Article Summary
• The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program supports eligible Saudis through four main routes: Pioneers (Al-Rowad), Supply (Emdad), Promising (Wa'ed), and Research & Development.
• Each route has its own approved universities, majors, degree levels and admission requirements; Wa'ed opportunities may follow a sponsor-led process rather than requiring prior university admission.
• Dates, institution counts and destination-specific grade or IELTS thresholds in the original Arabic article may change. Confirm the active intake on the Ministry of Education's official programme resources.
• The applicable application portal may be Qubool or Safeer depending on the pathway and announcement.
• Language scores, scholarship allowances and benefits depend on the university, destination, programme and award terms—not one universal requirement.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is one of Saudi Arabia’s principal government-funded routes to overseas study. It offers eligible Saudi students opportunities to pursue approved qualifications at international universities through several pathways with different academic, professional and research priorities.
Applicants should not assume that every pathway has identical eligibility rules or uses the same application portal. This guide explains the four main pathways described in the Arabic source, general and destination-specific requirements, financial support, study destinations and how to apply in 2026. University counts, deadlines and additional entry thresholds may change: the latest official announcement must always take precedence over historical figures.
What Is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program?
The programme is a Saudi government initiative intended to help develop national talent through overseas education in fields relevant to the country’s future needs and Saudi Vision 2030. It serves applicants at different educational stages, including secondary-school graduates, university graduates and eligible postgraduate candidates.
Its main academic routes include Pioneers (Al-Rowad), Supply (Emdad), Research & Development and sponsor-linked Promising (Wa’ed) opportunities. Each route has its own approved institutions, specialisations and award conditions.
The source article mentions more than 520 institutions across 16 countries. Treat that as a programme overview from the source, not a independently verified count of currently eligible universities for every pathway. The Ministry of Education issues or updates the specific institution and major lists. Its 2026–2027 university-list guidance (official Arabic PDF) is an important programme-specific reference; no verified English version of that document was established here.
What Are the General Scholarship Eligibility Requirements?
Start with the general framework, then check the separate conditions for your pathway, institution and intended country. According to the Arabic source, applicants normally need to meet the following broad requirements.
1. Citizenship and conduct
- Saudi nationality.
- Good conduct and any applicable administrative conditions.
2. University admission
The Pioneers, Supply and Research & Development routes generally involve obtaining admission to an approved institution and programme. The Arabic source describes direct, final and unconditional acceptance in these cases.
Wa’ed is different: some opportunities involve an employer or sponsoring organisation coordinating the academic admission after candidate selection. Always check the individual opportunity. Do not assume that a Wa’ed applicant must already hold an unconditional offer—or that all other pathways waive this requirement.
3. Study format and location
- Full-time, in-person study where required.
- Residence in the authorised country of study for the scholarship period.
- Compliance with the university, campus, academic level and course requirements of the approved pathway.
4. Competitive selection
Meeting the minimum conditions does not necessarily guarantee funding. Applications may be assessed against the places available, institution restrictions and any selection criteria specified by the Ministry or sponsoring organisation.
5. Current or previous scholarships
The Arabic source discusses applicants who are already on a scholarship and other educational-status conditions. Such circumstances require case-specific review. Do not assume an additional award can begin while an existing award is still active; confirm the current rules with the programme administrators.
Are executive programmes and professional colleges eligible?
The Arabic source describes particular provisions for executive programmes and restrictions involving professional colleges, with exceptions linked to some pathways or training opportunities. This is a programme-specific decision; applicants should verify their exact degree, institution type and training format rather than rely on one blanket rule.
Additional Conditions by Study Type and Destination
Some scholarship routes or overseas study arrangements introduce extra conditions beyond the main programme requirements. The following numbers are cited in the source as academic-year rules around 2025–2026; they must be checked against the latest notice before applicants rely on them.
Preparatory year before an undergraduate degree
The source lists a minimum 90% secondary-school average and an IELTS overall score of 5.5 or an accepted equivalent for a particular preparatory-year arrangement. This should not be presented as a universal IELTS threshold for all scholarship recipients or universities.
Study in China
The source lists the following conditions for certain China-related arrangements: a secondary-school average of at least 85%, an IELTS score of 4.5 and, for some undergraduate applicants, an age limit of 30.
It also reports a master’s-route GPA benchmark of 2.75/4, 3.75/5 or 80/100 and an IELTS score of 4.5. These figures must not be generalised to all master’s scholarships or all Chinese universities. The relevant announcement should identify the qualification and language pathway to which they apply.
Study in Germany
The source refers to an A2 German-language benchmark for certain applications to Germany. Universities may require significantly different language evidence depending on whether the programme is taught in German or English. Confirm the intended institution’s admission requirements and the scholarship’s specific language provisions.
For all destinations, check the official university lists and approved fields using the relevant Ministry guidance and the currently active application system.
When Does the 2026 Scholarship Application Open?
The Arabic article cites an earlier 10 January–7 May 2026 application period for major academic routes, with 12–14 June 2026 for certain result and confirmation processes. It also mentions the possibility of submitting up to three applications in a given arrangement.
Those figures describe the period in the source and should not be treated as confirmation that applications remain open today, or that the same capacity and dates apply to every intake. Wa’ed programmes and certain healthcare agreements can be announced separately for much shorter application windows.
Check the official Qubool application platform, Safeer portal and the Saudi Ministry of Education’s English scholarship page. Qubool and Safeer may handle different pathways or prior applications; follow the portal named in your specific announcement.
Benefits of the Scholarship Program
1. Government financial support
The programme is government-funded, and eligible scholarship awards may provide tuition coverage, a monthly allowance, travel benefits, health-related arrangements and allowances for dependants or educational materials under the relevant regulations.
Do not assume all benefits are identical for every student. Entitlements, amounts, dependants’ eligibility and settlement arrangements vary by country, qualification, pathway and the terms of the individual award. Read the scholarship decision and current Ministry rules before estimating your living budget.
2. Access to international universities
Scholarships can support attendance at selected leading universities or institutions with expertise in fields required by the programme. Applicants must ensure the specific campus, major and degree level appear on the appropriate approved list; a university’s reputation alone is not enough.
3. Professional development and career prospects
Overseas study can help students develop specialised knowledge, academic networks, language skills and cross-cultural experience. However, a regular government scholarship is not automatically a job guarantee. Some Wa’ed opportunities explicitly incorporate employment arrangements with a sponsor, and those terms should be confirmed in writing.
4. Online application and status tracking
Depending on the route, applicants may submit documentation and follow their application through Qubool or Safeer. Availability of editing, multiple applications or post-submission changes depends on the active programme rules.
Which Majors Are Available?
Scholarship majors are organised according to each pathway’s purpose and published approved fields. The source discusses engineering, technology, sciences, health-related disciplines, business and management, and specialised research areas.
| Pathway | General academic focus | Typical level described in the source |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneers (Al-Rowad) | A broad range of degrees at selected globally leading institutions | Bachelor’s and master’s |
| Supply (Emdad) | Fields meeting Saudi labour-market and economic needs | Bachelor’s and master’s |
| Research & Development | Priority scientific, research and innovation disciplines | Doctorate |
| Promising (Wa’ed) | Specialisations tied to sponsoring employers and announced opportunities | Varies by the individual programme |
Approved subjects can change from year to year. Always match the latest scholarship announcement with the university’s actual programme.
The Four Main Scholarship Pathways Explained
1. Pioneers Path (Al-Rowad)
The official Pioneers Path page (Arabic) describes opportunities at leading global universities. The source article associates this route with a list of approximately the world’s top 30 institutions, a broad range of majors, and undergraduate and master’s study.
The exact number of universities, eligible countries and ranking methodology are determined by the current programme lists—not by a generic world-university ranking alone. Applicants should obtain the university admission and comply with the full-time study conditions for their intake.
2. Promising Path (Wa’ed)
Wa’ed consists of opportunities developed with sponsoring organisations in government and private industry. These may involve sector-specific programmes in aviation, transport, technology, cybersecurity, maritime engineering and related fields.
Unlike traditional admission-first pathways, some Wa’ed opportunities do not require university acceptance before applying because the sponsor manages the academic placement. Individual programmes may be linked to employment from the outset. Study duration, English-language conditions, eligibility and sponsoring company differ by announcement.
The source identifies Safeer as the route for these announcements. Confirm the current programme’s exact application window and instructions rather than assuming a uniform nationwide opening date.
3. Supply Path (Emdad)
Emdad supports education in fields relevant to strategic workforce demand in Saudi Arabia. The Arabic source refers to around 223 approved institutions in 15 countries and eight priority groups, with opportunities for undergraduate and master’s candidates.
These are source figures that can change as the programme lists are revised. The applicant must check whether their intended university and field are included in the active Emdad list and obtain the prescribed admission evidence.
4. Research & Development Path
This route is focused on doctoral study and national research and innovation priorities. The source describes approximately 214 universities in 14 countries and five principal research areas:
- Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics.
- Information and communication technologies.
- Engineering, manufacturing and construction.
- Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary sciences.
- Social sciences, journalism and information.
The exact institutions, available research subjects, host countries and eligibility requirements are governed by the official Research & Development Path page (Arabic) and current guidance.
The official 2026–2027 university-selection guidance (Arabic PDF) can help applicants understand field-specific institution groupings, but a newer list or application announcement takes priority.
Which Countries Are Available for Scholarships?
The Arabic source describes 16 destinations and provides historical counts of approved institutions and cities. These figures are not independently verified as current for every pathway. The overview includes:
| Country | Institutions cited by the source | Country | Institutions cited by the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 102 | China | 70 |
| United Kingdom | 50 | France | 36 |
| Germany | 30 | Australia | 24 |
| Switzerland | 21 | Italy | 17 |
| Spain | 16 | Canada | 13 |
| Netherlands | 11 | South Korea | 10 |
| Japan | 9 | India | 6 |
| Singapore | 3 | Malaysia | 3 |
These counts are a historical snapshot, not a confirmed 2026 allocation. The countries open to an applicant depend on their pathway, academic degree, major and authorised university. The programme’s official destination information (Arabic) and latest approved institution lists are the appropriate references.
How to select the right country
- Check that the destination is approved for your pathway and degree.
- Confirm your university and major are authorised in that country.
- Compare teaching language, admission tests, housing and living conditions.
- Consider whether the qualification and professional credentials will meet your career needs in Saudi Arabia.
Qubool and Safeer: Where Should You Apply?
The source distinguishes two principal application systems. Qubool is identified as the route for major academic scholarship paths, while Safeer is used for certain Wa’ed opportunities, healthcare agreements or earlier applications. Because government workflows can change, the latest announcement should always decide which platform to use.
Use Qubool’s official scholarship portal and Safeer’s official portal. Their interfaces may be in Arabic; they remain authoritative official application destinations when no independently verified English equivalent is available.
How to Apply for the Scholarship: Six Steps
- Choose the pathway: compare Pioneers, Supply, Research & Development and Wa’ed against your degree, field and professional goals.
- Verify the institution and major: use the current approved lists for your particular path. Check the university’s official campus and course details.
- Get the required university admission: obtain the appropriate unconditional or other officially accepted offer where needed. Some employer-linked Wa’ed programmes follow a different selection sequence.
- Use the designated official portal: register or sign in through Qubool or Safeer as stated for your intake.
- Complete and review your documents: the checklist may include a valid passport, educational qualifications, transcripts, equivalency certificates, the university offer and registered national address. Submit only the documents requested by your actual application.
- Monitor your application: follow notices, missing-document requests, competitive-selection results and award decisions through the official platform.
Submission does not equal scholarship approval. Do not assume you can change your major or application after submitting unless the current system expressly allows it.
Do You Need IELTS for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship?
English-language requirements vary by pathway, country, host university and study arrangement. There is no single IELTS score that should be described as mandatory for every applicant. A university may demand IELTS Academic, TOEFL or another accepted qualification before issuing an eligible admission offer.
Some destination-specific or preparatory programmes mentioned earlier in the source cite IELTS 4.5 or 5.5. Those thresholds are not interchangeable, and they are not proof that such scores will meet the entrance conditions for a particular university.
If an official IELTS result is required for your chosen course, begin by identifying your weaker skills. You can take a free IELTS practice test with GoIELTS to understand your current performance, then follow our English IELTS preparation guide to build a more targeted study plan. Practice scores and AI-generated feedback are preparation tools, not official IELTS results.
Final Advice
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program offers different opportunities under one overarching initiative. The strongest application starts with the right pathway, approved university and major, current admissions evidence, accurate documents and a clear understanding of language requirements. Always use the most recent official announcement rather than relying only on past application dates or university counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approved subjects vary by pathway. The source discusses engineering, technology, sciences, health-related fields, business, management and specialised research. Check the official approved-major list for your chosen intake.
Scholarship benefits and allowances depend on destination, academic stage, award terms and current Ministry regulations. Do not assume one fixed monthly amount for every recipient.
Saudi citizenship, good conduct, compliance with the pathway’s conditions, the required university admission where applicable, and complete, accurate supporting documents are among the general considerations.
There is no single test requirement that should be assumed for every pathway. Check the latest specific programme and university rules for any applicable aptitude or achievement tests.
Age conditions can differ by destination and pathway. The source cites a specific age threshold for some China-related undergraduate arrangements, but this should not be generalised to all applicants.
Some employed applicants may be eligible, provided they meet the route’s rules and requirements for full-time study or authorised employment leave. Confirm current regulations for your circumstances.
Language-year eligibility depends on the destination, route and specific award. Do not assume that English-language study is funded for every university or country.
Al-Rowad focuses on leading universities, Emdad on high-demand fields, Wa'ed on sponsor-linked opportunities, and Research & Development on doctoral research in specified priority areas.
Choose an eligible pathway, confirm your major and institution, secure admission where required, prepare your documents and apply using the official portal identified in your current programme announcement.
The source gives dates for an earlier 2026 application period. Application windows vary by programme, so check the active announcements on Qubool, Safeer and official Ministry of Education pages.
IELTS is not a universal fixed-band requirement for every route. University admission criteria and certain country or preparatory programmes may require a particular IELTS score or accepted equivalent.
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