Are you looking for a way to fund your degree without spending a penny? The King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship represents one of the most prestigious and life-changing academic opportunities in the world today. Designed specifically for international students, this fully funded scholarship offers a bridge to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and professional growth in Saudi Arabia. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about the KAU 2026/2027 cycle, from eligibility secrets to a winning step-by-step application guide.
Scholarship Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship |
| Host Country | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Degrees |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend + Housing + Flights) |
| Eligible Countries | International Students (All Nationalities) |
| Application Fee | No Application FEE |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not Mandatory (MOI certificates or internal language checks are widely accepted) |
Fully Funded Financial Benefits
- 100% Tuition Fees: Full exemption from all academic and tuition costs for the entire duration of your degree.
- Monthly Living Stipend: A regular cash allowance (SAR 900–1,900 depending on your degree level) to cover essential living expenses.
- Free Housing: Fully furnished on-campus accommodation along with subsidized campus meals.
- Return Economy Flights: An annual round-trip airfare ticket from your home country to Saudi Arabia.
- Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance coverage provided by the university hospital.
- Preparation Allowance: A one-time payment of SAR 1,800 received upon arrival for initial settling-in costs.
- Academic Allowances: Generous book shipping subsidies upon graduation (SAR 2,700) and thesis printing coverage for graduate students (up to SAR 4,000).
Study Fields
The KAU scholarship spans a wide range of academic programs across the undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD tracks. Applicants can select majors from the following approved departments:
- Engineering & Technology: Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Petroleum Engineering.
- Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Astronomical Sciences, Marine Sciences, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Geophysics.
- Business & Law: Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Accounting, Finance and Investment, Marketing, Law.
- Social Sciences: Psychology.
Eligible Countries
The King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship is a globally inclusive initiative designed to bring top talent from all corners of the world to Saudi Arabia. There are no strict geographical quotas or regional restrictions:
- Global Admissions: The program accepts applications from male and female international candidates worldwide.
- All Nationalities: Students from any country—across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania—can apply as long as they meet the university’s academic criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To maintain original content and ensure your application is successful, you must meet the following official entry requirements set by King Abdulaziz University:
- Age Limits by Program:
- Undergraduate: Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old.
- Master’s Degree: Applicants must not exceed 30 years of age.
- PhD Programs: Applicants must not exceed 35 years of age.
- Academic Standing: Candidates must hold a recognized certificate or degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative academic standing of “Very Good” (or its equivalent GPA).
- Language Proficiency: While IELTS is not strictly mandatory for every single program track, an approved English exam score (such as IELTS minimum 5.0 or TOEFL iBT minimum 61) is required for non-native speakers applying to English-taught scientific, business, and engineering disciplines.
- Record of Conduct: Applicants must possess a completely clean educational record and have no history of prior academic dismissal from any institution within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Health Requirements: All prospective candidates must pass a standard medical examination to prove they are medically fit.
- Guardian Requirement (For Female Applicants): In accordance with local regulations, a female international student must have a male guardian (Mahram) who possesses a valid Saudi residence identity or is also an accepted scholarship recipient.
How to Apply Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship is entirely digital and completed online. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly:
- Step 1: Create an Account on the Official Portal
- Visit the official portal via the King Abdulaziz University Scholarships Portal or the centralized national Study in Saudi platform.
- Select your target degree level (undergraduate or Graduate) and register a new applicant profile using a valid email address.
- Step 2: Choose Your Academic Program
- Log into your newly created account to browse the active departments.
- Select your desired major and add your preferences in order of priority (applicants can choose multiple fields depending on eligibility).
- Step 3: Fill Out the Electronic Admission Form
- Enter your detailed personal information, contact information, and entire educational background history.
- Double-check that your passport name, dates, and graduation records match your physical documentation exactly to avoid disqualification.
- Step 4: Upload Your Required Documents
- Upload clear, high-quality digital scans of all required credentials in PDF or image format.
- Ensure all mandatory papers are included, such as your valid passport, updated CV, statement of purpose, two academic recommendation letters, and official transcripts.
- Pro Tip: Non-Arabic or non-English documents must be officially translated, and your graduation degree certificates should ideally be certified by the Saudi Embassy in your home country.
- Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application
- Thoroughly review all filled data sections and attached document files on the final confirmation page.
- Submit the form electronically. You will receive an application tracking number to monitor your review progress throughout the admission cycle.
Apply with One Click
Ready to start your fully funded academic journey at one of the top universities in Saudi Arabia? Use the official centralized portal link below to register your account and complete your submission instantly:
👉 Apply on the Official Study in Saudi Platform
(Note: The King Abdulaziz University international admissions system has been fully integrated into this single government portal, so this link connects applicants to all degree levels directly).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can female international students apply without a Mahram (male guardian)?
- No, King Abdulaziz University guidelines require accepted female international students to have a legal male guardian (Mahram) residing in Saudi Arabia, or applying as an accepted student alongside them.
- Is an English proficiency test mandatory for all majors?
- It depends on the major. While it is not required for Arabic-taught tracks or humanities, an official English score (like IELTS or TOEFL) is highly recommended or required for competitive Engineering, Business, and Computer Science programs.
- Are there any age restrictions for these scholarship levels?
- Yes, age criteria are strict: Undergraduate applicants must be 17–25 years old, Master’s applicants must be under 30, and PhD applicants must be under 35.
- Are medical and dental degrees covered by this scholarship?
- No, health-related fields (such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy) are restricted to local Saudi citizens and are not available for international scholarship funding.
Legal Disclaimer & Copyright Notice
- Content Originality: All analysis, descriptions, and structural design presented in this blog post are the independent property of this website. Authorized use or reproduction without explicit credit violates standard terms.
- Accuracy of Information: While data regarding the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship is compiled directly from official university records, criteria such as stipends, coverage parameters, and program deadlines may be updated by the host institution at any time.
- Official Verification Required: Applicants are urged to verify all critical academic requirements directly through the Official KAU Admissions Portal. This website holds no official affiliation with the university or the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.
- Third-Party Links: Links provided herein connect directly to public international enrollment nodes to benefit students. This site cannot be held liable for third-party layout shifts, operational downtimes, or individual data-sharing policies.
