for the upcoming academic year 2026 in Saudi Arabia. International students can submit their applications online through the university’s Admissions and Registration Dean’s Office. These scholarships open opportunities for all students, both male and female, who aspire to earn diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
King Saud University is located in Riyadh and is one of the leading educational institutions in the kingdom, being the first comprehensive university there. It was founded by King Saud bin Abdulaziz to meet the country’s need for qualified professionals. The university enjoys high regard, having topped the list of Saudi universities and ranked 90th globally according to the 2024 Shanghai ranking.
King Saud University Scholarships Details:
University: King Saud University.
Degree level: Diploma, Bachelors, Masters, PhD.
Scholarship coverage: Fully Funded.
Eligible nationality: All Nationalities.
Award country: Saudi Arabia.
Important Notice: As of May 17, 2025, the application deadlines for the 2025 academic year have already passed. Applications for the 2026 academic year are expected to open in August 2025 for regular scholarships and March 2026 for the PhD Initiative.
Full coverage of tuition fees throughout the duration of the program.
A monthly stipend to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and personal needs.
Free furnished and air-conditioned accommodation on campus.
Basic medical care services without additional costs.
Coverage of the costs of textbooks and necessary study materials.
Round-trip airfare paid in advance for the start and end of the program.
Opportunities to participate in research projects and academic activities funded by the university.
Who Can Apply for the King Saud University Scholarships?
King Saud University offers scholarship opportunities for international students across three educational levels:
First Level: Diploma and Higher Diploma
Second Level: Bachelor’s degree
Third Level: Graduate studies (Master’s and PhD)
King Saud University PhD Initiative 2026-27
In addition to the regular scholarship program, KSU also offers a special PhD Initiative targeted at talented candidates from Saudi Arabia and around the world. This initiative is specifically designed for PhD programs and provides comprehensive funding and support. Applications for the next cycle (2026-27) are expected to open in March 2026, with studies commencing in August 2026 or January 2027.
Eligibility Criteria for the King Saud University Scholarships
To qualify for the external scholarships for international students at King Saud University, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements: Applicants must have completed secondary education or its equivalent with a minimum average grade of “Very Good.”
Age Requirements: Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old.
Government Approval: If necessary, applicants are required to obtain approval from the government of their home country to study in Saudi Arabia.
Document Authentication: All certificates and documents must be authenticated by the relevant authorities approved by the university.
Certificate of Good Conduct: A certificate of good conduct must be provided.
Medical Fitness: Applicants must be in good health.
Additional Requirements for PhD Initiative: Applicants to the PhD Initiative must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution. English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, or STEP) are required, with waivers possible for graduates from English-speaking countries.
As of May 17, 2025, the application deadlines for both the regular scholarships and the PhD Initiative for the 2025 academic year have already passed.
For the upcoming 2026 application cycle:
Regular Scholarships (Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s): Based on past cycles, applications are expected to open in August 2025 with a deadline around September 2025.
PhD Initiative: Based on past cycles, applications are expected to open in March 2026 with a deadline in May 2026.
Prospective applicants are advised to regularly check the official King Saud University website for the most up-to-date information on application dates.
How to Apply for the King Saud University Scholarships?
When applications open for the next cycle, follow these steps to apply for a regular scholarship at King Saud University:
Download and fill out the Personal Information Form.
Carefully read the provided requirements and guidelines on the website.
Click on “New Registration” to begin your application.
Ensure all necessary documents, including the Personal Information Form, are attached.
If you encounter any difficulties, you can contact the university via email at [email protected]. Include the following details in your email: full name, passport number, mobile phone number, and a detailed description of the issue.
For PhD Initiative applicants:
Applications for the PhD Initiative must be submitted through the special initiative portal. For more information, visit the official KSU Initiative website at https://dgsinitiative.ksu.edu.sa/.
Disclaimer: All listings on scholars.truescho.com are gathered from trusted official sources. However, applicants are solely responsible for confirming accuracy and eligibility. We do not take responsibility for any loss, errors, or consequences resulting from participation in any listed program.
