Saudi Arabia? Why not America, Canada or Europe?

A lot of people think that only North America and Europe offer fully funded scholarships. However, they do not have the knowledge of the oil-rich Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia – which is one of the richest countries in the world. For adventurous seekers, Saudi Arabia is one of the best countries in the Arab world for you to study. In this article, we will detail the scholarship opportunity you can find in Saudi Arabia, so that you will study free and explore the rich country.

Are you ready?

Make sure you read to the end, so that you don’t miss the detail. Nothing will be left on the table, unattended. 

To start with, let’s consider this marvelous opportunity that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers. The shortening form of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is KAUST. It is one of the greatest universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and offers fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships for international students. This article explores the benefits you, as an aspiring candidate will get and also how you can apply for the scholarship opportunity. 

The KAUST Scholarship 2025-2026 offers great opportunities for international students who want to study in Saudi Arabia. It covers both master’s and PhD studies and provides a mouth-watering annual living allowance of up to $30,000, full tuition fee, housing, medical and dental coverage, as well as relocation allowance (visa costs, air fare, etc).

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology was established in 2009. It was founded for the purpose of research which find solution to the global scientific and technological challenges as the graduate research focus mostly on the areas of energy, environment, digital world, food, water and health. KAUST provides interdisciplinary research to tackle these world scientific and technological challenges. 

To be admitted into the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, you must merit it. Currently, KAUST hosts students from over 60 countries across the globe who now live and study in Saudi Arabia. 

Note also that when admitted, every student receives the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship will automatically offer them support and they engage in groundbreaking research of finding solutions to the world’s technological and scientific problems. Students will be able to explore their academic interests in various areas of research. 

Some Important Keypoints about KAUST Fully Funded Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Programs in Saudi Arabia 2025-2026

To get ready for application, be sure you understand some important keys about this scholarship. Read the following carefully:

• Academic level of study: Masters / PhD
• University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
• Country of Study: Saudi Arabia
• Courses Offered: Click here to find all the available degree programs
• Deadline: January 11, 2025 / October 1, 2025. Keep your eyes on the October deadline.

Benefits of KAUST fully funded Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Programs in Saudi Arabia 2025-2026 

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) scholarship covers the following benefits:

• Full tuition fee and bench fee coverage (worth up to USD $35,000 per year)
• A monthly stipend (From $20,000 per year for M.S students, and USD $25,000 to $30,000 for Ph.D. students depending on depending on qualifications and degree progress)
• On-Campus Housing (worth USD $7,000 per annum and covering of utilities such as electricity and wifi)
• Medical and dental coverage (worth USD $1,450 per annum)
• Relocation Support (visa, relocation and travel costs)

NOTE: The total package of the KAUST Fellowship/Scholarship is $70,000 and $80,000 per year depending on the specific situation of students. The intention of the KAUST Fellowship and scholarship is to alleviate the high costs of education and also encourage more international students with diverse talents to relocate and study in Saudi Arabia.

Eligibility Criteria for KAUST fully funded Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Programs 2025-2026 in Saudi Arabia

To be eligible to win this scholarship, you are expected to meet up with the following requirements:

• Required Languages: English (score of 79 for TOEFL IBT or 6.5 for IELTS).
• Countries: Every country in the world
• Applicants must meet all the entry requirements for the Master’s or Ph.D. degree program.

KAUST Minimum Requirements for International Students

• Bachelor’s degree in a subject relevant to the program being applied to, from a recognized higher institution for entry into KAUST Masters programs. 
• Masters degree in a subject relevant to the program being applied to, from a recognized higher institution for entry into KAUST Ph.D. programs. 
• KAUST does not recognize Professional Masters degrees as being directly equivalent to Masters degrees and so if you are taking one of these you must be careful to declare that in your application.
• At least you are 18 years of age on entry.
• A competitive GPA. Typically, 90% of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3, and 75% have a GPA above 3.5 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent). The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0.
• Evidence of proficiency in English language. 

SEE ALSO: KAUST International Internship Program 2025 in Saudi Arabia/ Fully Funded

Application Requirements for KAUST fully funded Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Programs in Saudi Arabia 2025-2026

When submitting your application, you will be required to submit the following:

• Official university transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of purpose
• Contact details of 3 referees
• Official English language test score
• A clear, unobscured copy of the passport page showing your picture and personal details, or otherwise a national ID card

How to Apply for KAUST fully funded Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Programs in Saudi Arabia 2025-2026

To apply for this scholarship, follow the following instructions: 

1.  Click here to start an online application through the application tool of the KAUST. Make sure you have in mind the requirements.
2.  You will upload the following documents through KAUST online application tool: 

• Official university transcripts: You must submit an official complete university transcript, mark sheets, graduation certificate, academic record from every institution previously attended which shows a list of courses taken, the amount of credit awarded, the grade received, and a final grade showing the scale it was awarded on. Additionally, you can scan the official transcript provided by the university in the native language and must be uploaded into the online application along with the certified English translation. Note also that your transcript must include the university grading scale for all documents submitted. If admitted, an official transcript must be sent to the Office of Admissions by the awarding institution prior to arrival. When admitted they will advise you on how to follow it up.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV (or resume) should be a full but concise record of your personal details, educational history, relevant experience and interests. As a minimum it should contain:

• Your full name (as written in your passport or national ID)
• Your date of birth
• Your correspondence address
• Your contact details (phone and email)
• A record of which institutions you have attended post-high school (including start and finish dates)
• A list of qualifications taken and qualifications pending (including award level, title, start and finish dates)
• A record of any relevant work experience
• Research and publications (please include abstracts where appropriate)
• Other skills and interests (note that KAUST are interested in extra-curricular activities as this gives a sense of how you will engage socially and culturally on campus)

• Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose should be approximately 750-word,  outlining your past work, preparation for your intended field of study, relevant background and interests, academic plans, and career objectives. It should also contain the description and reasons for you to apply to the program you are seeking admission.
• Three letters of recommendation:  KAUST requires you to provide contact details of three who can write a recommendation letter on your behalf. These contacts should be professors or advisors who have taught you or you pursued research under them in yout major academic field of study.  
• During the admission process, we will contact these people to provide the letter of recommendation.
• English language test score:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all individual sections.
  • TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): 79 overall, with at least 17 in all individual sections, the KAUST Admissions code is 4107.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 62 overall, with at least 59 in all individual sections.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176 overall, with at least 169 in all individual sections.
  • An English score is not required if the applicant received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
  • Students who are admitted with an English language score that meets KAUST’s minimum requirements listed above but below an IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90 will be additionally required to take an Advanced English Language Communication Course (AELC) for one semester in the first year of their academic program while studying at KAUST. 3. Submit the application.

Note also that there is no application fee required.

The KAUST website

For more information about KAUST admission, check their official website by clicking the link below:

Official website