King Abdulaziz University Graduate Scholarships 2025-2026 for International Students (Fully Funded)

The King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Deanship of Graduate Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, invites international students to apply for fully funded Master’s and PhD programs through its prestigious scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to attract talented non-Saudi students from around the world, offering comprehensive financial support and access to world-class academic resources. If you’re an international student residing outside Saudi Arabia, this is your chance to pursue advanced studies at one of the Kingdom’s leading universities! Also check King Saud University Graduate Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Types

KAU offers three main scholarship classifications for graduate studies:

• KAU Scholarships for Cultural Exchange and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Students: For students from GCC countries and those participating in cultural exchange programs.
• Internal Scholarships: For students already residing in Saudi Arabia (details not covered in this post).
• Scholarships for International Students: For non-Saudi students (male and female) living outside Saudi Arabia, aiming to study Master’s or PhD programs at KAU.

This article focuses on the Scholarships for International Students, which are open to non-Saudi applicants residing outside the Kingdom.

Target Group

The KAU Graduate Scholarships are available to:

• Non-Saudi students (male or female) living outside Saudi Arabia.
• Applicants seeking to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in most graduate fields offered by KAU.

Note: Health Sciences programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Applied Medical Sciences, Nursing) are not available for international scholarship students.

Scholarship Privileges

The KAU Scholarship for International Students is fully funded, covering all major expenses to ensure you can focus on your studies. The benefits include:

• Monthly Bursary: Financial support to cover living expenses.
• Preparation Allowance: A one-time payment upon arrival to help you settle in.
• Free Healthcare: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Accommodation: Housing provided, subject to availability.
• Scientific, Cultural, and Social Support: Access to academic and extracurricular resources.
• Central Library and Facilities: World-class research and study facilities.
• Subsidized Meals: Affordable dining options for students.
• Thesis Printing Allowance: Financial support for printing your Master’s or PhD thesis.
• Book Shipping Allowance: Support for shipping books upon graduation.
• Annual Two-Way Ticket: Round-trip airfare provided each year.
• Upgrade Opportunity: Outstanding Master’s students may upgrade to a PhD scholarship based on academic performance.

General Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the KAU Graduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • Must hold a university degree from an accredited institution with at least a “Very Good” grade.
   • Degrees and transcripts must be certified by the Saudi Embassy in the applicant’s home country.
2. Age Limits:
   • PhD applicants: Maximum age of 40 years.
   • Master’s applicants: Maximum age of 35 years.
3. Good Conduct and Medical Fitness:
   • Applicants must have a record of good conduct and be medically fit.
4. Recommendation Letters:
   • Two recommendation letters from former professors are required.
5. No Prior Dismissal:
   • Applicants must not have been dismissed from any Saudi institution.
6. English Proficiency (if applicable):
   • For programs taught in English or bilingual (Arabic and English), applicants whose first language is not English must provide one of the following test scores (valid for 2 years from the exam date):
     • TOEFL (PBT): 500
     • TOEFL (CBT): 173
     • TOEFL (IBT): 61
     • IELTS: 5.0
   • Note: English proficiency is not required for programs taught exclusively in Arabic (e.g., Sharia and Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature).
7. Program-Specific Requirements:
   • Some programs may have additional eligibility criteria. Check the official KAU website for details. (PhD requirements, MS requirements)

Available Graduate Programs

KAU offers a wide range of Master’s and PhD programs under the Deanship of Graduate Studies. Below is a detailed list of programs available for international students, including the language of study and gender eligibility, based on the official KAU program lists.

PhD Programs

Note: The following PhD programs in the Faculty of Earth Sciences are not available for international scholarship students:

• Mineralogical and Resources Rocks
• Hydrology
• Engineering Geology
• Petroleum Geology and Sedimentology
• Geophysics
• Structural Geology and Remote Sensing

Master’s Programs

Notes:

• Programs taught in Arabic (e.g., Sharia and Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature) require proficiency in Arabic instead of English.
• Bilingual programs (Arabic & English) and English-taught programs require TOEFL (IBT 61) or IELTS (5.0) unless otherwise stated.
• Some programs, such as those in the Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, are exclusively for female students, while others, like most engineering and science programs, are male-only.
• Additional program-specific requirements may apply. Check the official KAU Graduate Studies pages for details: PhD Programs and Master’s Programs.

Also Check: 10 Fully-Funded PhD Scholarship Opportunities at the University of Oslo

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Updated resume highlighting academic and professional achievements.
• Statement of Purpose: Written in English (except for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies programs).
• Certified Degree Certificates: Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants; Master’s degree for PhD applicants (certified by the Saudi Embassy).
• Certified Academic Transcripts: Certified by the Saudi Embassy.
• Two Recommendation Letters: From former professors.
• Passport Copy: Valid for at least one year.
• English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL or IELTS scores for programs requiring English proficiency (if applicable).
• Photographs: Recent, clear personal photos.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the KAU Graduate Scholarship:

1. Visit the Application Portal: Access the KAU’s official scholarship portal.
2. Register an Account: Create a profile to start your application.
3. Complete the Application Form: Provide accurate personal, academic, and program-related details.
4. Upload Required Documents: Ensure all documents are complete and certified.
5. Submit Your Application: Review your application carefully before submission.

Application Deadlines

• Check the official website.

Contact Information

For inquiries about the KAU Graduate Scholarships, contact the External Scholarships Unit or the Scholarships Unit (Female Campus):

• External Scholarships Unit:
  • Contact: Mr. Majed Al-Ghamdi, Director
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +966 (12) 6400000, Ext. 73271
• Scholarships Unit (Female Campus):
  • Contact: Mrs. Lugen Gashlan, Director
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +966 (12) 6400000, Ext. 63586

Start Your Journey Today!

The King Abdulaziz University Graduate Scholarship 2025-2022026 is a golden opportunity for international students to pursue advanced studies in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a diverse range of Master’s and PhD programs and full financial support, KAU is the perfect place to achieve your academic dreams. Visit the Study in Saudi platform or KAU’s scholarship portal to apply now.

For more details, explore the official KAU Graduate Studies pages: PhD Programs and Master’s Programs, or contact the scholarships unit. Take the first step toward your academic future today!