7498).
A waiver of this requirement may be granted to candidates who have completed a master’s degree from accredited universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
Nationality:
Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply, reflecting the university’s commitment to global academic diversity and inclusion.
Academic Requirement:
Candidates must hold a master’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field, demonstrating strong academic performance and readiness for advanced research.
Recommendation Letters:
Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can assess their qualifications, research ability, and suitability for doctoral study.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
A comprehensive and up-to-date CV must be submitted, highlighting academic background, research experience, professional achievements, and any publications or patents, if applicable.
Statement of Purpose:
Applicants must provide a well-organized statement of purpose describing their academic interests, research objectives, reasons for choosing King Saud University, and future career goals aligned with the program.
GRE Requirement:
The GRE General Test is not mandatory for all programs; however, it is recommended and may be required by certain departments. Applicants should check program-specific requirements beforehand.
Interview Stage:
Selected candidates may be invited to participate in an interview, conducted either online or in person. This stage assesses academic readiness, research interests, and overall suitability for the program.
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3. Documents required for KSU Scholarship
4.2. Passport & National ID card
4.3. English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
4.6. Hope certificate (If applicable)
4.7. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
4.1. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master’s or fellowship)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)
4.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
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4.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Meeting the English language requirements set by the Master’s course is an important step toward achieving your bigger goal.
Generally speaking, Students with IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL above 100 are considered good.
4.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference
The applicants must provide up to 2letters of recommendation. from the previous university, depending upon courses.
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
4.5.CV
Europass CV can be easily made here.
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
4.6. Hope certificate (If applicable)
If the final transcript isn’t ready then students can apply with a Hope certificate from their university.
However, they must be graduated before their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
(Please make sure you contact your university in this regard )
What is Hope’s certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
4.7. Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation
Technically SOP (Statement of purpose) and LOM (Letter of Motivation) are the same things.
It’s a Short biography to tell the panelist about yourself:
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course & scholarship.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
How to write a perfect letter of Motivation
If you are interested in writing your LOM on one page concisely, then follow this exact method.
LOM consists of three parts.
4.7.1.Introduction (one paragraph)
4.7.2.Body (3 paragraphs)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
4.7.1. Introduction:
The introduction is the gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in the first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.
TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying for & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
4.7.2.Body:
In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to the Saudi & university. Share your expectations of the scholarship.
In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.
In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.
4. How to Apply for KSU Scholarship
Applicants interested in the King Saud University Scholarship must follow a structured application process designed to ensure fair and thorough evaluation. The steps are as follows:
Online Application:
Applicants must begin by submitting their application through the official scholarship portal. All sections of the application form must be completed carefully, and candidates are advised to double-check all information before submission.
Application Timeline:
The application period is expected to run from March to May 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute problems. Any updates regarding future application cycles will be announced officially.
Initial Screening and Selection:
After submission, applications are reviewed by the Initiative Steering Committee. Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit, research potential, and overall suitability. Shortlisted applicants are nominated for the next stage.
Document Submission:
Nominated candidates, whether inside or outside Saudi Arabia, will be required to upload official documents through the “Study in Saudi” platform. These typically include transcripts, certificates, identification documents, and other supporting files. Timely submission is mandatory, as failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Final Admission Process:
Once all documents are verified and administrative requirements are completed, successful candidates will receive final admission approval. Students may begin their studies in the winter semester, depending on completion of all formalities.
This structured process ensures transparency, fairness, and efficiency in selecting highly qualified applicants for the scholarship.
5. Deadlines for KSU Scholarship
The official scholarship portal serves as the central platform for all applications, providing access to various programs and funding opportunities. Deadlines differ depending on the scholarship type and academic program.
For example, the NAMA postgraduate scholarship has a deadline of March 31, 2026. However, other programs, particularly those in the 2025/2026 academic cycle, may have deadlines around mid-2025.
Due to these variations, applicants are strongly advised to prepare their documents in advance and submit applications as early as possible.
Early submission reduces the risk of delays and increases the likelihood of admission into competitive programs.
6. FAQs about the KSU Scholarship
To help applicants better understand the scholarship, the following FAQs address the most common queries:
Q. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it is fully funded and includes tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, medical insurance, and annual travel allowance, allowing students to focus entirely on their academic studies.
Q. Do I apply directly to King Saud University?
No, applications are submitted exclusively through the unified “Study in Saudi” platform, which manages admissions for multiple institutions.
Q. What are the age limits?
Age requirements may vary slightly, but generally applicants should be under 30 for Master’s programs and under 35 for PhD programs.
Q. Is an English test required?
Yes, applicants must provide IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-taught programs. Minimum requirements may vary depending on the specific program.
Q. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a valid passport, academic transcripts, degree certificates, statement of purpose, CV, recommendation letters, and a medical certificate. Additional documents may be requested depending on program requirements.
