Saudi Arabia is one of the Arab world’s most ambitious and rapidly developing higher education destinations, and for Muslim students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, and across the Muslim world, it offers scholarship pathways that are uniquely accessible and culturally significant.
Saudi Arabia hosts several world-class universities — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology), KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals), and King Abdulaziz University with scholarship programs that are among the most generous in the region.
This guide covers every major pathway to studying in Saudi Arabia for free in 2026.
Why Study in Saudi Arabia?
Tax-free stipends. Saudi scholarship stipends are generous and tax-free, KAUST PhD students receive $2,000+ USD/month with full accommodation.
Islamic University access. The Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah offer unique Islamic studies programs that are globally recognized and scholarship recipients get to live and study in Islam’s holiest cities.
World-class STEM. KAUST is globally ranked in the world’s top 200 for science and engineering research — with exceptional research infrastructure and industry partnerships with Saudi Aramco.
KFUPM excellence. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals consistently ranks in the world’s top 300 for engineering and among the world’s top 10 for petroleum engineering.
Vision 2030 opportunities. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming the country’s research and technology landscape, creating exceptional opportunities for international researchers and graduates.
Top Scholarships to Study in Saudi Arabia for Free 2026
1. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship 🇸🇦
The Islamic University of Madinah scholarship is one of the most sought-after scholarships in the Muslim world, offering fully funded Islamic studies education in the city of the Prophet (PBUH).
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition at Islamic University of Madinah
- Monthly stipend (amount varies)
- Free accommodation on campus
- Return airfare annually
- Health insurance
- Arabic language training
Eligibility:
- Muslim males from eligible countries ✅
- Pakistan ✅, Bangladesh ✅, Indonesia ✅, Nigeria ✅, Kenya ✅ and most Muslim-majority countries
- Strong Islamic knowledge background preferred
- Arabic proficiency helpful (training provided)
- Under 25 years old typically
Programs: Quran and Islamic studies, Sharia, Arabic language, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, and Da’wah.
How to Apply: Apply through the Saudi Embassy or the Islamic University’s representative office in your country. Applications typically accepted through Saudi cultural attachés.
Deadline: Typically March–May 2027
2. KAUST Fellowship — King Abdullah University 🇸🇦
KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology), Saudi Arabia’s flagship research university, globally ranked, offers one of the most generous fellowship packages for international graduate students.
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend $20,000–$30,000/year (~$1,667–$2,500/month) — among the highest PhD stipends globally
- Free on-campus housing
- Health insurance
- Research funding
Eligibility:
- Applying for Master’s or PhD at KAUST
- Outstanding academic record — top 5–10% of graduating class
- Strong research background and publications preferred
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 95 minimum
- Open to all nationalities — no religion requirement
Strongest Programs at KAUST: Computer science, AI, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental science, marine science, bioscience, materials science, and applied mathematics.
Why KAUST: KAUST has partnerships with MIT, Stanford, and leading European universities. Research output per faculty member consistently ranks in the world’s top 10. The campus is world-class with state-of-the-art facilities.
Deadline: November–January (rolling)
3. KFUPM Scholarship — King Fahd University 🇸🇦
KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals), ranked #1 in the Arab world for engineering and consistently in the world’s top 300, offers graduate scholarships for international students.
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend SAR 1,200–2,000 (~$320–$535 USD)
- Free on-campus housing
- Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Applying for Master’s or PhD at KFUPM
- Strong STEM academic record
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 79 minimum
- Open to all nationalities
Strongest Programs at KFUPM: Petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and environmental engineering.
Deadline: February–April 2027
4. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarships 🇸🇦
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, one of the Arab world’s largest universities, offers scholarships for international students in various fields.
KAU International Student Scholarship:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- Arabic or English proficiency depending on program
- Open to international students
Strongest Programs: Engineering, sciences, medicine, business, humanities, and Islamic studies.
Deadline: March–May 2027
5. Umm Al-Qura University Scholarship 🇸🇦
Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Makkah, one of the world’s most spiritually significant educational institutions, offers scholarships for international Muslim students.
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance
- Accommodation
Eligibility:
- Muslim students from eligible countries
- Strong academic record
- Arabic proficiency required for most programs
Programs: Islamic studies, Arabic language, Sharia, sciences, and engineering.
Deadline: March–May 2027
6. Saudi Government General Scholarship Program 🇸🇦
The Saudi Ministry of Education administers a general scholarship program for international students to study at Saudi universities.
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Citizens of eligible countries (primarily Muslim-majority nations and bilateral partners)
- Strong academic record
- Arabic proficiency preferred
How to Apply: Contact the Saudi Embassy or Cultural Attaché in your country.
Deadline: Varies by country
Saudi University Rankings
| University | World Rank | Strongest Field |
|---|---|---|
| KAUST | Top 200 | Science and Engineering research |
| KFUPM | Top 300 | Petroleum and Engineering |
| King Abdulaziz University | Top 500 | Sciences and Engineering |
| King Saud University | Top 500 | Medicine and Sciences |
| Islamic University Madinah | Special | Islamic Studies |
Living Costs in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s cost of living varies significantly but for scholarship holders with free accommodation:
| Expense | Monthly (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Food (campus + local) | 500–1,000 |
| Transport | 200–400 |
| Personal | 300–500 |
| Total (with free accommodation) | ~SAR 1,000–1,900 |
In USD: approximately $265–$505/month beyond scholarship — very manageable.
IELTS Requirements
| University | Min IELTS |
|---|---|
| KAUST | 6.5 |
| KFUPM | 6.0 |
| King Abdulaziz University | 5.5–6.0 |
| Islamic University Madinah | Arabic (not IELTS) |
| Umm Al-Qura University | Arabic (not IELTS) |
📖 Use our Free IELTS Practice Tests
Free Tools for Your Saudi Arabia Scholarship Application
- 📄 Free SOP Generator
- 🔬 Free Research Proposal Generator
- 💌 Free Motivation Letter Generator
- 📑 Free CV Builder
- 📜 Free Reference Letter Generator
- 📖 Free IELTS & TOEFL Practice
FAQ — Study in Saudi Arabia Free 2026
Q: Can non-Muslim students apply for Saudi scholarships?
KAUST and KFUPM are open to all nationalities regardless of religion. Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al-Qura scholarships are for Muslim students only.
Q: What is the KAUST Fellowship stipend?
$20,000–$30,000/year (~$1,667–$2,500/month) among the highest PhD stipends globally. Plus free housing, health insurance, and research funding.
Q: Is Islamic University Madinah scholarship fully funded?
Yes, full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, annual airfare, and health insurance. Studying in Madinah is a unique spiritual and academic opportunity.
Q: Is Arabic required for Saudi scholarships?
For KAUST and KFUPM — English-medium, Arabic not required. For Islamic University Madinah and Umm Al-Qura, Arabic is the medium of instruction, language training provided.
Q: What is the best Saudi university for engineering?
KFUPM for petroleum and chemical engineering. KAUST for research-intensive engineering (AI, materials, environmental).
Q: Can women apply for Saudi scholarships?
KAUST and KFUPM admit female international students. Islamic University Madinah scholarship is male-only.