Saudi Arabia has quietly become one of the most practical study-abroad destinations for Pakistani students. Tuition-free programs, a monthly stipend, free housing, a yearly ticket home, and a single free application that covers several universities at once. It is also a Muslim country with a large Pakistani community, which makes the move easier for many families to accept.
But "Saudi scholarship" is not one thing. There is the main Saudi Government Scholarship, there are university-specific routes like KAUST and the Islamic University of Madinah, there is a research internship, an Arabic language program, and there are Medicine programs that are not funded at all. Students who mix these up waste a cycle.
This guide explains every Saudi option we cover, who each one is for, what it pays, and when to apply. Each section links to the detailed guide or scholarship page if you want to go deeper.
All Saudi Options at a Glance
| Option | Levels | Funding | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Government Scholarship | Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | Fully funded, partial, or paid study (depends on program) | Deadline October 6, 2026 |
| Medicine (MBBS) on the portal | Bachelor's (7 years) | Paid Study | Same portal and cycle |
| King Saud University (KSU) | Undergraduate | Full tuition | Varies each year |
| Islamic University of Madinah | Bachelor's, Master's | Fully funded | Two intakes a year |
| KFUPM | Undergraduate, Master's, PhD | Full tuition | Varies by intake |
| KAUST Graduate Scholarship | Master's, PhD | Fully funded | Usually August to January |
| KAUST VSRP Internship | 3rd/4th year Bachelor's, Master's | Fully funded (2-6 months) | Rolling, per project |
| Arabic Language Program | High school graduates, 18+ | Free housing and facilities | Rolling, often March and September |
How Saudi Scholarships Work
Most Saudi government scholarships run through one website: the Study in Saudi portal (studyinsaudi.sa), managed by the Saudi Ministry of Education. You create one account, pick your programs, upload your documents once, and submit. That single application goes to every university you selected. There are no separate university applications and no application fee.
KSU and the Islamic University of Madinah are both applied for through this portal. KAUST, KFUPM's own intakes, and the Arabic Language program have their own portals, covered in their sections below.
The Three Funding Types
This is the single most important thing to understand. Every program on Study in Saudi is labelled with one of three funding types, and it is set per program, not per university. The same university can list a fully funded Engineering degree and a paid Medicine degree side by side.
| Type | Tuition | Stipend | Housing | Flights and Allowances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Fully Funded | ✅ Waived | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 🟡 Partial Scholarship | ✅ Waived | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 🔵 Paid Study | ❌ You pay | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Always open the program page on the portal and check its funding type before you select it. Students regularly apply to a program assuming it is funded, get admitted, and then find out they owe tuition.
The Saudi Government Scholarship 2026-27
This is the main route and the one most Pakistani students mean when they say "Saudi scholarship". It is open to all nationalities and covers Diploma (2 years), Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs.
What a Fully Funded Program Covers
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% covered |
| Monthly stipend | 900-1,200 SAR (Bachelor's) · 1,500 SAR (Master's) · 1,500-3,000 SAR (PhD) |
| Accommodation | Free on-campus housing or a housing allowance |
| Health insurance | Medical, dental and emergency cover |
| Airfare | Annual round-trip ticket home |
| Arrival allowance | One-time cash payment on landing |
| Iqama (residence permit) | Processing fees covered |
| Books and materials | Study allowance |
| Arabic training | Free if required. The preparatory Arabic year for Arabic-taught programs is covered |
Who Can Apply
| Level | You Need | Age Limit | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | High school diploma (FSc / A-Levels) | - | 90%+ |
| Bachelor's | High school diploma (FSc / A-Levels) | 17-25 | 90%+ |
| Master's | Bachelor's degree | Up to 30 | 3.5 / 4.0 |
| PhD | Master's degree | Up to 35 | 3.5 / 4.0 |
You also need a passport valid for at least 6 more months, a medical report, a police clearance and good conduct certificate, and you must not have held a scholarship from any Saudi institution before. All documents must be attested.
Fields With Fully Funded Programs
Computer Science and IT, Engineering, Natural Sciences (Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Microbiology), Economics, Marketing, Management, Supply Chain Management, Business, Languages (including Chinese), and Islamic Studies. Programs are added and updated through the cycle, so check the live portal.
Deadline: October 6, 2026 for Bachelor's, Master's and PhD. Some universities set their own dates, so confirm yours on the portal.
👉 Full walkthrough: Saudi Arabia Government Scholarship 2026-27 - Complete Guide · Quick reference: scholarship page
Want MBBS in Saudi Arabia? Read This First
This is where most students get caught out. Medicine (MBBS) and Pharmacy programs currently listed on the Study in Saudi portal are Paid Study, not fully funded.
The Medicine programs on the portal right now are at private colleges: Al-Rayan National Colleges, AlMaarefa University, Batterjee Medical College (Jeddah, Aseer, Dammam and Madinah campuses) and Riyadh Elm University. All are 7-year programs. Tuition is around 90,000-92,000 SAR per year, or 46,000 SAR per semester at AlMaarefa and Riyadh Elm. Since it is Paid Study, you also cover your own housing and living costs.
Other healthcare options work differently:
- Nursing: partial scholarships (tuition waiver only) at Buraydah Private Colleges and Sulaiman Al-Rajhi University
- Dentistry: partial scholarships may be available. Check each program
- Pharmacy: Paid Study, including King Saud University's Doctor of Pharmacy
If a fully funded MBBS is what you need, Saudi Arabia is not the route this cycle. Compare the funded options in our fully funded MBBS scholarships guide. If you plan to practise in Pakistan, check PMDC recognition before paying any tuition (PMDC licensing guide).
👉 Full list with fees: MBBS in Saudi Arabia - Medicine on the Saudi Scholarship Portal
University and Program Guides
King Saud University (KSU)
KSU in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia's largest and oldest universities. Its international scholarship is mainly documented at undergraduate level and is applied for through the Study in Saudi portal, not a separate KSU page.
- Covers: full tuition. Stipend and housing are typical of Saudi government scholarships but are not confirmed for KSU specifically, so verify before you rely on them
- Listed requirements: age 17-25 (strictly enforced), high school diploma no older than 5 years, high school average 75%+, SAT 1010+, TOEFL iBT 61 / IELTS 6 / STEP 85, no prior Bachelor's degree, and a medical exam
- Reality check: 75% is the listed minimum, but KSU is one of the most applied-to universities in the country. Aim for 90%+ to be competitive
👉 KSU Scholarships - full details
Islamic University of Madinah (IUM)
IUM is known across the Muslim world for Islamic sciences, and it also offers Engineering, Sciences and graduate programs. Studying in Madinah is a big draw on its own for many students.
- Covers: annual return ticket, monthly allowance (with an extra allowance for excellent grades), free furnished accommodation for unmarried students, healthcare at the university hospital, and sports and training facilities
- Requirements: open to all nationalities, minimum age 17. Master's applicants need a Bachelor's with GPA 3.75/5.0, GRE Quantitative 130+, and TOEFL PBT 450+
- Intakes: twice a year, so if you miss one, the next is about six months away
- Watch out for: documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator. Married students should ask about housing separately
👉 Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship - full details
KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals)
KFUPM in Dhahran is Saudi Arabia's leading STEM and engineering university, with strong links to the country's energy and industrial sector. Graduates have a direct path into regional engineering careers.
- Covers: full tuition. Stipend and housing are likely for graduate scholarships but vary
- Undergraduate: natural-science high school track (FSc Pre-Engineering or equivalent) and English proficiency (TOEFL PBT 520 / CBT 190 / iBT 70, waived for graduates of English-speaking countries)
- Graduate: Bachelor's degree with GPA 2.5/4.0 or above, plus a statement of purpose
- Keep in mind: meeting the criteria does not guarantee funding. Seats are limited each cycle
👉 KFUPM Scholarships - full details
KAUST Graduate Scholarship (Master's and PhD)
KAUST, on the Red Sea coast near Jeddah, is one of the world's top research universities and a fully English-speaking international campus. It is the most generous option in this guide, and also the most research-focused.
- Covers: full tuition, a living allowance of $20,000-$30,000 per year, free on-campus housing, medical and dental cover, and relocation support
- Requirements: non-Saudi citizen, Bachelor's for Master's or Master's for PhD, strong STEM record, TOEFL iBT 81+ or IELTS 6.5+, attested documents
- Timing: the last cycle ran from August to January (Round 1 closed October 1, 2025 and Round 2 January 17, 2026). Watch for the 2026-27 opening
- What wins: research potential over grades. Three strong letters from research supervisors, and any projects or publications, matter most
👉 KAUST Graduate Scholarship - full details
KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP)
Not a degree, but one of the best short opportunities for STEM undergraduates: a 2-6 month paid research internship in a KAUST lab. It is also widely seen as a stepping stone into KAUST's graduate programs.
- Covers: about $1,000 per month stipend, private room and bathroom on campus, round-trip flights, and visa support. No personal funding needed
- Requirements: 3rd or 4th year Bachelor's student or a Master's student in STEM, GPA around 3.5/4.0, and English at B2 level. KAUST can give you a Duolingo test token if you have no score
- How to apply: projects are posted one by one throughout the year. Tailor your statement to the exact project
👉 KAUST VSRP Internship - full details
Arabic Language Program in Saudi Arabia
A government-supported program for international students who want to learn Arabic. Useful on its own, and a strong foundation before an Arabic-taught degree.
- Covers: free on-campus housing (male and female), educational and sports facilities, and daily transport. No monthly stipend is mentioned
- Requirements: high school certificate, age 18+, passport valid for at least one more year, no previous Saudi scholarship or academic dismissal, a remote interview, and a medical report after acceptance
- Intakes: rolling, often around March and September
👉 Arabic Language Program - full details
Documents You Will Need
Requirements vary slightly by program, but this set covers the Saudi Government Scholarship and most university routes:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 1 year for the Arabic program)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates, attested
- Statement of Purpose / motivation letter (keep it to around 5-7 focused lines for the Study in Saudi portal)
- Recommendation letter with your referee's correct contact details
- Medical fitness certificate, including blood tests and chest X-ray
- Police clearance and good conduct certificate
- IELTS / TOEFL for English programs, or an Arabic certificate for Arabic programs
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Optional but useful: CV, Quran memorization certificate, SAT or other test results
Documents must be attested and translated into English or Arabic, depending on the program's language. Start this 2-3 months before your deadline. It is the most common reason applications are rejected.
Related guides: IBCC and MOFA attestation · international scholarships documents checklist
How to Apply on Study in Saudi (Step by Step)
- Create an account at studyinsaudi.sa with your name exactly as on your passport, then verify by email or SMS.
- Complete your profile: personal details, education, passport and contact information.
- Pick your degree level and funding type, then select 3 to 5 universities and programs.
- Upload scanned colour copies of all documents, already attested and translated.
- Submit once. It covers every university you selected. No fee.
- Track your status on the portal dashboard.
- Get your offer: the scholarship offer and admission letter arrive together by email.
- Apply for a D1 Education Visa through the Study in Saudi system.
- Arrive, attend orientation and register your Iqama. Most universities arrange airport pickup.
2026-27 Timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Now | Start document attestation and translation. Book IELTS/TOEFL if you do not have a score |
| September 2026 | Study in Saudi portal open. Shortlist programs and confirm each one's funding type |
| October 6, 2026 | Saudi Government Scholarship deadline (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) |
| After the deadline | Review. Track status on the portal. Offers arrive by email |
| After acceptance | D1 Education Visa through the portal, then travel and Iqama registration |
| Twice a year | Islamic University of Madinah intakes |
| Usually August to January | KAUST graduate application rounds |
| Rolling | KAUST VSRP projects and Arabic Language program intakes |
Which Option Fits You?
| Your Situation | Best Starting Point |
|---|---|
| FSc student, 90%+, wants a fully funded Bachelor's | Saudi Government Scholarship, fully funded programs, plus KSU and less competitive universities |
| FSc Pre-Medical, set on MBBS | Read the Medicine guide first. Saudi MBBS is Paid Study, so compare with funded MBBS routes elsewhere |
| FSc Pre-Engineering, strong in Maths and Physics | KFUPM, and Engineering programs through Study in Saudi |
| Wants Islamic Studies or to study in Madinah | Islamic University of Madinah |
| STEM graduate with research experience | KAUST Graduate Scholarship |
| 3rd/4th year STEM undergraduate | KAUST VSRP internship |
| Wants to learn Arabic first | Arabic Language program |
How to Improve Your Chances
- Grades come first. 90%+ for undergraduate, 3.5+ for postgraduate. There is no shortcut around academic merit.
- Look beyond the big names. Everyone applies to KSU and KAUST. Taif University, Al-Baha University and Northern Borders University offer the same scholarship benefits with far less competition.
- Use all your choices. Select the full 3 to 5 universities on the portal.
- Write a specific SOP. Why this university, why this program, and how it connects to your goals. Linking your field to Saudi Vision 2030 priorities (healthcare, STEM, engineering, technology) helps.
- Get letters from people who know your work, not the most senior name you can find.
- Add test scores. IELTS, TOEFL or SAT strengthens your file even where they are optional.
- Learn some Arabic. Even basic conversation sets you apart from equally qualified applicants.
- Apply early. Early applications are reviewed before seats fill.
Life in Saudi Arabia: What to Expect
The Good
- Fully funded programs cover almost everything: tuition, housing, healthcare, flights and your Iqama
- Well-funded universities, labs and teaching hospitals
- A large Pakistani community in every major city
- Halal food, prayer facilities and an Islamic environment
- Useful professional networks across the Middle East
The Challenges
- A conservative culture with strict social norms
- Arabic is the language of daily life, even if your program is in English
- Part-time work is generally not allowed, so plan around the stipend and family support
- Family and dependent visas are complicated and not guaranteed
- You are expected to finish the full program. Quitting or being expelled may mean repaying scholarship costs
- Female students should check the university's guardian (mahram) policy before applying
Common Mistakes
- Assuming every program is funded. Check the funding type of each program before selecting it.
- Applying for MBBS expecting a scholarship. Medicine is currently Paid Study.
- Uploading unattested or untranslated documents. The number one reason for rejection.
- Uploading phone photos instead of clean colour scans.
- Picking only KSU and KAUST. Spread your choices to include less competitive universities.
- Trusting old deadlines. Dates change each cycle and by university. Confirm on the official portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Saudi Government Scholarship fully funded?
Only the programs labelled Fully Funded. Others are Partial (tuition only) or Paid Study. Check each program on the portal.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. The Saudi Government Scholarship is open to all nationalities, and many Pakistani students study in Saudi Arabia every year.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying through Study in Saudi is free, and one application covers all your selected universities.
Can I study MBBS in Saudi Arabia for free?
Not through the programs currently on the portal. All listed Medicine programs are Paid Study, at around 90,000-92,000 SAR a year.
What is the monthly stipend?
On fully funded programs: 900-1,200 SAR for Bachelor's, 1,500 SAR for Master's, and 1,500-3,000 SAR for PhD. KAUST graduate students get a separate living allowance of $20,000-$30,000 per year.
Do I need IELTS?
It depends on the route. It is optional for the Study in Saudi portal but strengthens your application. KSU lists TOEFL iBT 61 / IELTS 6, KFUPM lists TOEFL iBT 70 for undergraduates, and KAUST needs TOEFL iBT 81 or IELTS 6.5.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
Not for English-taught programs, though basic Arabic helps a lot in daily life. For Arabic-taught programs, the preparatory Arabic year is covered by the scholarship.
Can I work part-time while studying?
Generally no. Plan your budget around the stipend.
What is the deadline for 2026-27?
October 6, 2026 for the Saudi Government Scholarship. IUM has two intakes a year, and KAUST, KFUPM and the Arabic program run their own timelines.
Not sure which Saudi route fits your profile? Titans Abroad helps Pakistani students shortlist programs, check funding types, prepare and attest documents, and apply on time. Contact us on WhatsApp for a free consultation.