KFUPM Scholarship can take the financial pressure off graduate study in Saudi Arabia by waiving tuition and providing a monthly stipend, furnished housing, medical care, and travel support for selected international students.
It is aimed at strong master’s and PhD applicants with a relevant degree, usually a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA for scholarship consideration, English-language proof, recommendations, and clear research potential; the latest Fall 2026 graduate round closed on 30 June 2026. The catch: not every programme carries full funding, admission is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements is only the starting point. Most students ask the same question before applying to KFUPM Scholarship 2026: is there any funding? Here is the answer, in detail.
Here is the official link for KFUPM Scholarship
KFUPM Scholarship
1. Benefits of KFUPM Scholarship
2. Eligibility criteria for KFUPM Scholarship
3. Documents required for KFUPM Scholarship
4. How to Apply for KFUPM Scholarship
5. Deadlines for KFUPM Scholarship
6. FRQS about KFUPM Scholarship
1. Benefits of KFUPM Scholarship
Highly qualified graduate applicants with exceptional academic records and a strong GPA may be admitted as full-time Master’s or PhD students under a fully funded scholarship. Scholarships are available for all PhD programs, including Direct Entry PhD options. Selected candidates receive the following benefits:
- Monthly stipend based on category
- Free furnished, air-conditioned on-campus housing, including utilities and maintenance
- Airfare tickets (for international students only)
- Medical and dental coverage
- Subsidized meal plans
- Tuition-free education (no study fees)
Additional Benefits:
- Opportunity to work as a Research Assistant (RA-PhD)
- Full financial support for studies with no tuition costs
- Funding for attending academic conferences under certain conditions
- Opportunity to participate in research projects with financial remuneration
- Access to the main library and departmental resource centers
- A safe and secure campus environment
- Recreational facilities, including access to a private beach
- Free textbooks for academic use
Important Note:
The Direct PhD program has a total duration of five (5) years. However, full scholarship support is provided only for the first four (4) years of the program
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2. Eligibility criteria for KFUPM Scholarship
To be eligible for the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Overseas Students Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year in Saudi Arabia, applicants must meet specific academic and age-related criteria.
These requirements are designed to ensure that candidates have the necessary educational background and readiness for advanced study at the university.
- Applicants from both Saudi Arabia and other countries are eligible and welcome to apply for the scholarship programs.
2. For admission to a Master’s degree program, candidates must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree or have completed at least 16 years of formal education. They must also demonstrate strong academic performance, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on 4.00 scale. Additionally, applicants must be no older than 35 years of age at the time of application.
3. For PhD (doctoral) programs, applicants must hold a completed Master’s degree or have completed at least 18 years of education in a relevant field. A minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 or an equivalent is also required. Furthermore, candidates must ensure that their age does not exceed 40 years at any point during the application period up to the deadline.
4. For the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, applicants must have completed at least 16 years of education in a business-related field. In addition, prior academic knowledge of Calculus I including topics such as integration and differentiation is required as part of the foundational preparation for the program.
3. Documents required for KFUPM Scholarship
3.2. Passport & National ID card
3.3. English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
3.5. Hope certificate (If applicable)
3.7. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
3.8. Proof of Previous Work Experience
3.1. 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 Masters 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 in which you are applying)
3.2. Passport & National ID card
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 to Saudi Arabia.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
3.3. English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
International students can meet the requirements of English proficiency by filling one of the following criteria.
For postgraduate:
IELTS must be above 6.0 to 6.5,
TOEFL must be 90 and writing must be a minimum 21
PTE with 58 overall and communicative skills of at least 50
For Undergraduate:
IELTS with 5.5-6.0,
TOEFL with 60 scores and
PTE with a minimum 50
3.4. Recommendation letter
The applicants must provide 2-3 letters 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.
3.5. 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.
3.6. CV/Resume
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
3.7. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
Remember, SOP or LOM can be asked during university admission.
Technically SOP or LOM are the same things.
It’s a Short biography to tell the panelist about yourself:
Letter of motivation or SOP could be a tricky part while selecting your course in Saudi Arabia universities.
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.
3.7.1. Introduction (one paragraph)
3.7.2. Body (3 paragraphs)
3.7.3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
3.7.1. Introduction:
Introduction is the gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in 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 & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
3.7.2. 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 Arabia & 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.
3.7.3. Conclusion:
Tell them why you are the best candidate for the Course/scholarship. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.
Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.
3.8. Proof of Previous Work Experience
Applicant must provide an Experience letter of the previous jobs & Internships.
Try to customize the work experience letter with future studies.
Mention your job descriptions, work projects & the skills you learned through time.
The letter must be signed & verified by the Head or CEO of the company.
The work experience could be Paid,
Unpaid,
full-time,
part-time, or voluntary.
It could be done before, during, or after graduation.
3.9. Portfolios or workshop
It’s optional. But students can attach portfolios or workshops to support their cases for university admission or scholarship.
4. How to Apply for KFUPM Scholarship
The application process for the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarship is carried out entirely online via the official Graduate Institute portal . Applications must be submitted strictly within the official application period, which runs from late May, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Applicants must follow each step carefully and ensure that all academic records and identification documents are properly prepared and submitted within the designated deadline .
Step 1: Access the Graduate Institute Portal
Start by visiting the official KFUPM Graduate Institute website. Then, click on the appropriate link or button that leads to the graduate admissions section .
Step 2: Begin Your Application
Once on the portal, select the “APPLY” option . This will take you to the online application system, where you can enter your personal and academic details . Interviews may be required for some highly competitive programs .
Step 3: Fill Out the Application and Upload Documents
Choose the program you wish to apply for—either Master’s or PhD—and carefully complete all required sections of the application form . You must upload all necessary supporting documents, including:
-
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
-
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-
Identification papers (copy of passport)
-
Standardized test scores: TOEFL/IELTS (minimum IELTS 6.0 for Master’s, 6.5 for PhD) and GRE/GMAT (optional but recommended)
For PhD applicants, a Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 is required, along with evidence of suitable research background .
Step 4: Submit Your Application
After thoroughly reviewing your application for accuracy and completeness, submit it through the online system. Only applications submitted electronically via the portal during this timeframe will be considered .
Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that all information and documents are complete and correctly uploaded, as incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed . Admission decisions are typically sent via email within 2 to 3 months of submission .
5. Deadlines for KFUPM Scholarship
KFUPM handles graduate admissions through specific application cycles. For the 2026 intake, applications reportedly opened in late May and were expected to close around 30 June 2026. Decisions are issued once each cycle has been reviewed. Because deadlines can change from year to year and term to term, applicants should check the official admissions portal for the most current dates before applying.
Application opens: Late May 2026 (confirm on portal)
Application deadline: Around 30 June 2026 (confirm on portal)
Admission decisions: Released after departmental and Deanship review of the cycle
6. FRQS about KFUPM Scholarship
Q. What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and provides tuition fee coverage, furnished air-conditioned housing, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, free medical services, and subsidized meals.
Q. Who is eligible to apply?
Both international and domestic applicants are eligible. Master’s program applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, while PhD applicants must have a Master’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA.
Q. Is the GRE required?
English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are generally required. GRE General Test scores are typically required for engineering and science-related programs, although in some cases they may be considered optional or listed as “if available.”
Q. How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the College of Graduate & Interdisciplinary Studies (CGIS) admissions portal on the official KFUPM website.
Q. Can students work while studying?
Yes, students may have opportunities to work as research assistants (RA-MS or RA-PhD) or take part in various research projects during their studies.
Q. Which programs are offered under the scholarship?
The scholarship is available across a wide range of academic disciplines, including engineering, natural sciences, business, and computing fields.
