The King Fahd University Scholarship 2025 offers fully funded opportunities for international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs at one of Saudi Arabia’s top-ranked universities. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals provides prestigious scholarships for outstanding students who wish to pursue graduate studies at the Master’s or PhD level, with applications currently open until July 2025.
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Complete Benefits and Financial Coverage
The King Fahd University Scholarship program provides exceptional value for international students. This scholarship is awarded to academically distinguished applicants who demonstrate exceptional performance and have high GPAs. Recipients receive full tuition coverage worth $80,000-120,000, monthly living stipends of SAR 1,500-2,500 ($400-667), free furnished accommodation, comprehensive health insurance, annual flight tickets, and settlement allowances upon arrival.
Additional benefits include free textbooks, research facility access, faculty mentorship, conference funding, and career placement support. According to KFUPM data, 95% of scholarship graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, making this investment highly valuable for career advancement. PhD scholarships are available for all programs, while Master’s scholarships are offered only in programs that do not have corresponding doctoral programs.
King Fahd University Scholarship Program Types and Deadlines
When comparing educational financing options, the KFUPM scholarship significantly outperforms traditional student loans and other funding methods. The scholarship provides a wide range of benefits that allow students to fully dedicate themselves to study and research:
| Program Type | Application Deadline | Scholarship Availability | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Programs | 10th January 2026 | All programs eligible | 3-5 years |
| MS (Thesis-Based) | 10th January 2026 | Programs without PhD options | 2-3 years |
| MS (Project-Based) | 10th January 2026 | Limited programs | 1.5-2 years |
| Funding Option | Total Cost | Interest Rate | Repayment Period | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KFUPM Scholarship | $0 (Free + Stipend) | 0% | No repayment | Housing, healthcare, flights |
| US Graduate Loans | $100,000-200,000 | 6-8% | 10-25 years | None |
| UK Student Finance | £50,000-80,000 | 6.9% | 30 years | Limited |
| Private Education Loans | Variable | 8-14% | 10-20 years | None |
- Financial Freedom: No debt burden upon graduation
- Career Flexibility: Choose opportunities based on passion, not loan payments
- Global Recognition: KFUPM ranks 163rd globally in QS World Rankings 2024
- Industry Connections: Strong partnerships with Saudi Aramco and international companies
Step-by-Step Application Process for KFUPM Scholarship
Follow this comprehensive guide to successfully apply for the King Fahd University Scholarship 2025:
Step 1: Determine Your Program Type and Deadline
Identify whether you’re applying for PhD programs (deadline: July 31, 2025), MS thesis-based programs (deadline: July 31, 2025), or MS project-based programs (deadline: July 22, 2025). PhD scholarships are available for all programs, while Master’s scholarships are offered only in programs that do not have corresponding doctoral programs.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather your bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts (for master’s applicants) or master’s degree documents (for PhD applicants). Ensure all documents are officially translated into English if originally in another language. Obtain TOEFL (70+ iBT for MS, 79+ for PhD) or IELTS (6.0+ for MS, 6.5+ for PhD) scores.
Step 3: Access the CGIS Portal
Visit the official KFUPM CGIS portal and create a new account. Verify your email address and complete your profile with accurate personal information. The system will guide you through the registration process.
Step 4: Select Your Program
Browse available programs in engineering, science, or business administration. Review specific admission requirements for your chosen field. Popular programs include Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, and MBA. Each program has specific prerequisites and research focus areas.
Step 5: Complete Online Application
Fill out the comprehensive application form with personal details, academic background, and program preferences. Upload all required documents including transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, and English proficiency scores. Write a compelling statement of purpose outlining your career goals and research interests.
Step 6: Submit Recommendation Letters
Request three academic recommendation letters from professors familiar with your work. Recommenders will receive direct links to submit their letters through the CGIS system. Ensure recommenders understand the program requirements and your academic goals.
Step 7: Review and Submit Before Deadline
Carefully review all information for accuracy before final submission. Submit well before your specific deadline: July 22, 2025 for MS project-based programs or July 31, 2025 for MS thesis-based and PhD programs. Late applications will not be considered.
Step 8: Track Application Status
Monitor your application progress through the CGIS portal. Results are typically announced by August 2025. If accepted, you’ll receive detailed instructions for visa application and arrival procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for King Fahd University Scholarship 2025?
There are two different deadlines: July 22, 2025 for MS project-based programs, and July 31, 2025 for MS thesis-based and PhD programs. Applications typically open in mid-June, giving prospective students 5-6 weeks to prepare and submit their materials.
What’s the difference between thesis-based and project-based Master’s programs?
Thesis-based MS programs involve original research culminating in a thesis defense, typically taking 2-3 years. Project-based MS programs focus on coursework and applied projects without original research, usually completed in 1.5-2 years. Scholarships for Master’s programs are only available for programs that do not have corresponding doctoral programs.
What GPA requirements must I meet for the KFUPM scholarship?
The scholarship is awarded to academically distinguished applicants who demonstrate exceptional performance and have high GPAs. Generally, scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 75%) in their previous degree. PhD applicants need 3.0+ GPA in both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Are there English language requirements for international students?
Yes, international students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 70 iBT for master’s, 79 iBT for PhD) or IELTS (minimum 6.0 for master’s, 6.5 for PhD). Duolingo (105+) is also accepted. Students from English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand) and KFUPM graduates are exempt from this requirement.
Can I bring my family with me on the KFUPM scholarship?
Yes, scholarship recipients can bring immediate family members (spouse and children). The university provides family housing and extends healthcare coverage to dependents. However, family members cannot work in Saudi Arabia on dependent visas, so consider this financial aspect when planning your studies.
What programs are available for the King Fahd University Scholarship?
PhD scholarships are available for all programs offered by KFUPM. Master’s scholarships are offered only in programs that do not have corresponding doctoral programs. Popular fields include Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Business Administration (MBA), and Applied Statistics.
Conclusion
The King Fahd University Scholarship 2025 represents an exceptional opportunity for international students seeking debt-free education at a globally ranked institution. This prestigious scholarship provides a wide range of benefits that allow students to fully dedicate themselves to study and research. With comprehensive benefits, cutting-edge research facilities, and strong industry connections, this program offers unmatched value for career advancement.
Remember the critical deadlines: July 22, 2025 for MS project-based programs and July 31, 2025 for MS thesis-based and PhD programs. Don’t miss this chance to join over 2,000 international students from 50+ countries at KFUPM. Start your application today through the official CGIS portal and take the first step toward a prestigious, fully-funded education in Saudi Arabia. For additional scholarship opportunities, explore our Saudi Arabia scholarships section and fully funded programs worldwide.
Doctor
I want to apply for the scholarship. I would like to travel and achieve my dream abroad, gain experience, and prepare for my master’s degree in a sister Arab country that will help me gain experience.
أرغب بالتقديم على المنحة الدراسية، وأرغب بالسفر وتحقيق حلمي في الخارج، واكتساب الخبرة، والتحضير لدراسة الماجستير في دولة عربية شقيقة تساعدني على اكتساب الخبرة.
I hope to be accepted into a fully funded scholarship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the land of knowledge and generosity. I aspire to achieve my dream and study in an excellent country. Because of the Sudan war, I was unable