Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program 2026 pathways and requirements

Health Specialties Scholarship 2026

November 11, 2026 - كتب بواسطة

Article Summary

● The Health Specialties Scholarship Programme prepares Saudi professionals in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and applied medical sciences through study at accredited universities abroad.

● Admission requires unconditional university acceptance, meeting academic requirements and achieving an appropriate score in IELTS Academic or another approved English test.

● Required IELTS scores depend on the specialty and academic level, generally ranging between 5.5 and 7.5, and can be higher for competitive programmes.

● Scholarships include study in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Applicants apply via the Qabool platform for principal tracks or Safeer for health-agreement pathways, after confirming the university and programme are accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Health Specialties Scholarship Programme is a Saudi government programme that aims to prepare national healthcare professionals through study at accredited international universities.

The Saudi Ministry of Education oversees it under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme, with full government funding covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel tickets and health insurance.

The decisive requirement that causes many applications to fail is not the academic grade average, but the Academic IELTS score, which starts at a minimum of 5.5 and reaches 8.0 for competitive fellowship programmes.

This guide will help you understand all the requirements of the Health Specialties Scholarship Programme and how to prepare for them properly.

What Is the Health Specialties Scholarship Programme, and What Are Its Pathways?

The Health Specialties Scholarship Programme is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Overseas Scholarship Programme. The Saudi Ministry of Education oversees it through cultural missions in host countries.

The Health Specialties Scholarship Programme was designed to address the shortage of specialised healthcare professionals in the Kingdom. It focuses on preparing doctors and healthcare specialists who can serve Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector to international standards.

The programme targets three groups: secondary-school graduates wishing to study medicine; holders of healthcare bachelor’s degrees wishing to continue postgraduate study; and practising physicians seeking subspecialty training or a fellowship.

Healthcare Specialties Available Through the Programme

The healthcare scholarship pathway is divided into four specialist tracks. Each addresses particular healthcare needs and targets a different group of applicants.

1. Human Medicine Track

This covers clinical and surgical specialties, including cardiac surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, intensive care and psychiatry, with particular attention to rare and highly specialised fields.

2. Dentistry and Pharmacy Track

Dentistry specialisations include orthodontics, surgery, endodontics, paediatric dentistry and prosthodontics.

Pharmacy focuses on clinical pharmacy and hospital pharmacy practice.

3. Nursing Track

This track aims to develop leadership professionals in specialised nursing, such as emergency nursing, critical care and midwifery, addressing the workforce gap in this vital sector.

Read more about nursing scholarships in Saudi Arabia (full requirements and procedures).

4. Applied Medical Sciences and Public Health Track

This includes allied healthcare specialties such as medical laboratories, radiology, physical and respiratory therapy, and clinical nutrition. It also extends to administrative and preventive fields such as healthcare administration, health informatics and public health sciences.

Academic Degrees Covered by Health Specialties Scholarships

The Health Specialties Scholarship Programme covers four principal academic and training levels, designed to develop Saudi professionals according to the highest international standards:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

    Available to high-achieving secondary-school graduates in human medicine, nursing and applied medical sciences, as well as other specialised fields such as healthcare administration and health informatics.

  • Master’s Degree

    Available to bachelor’s graduates in nursing and applied medical sciences. It also covers clinical pharmacy, public health, healthcare administration and biotechnology.

  • Doctoral Degree

    This pathway is open to specialists who want to deepen their research and academic expertise in various medical and healthcare sciences and in advanced clinical training.

  • Fellowships and Subspecialties

    These programmes target doctors and dentists holding recognised bachelor’s degrees. They also include residency programmes and advanced specialist qualifications for pharmacists and nurses in advanced clinical practice.

Also learn about King Fahad Medical City scholarships in 2026.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Saudi Students Applying for Health Specialties Scholarships?

Requirements for the Health Specialties Scholarship Programme vary according to the academic degree and pathway you choose. However, all applicants must meet a set of general conditions.

First: General Requirements for All Health Specialties Scholarship Applicants

  • Nationality:
  • You must be a Saudi citizen or the child of a Saudi mother and provide official proof.
  • Recently naturalised Saudi citizens are not accepted into this programme.
  • Medical examination:
  • You must pass the medical examination approved by government authorities.
  • You must be medically fit to continue studying your chosen healthcare specialty.
  • Direct admission:
  • You must obtain final, unconditional academic admission from an accredited university in one of the countries specified by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme.
  • Conditional or provisional admission is not accepted for a scholarship.
  • One pathway only:
  • You cannot apply to more than one pathway at the same time.
  • You must choose a single pathway when applying.
  • Full-time commitment:
  • You must commit to full-time attendance and reside in the scholarship host country.

Also read: New overseas scholarship requirements for 2026.

Second: Requirements by Academic Degree for Health Specialties Scholarships

Additional requirements depend on the academic level you intend to enter.

Requirements for Bachelor’s Scholarships in Healthcare Specialties

Academic requirements:

  • A scientific-stream secondary-school certificate with a cumulative average of at least 90%–95%, depending on annual updates.
  • At least 80%–85% in the General Aptitude Test and the Achievement Test.

English-language requirements:

  • A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 46.

Additional requirements:

  • Pass any interviews or tests required by the universities.
  • Obtain official equivalency for a qualification earned outside Saudi Arabia.

Learn about scholarship requirements for bachelor’s degrees in 2026.

Requirements for Master’s Scholarships in Healthcare Specialties

Postgraduate health-specialties scholarships at the master’s level require the following:

Academic qualification:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant healthcare specialty from a recommended university.

Cumulative GPA:

  • At least 2.75 out of 4, 3.75 out of 5, or an equivalent grade (Very Good).

English:

  • IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46.

Professional experience:

  • Completion of the internship year and a valid professional classification from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Age and employment restrictions:

  • Generally, applicants should be no older than 45. Those employed by government or private organisations must obtain a stamped employer approval.

Time since qualification:

  • No more than five years should have passed since earning the bachelor’s degree.

Note: Follow the Ministry of Education portal for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements and application dates each year.

Also read the complete guide to master’s scholarship requirements.

Requirements for Fellowships and Subspecialties

Accredited bachelor’s degree:

  • Your degree must come from a Saudi university or a recognised overseas university, with official equivalency from the Ministry of Education.
  • The degree must be registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

Valid professional licence:

  • You must hold a valid professional registration card through the Mumaris Plus system when applying.
  • This demonstrates that you are qualified to practise and have not been away from the profession longer than permitted.

Internship year and experience:

  • You must successfully complete the internship year and provide the completion certificate.
  • Practising physicians must have at least two years of work experience after internship.

GPA:

  • At least Good.

Professional classification:

  • Pass professional classification examinations such as USMLE Step 1 or an equivalent test.

English:

  • IELTS 6.0 or 7.0 depending on the university and destination country, such as Canada or the United States.

Recent graduation:

  • No more than five years should have passed since graduation from your main specialty when applying for subspecialty training.

For a quick comparison of the three study levels, the following table shows the main differences in health-specialties scholarship requirements.

Health Specialties Scholarship Requirements by Academic Degree
Criterion Bachelor’s Master’s Fellowship and Subspecialty
Required qualification Scientific-stream secondary school Bachelor’s degree in a relevant healthcare specialty from a recommended university Recognised Saudi or overseas bachelor’s degree with Ministry of Education equivalency and SCFHS registration
Required grades Cumulative average of 90%–95%; 80%–85% in the aptitude and achievement tests 2.75/4 or 3.75/5 (Very Good) At least Good
IELTS score 5.5 5.5 6.0–7.0 according to country and university
TOEFL iBT alternative 46 46 Not officially specified
Professional experience Not required Completion of internship year Internship completion certificate and at least two years’ subsequent experience for practising doctors
Professional classification and licensing Not required Valid professional classification from SCFHS Valid professional registration through Mumaris Plus, plus classification examinations such as USMLE Step 1 or equivalent
Age of qualification No specific limit Bachelor’s degree earned no more than five years earlier No more than five years since graduation from main specialty
Age and employer approval No specific requirement Age no older than 45, with stamped employer approval for employees Not specified
Additional requirements University interviews or tests; overseas qualification equivalency where applicable — Details vary by scholarship country (US, Canada, UK)
Requirements change annually. Rely on the Ministry of Education and the Safeer platform (safeer2.moe.gov.sa) before each application cycle. Source: goielts.ai/en/health-specialties-scholarship/

Note: Exact requirements may vary according to the scholarship country (the US, Canada, the UK and others) and the Ministry of Education’s annual updates.

Also read about scholarship requirements for bridging programmes, diplomas and medical fellowships.

Required IELTS Score for Health Specialties Scholarships

The IELTS score required for a scholarship in healthcare specialties varies by academic degree and specialty. The general accepted minimum for all pathways is IELTS Academic 5.5.

However, most accredited universities require higher scores according to the academic level, as follows.

Bachelor’s in Human Medicine:

  • Most medical universities require at least IELTS 7.0, and prestigious universities ask for 7.5.
  • British universities often require an overall 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each skill.

Also read: A comprehensive guide to human medicine scholarships.

Bachelor’s in Nursing and Applied Medical Sciences:

  • The accepted minimum is an overall 6.0, with no individual skill below 5.5.
  • Highly regarded universities require 6.5 or 7.0.

Master’s in Healthcare Specialties:

  • Most programmes require at least an overall 6.5.
  • Leading universities require 7.0 overall and 6.5 in every skill, while some specialised programmes require 7.5.

Fellowship and Subspecialty:

  • The minimum is an overall 7.0, with no skill below 6.5.
  • Competitive programmes require 7.5 or 8.0, and some Canadian programmes require 8.0 in Speaking and Listening.

Also read: The complete guide to scholarships at the University of Hafr Al Batin.

Accepted Alternatives to IELTS for Health Specialties Scholarships

TOEFL iBT

  • Most American universities accept TOEFL iBT instead of IELTS.
  • The required score starts at 80 for bachelor’s degrees and 90 for master’s degrees, while competitive medical specialties require at least 100.

Also read which is better, IELTS or TOEFL, to help you make the right choice.

OET for Healthcare Professionals

  • The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed specifically for healthcare professionals and assesses English in practical medical contexts.
  • Some Australian and British universities accept a Grade B in every skill. It is useful for practising physicians applying to fellowship programmes.

Also read our comprehensive guide to Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Medical City scholarships.

How Can You Reach the Required IELTS Score for Healthcare Scholarships Using GoIELTS?

Achieving the score required for a healthcare scholarship calls for systematic practice with approved academic materials. GoIELTS.ai provides mock IELTS tests drawn from official Cambridge books and specifically designed for IELTS Academic.

  1. Create your free GoIELTS account.
  2. Start with an IELTS mock test to identify your current level.
  3. Receive an immediate assessment with accuracy within ±0.5 band, identifying your strengths and weaknesses across all four skills.
  4. Set aside time each day to practise the skills you need to improve.

The platform lets you practise full examinations under real-test conditions, with AI-powered marking that explains your mistakes and guides you towards the correct answer.

Whether you are targeting 6.5 for applied medical sciences or 7.5 for human medicine, regular practice using approved material will ensure that you reach the required score.

Register for GoIELTS now and practise full tests to manage your time and reduce anxiety on the day of your actual exam.

Which Countries and Universities Are Approved for Health Specialties Scholarships?

Approval of countries and universities is not determined by reputation alone. The Saudi Ministry of Education sets official accreditation lists that vary by scholarship pathway (such as the Excellence Path or Promising Path), academic degree and specialty.

Therefore, even if a university is internationally prestigious, applying to a university or programme not included in the approved list for your chosen pathway and degree will often result in rejection of your scholarship application.

Why Do Approved University Lists Differ by Specialty?

Healthcare scholarships involve greater sensitivity than many other fields, and the Ministry generally focuses on three matters:

  • The strength of academic and professional accreditation, particularly in medicine and dentistry.
  • The language of instruction and the clinical training system. Non-English-language programmes are often not accepted, particularly if clinical practice requires the host country’s language.
  • The possibility of obtaining degree equivalency and professional licensing after returning to Saudi Arabia. This can change which countries are approved even within the same specialty.

Learn more about Al Baha University scholarships.

Approved Countries for Health Specialties Scholarships (by Specialty and Degree)

Important note: The lists below reflect common trends; they are not a substitute for checking official accreditation for the exact pathway, degree and programme before applying.

First: Countries Approved for the Human Medicine Track

Bachelor’s Degree (MBBS/MD, Depending on the System)
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Some European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, provided the programme is taught in English

Note: Programmes taught in other languages are often unsuitable for health scholarships, because clinical training depends on the hospital’s working language and professional examinations.

Fellowship and Subspecialty Degree (Residency/Fellowship)
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore, Japan and China for selected specialties
Practical Details to Know Before Choosing a Country
  • United States: You will often need to pass the USMLE medical knowledge examination as part of admission requirements for residency programmes.
  • United Kingdom: International medical graduates are often required to take the British PLAB equivalency examination or follow similar regulatory pathways, depending on the organisation.
  • Canada: There are specific admission routes for international medical graduates seeking residency training. They are often highly competitive and require early understanding of the requirements.

Second: Countries Approved for Dentistry and Pharmacy

Fellowship and Subspecialty Degree
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Ireland

Important note: Dental fellowship programmes in particular may have limited accredited places. Do not rely on the university’s name alone; verify approval of the specific programme.

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Ireland

Generally, bachelor’s programmes are more widely available, while master’s programmes may be limited depending on the subspecialty, such as PharmD/Clinical Pharmacy or certain dental specialisations.

Third: Countries Approved for Applied Medical Sciences

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Ireland

Note: Some rare specialties within applied medical sciences, such as certain speech therapy, prosthetics and advanced technology programmes, are more strongly represented in certain countries. Approved lists therefore become narrower as the specialty becomes more specific.

Find out more about Chinese language scholarships.

Examples of Strong Universities Sought After for Healthcare Scholarships

Admission to a prestigious university usually helps, but the deciding factor remains whether the university and programme are accredited for your pathway and degree.

  • United States: Harvard, Johns Hopkins and Stanford for medicine. For applied health sciences: universities in California, Michigan and Washington.
  • United Kingdom: Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial for medicine. For a variety of healthcare specialties: King’s College London, Edinburgh and Manchester.
  • Canada: Toronto, McGill and British Columbia. For other health fields: Alberta and Ottawa, while bearing in mind the restrictive clinical training routes for doctors.
  • Australia: Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland.

Read more about the best American universities for Saudi scholarship students.

How Can You Verify That a University Is Approved for Your Healthcare Specialty Before Applying?

Universities accredited for healthcare specialties by the Ministry of Education are subject to rigorous approval standards.

The lists are reviewed regularly to ensure the quality of medical education provided to scholarship students. You should therefore verify accreditation before applying through the following steps:

  • Review the official lists on Safeer. Use the Safeer university search service. It is updated regularly and shows accredited universities by pathway, academic degree and specialty.
  • Contact the Saudi cultural mission in your target country. The mission can confirm approval of the university and the specific programme, not just the university name.
  • Verify the programme itself. A university may be accredited while certain programmes are ineligible for scholarships because of the language of instruction, training arrangements or type of qualification.
  • Do not rely on unofficial sources or agents. The only reliable authorities are the Ministry of Education, Safeer and the cultural mission.

Also learn about the Elite Scholarship Programme.

How to Apply for a Health Specialties Scholarship, Step by Step

Applications to the Health Specialties Scholarship Programme are submitted entirely through the Safeer platform during a specified period announced annually. Here are the application steps.

1. Access the Safeer 2 Portal

  • Create an account on Safeer 2 or the unified national platform using your national ID number and an active email address.
  • Complete your personal details accurately. Any error may lead to rejection.

2. Select Your Pathway

  • Select the Health Specialties Scholarship pathway and choose your specialty and academic degree.
  • Make sure your choice matches your existing qualifications and experience.

3. Upload Your Documents

  • Upload all documents as high-quality PDF files.
  • Make sure every certificate has been officially translated and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. Enter Your Admission Details

  • Enter academic admission details accurately and check that they match your admission letter.
  • Upload only your original unconditional admission letter.

5. Review Your Application

  • Review all information before final submission.
  • Changes cannot be made after submission, so print and keep a copy of the application form.

Documents Required for Health Specialties Scholarships

For All Applicants

  • A valid passport.
  • Final, unconditional admission letter from an accredited university.
  • An IELTS certificate issued within the last two years, showing the score required by the university.

For Bachelor’s Applicants

  • Secondary-school certificate and transcript, translated and attested.
  • General Aptitude Test and Achievement Test score certificates.

For Master’s Applicants

  • Bachelor’s certificate and academic transcript, translated and attested.
  • Professional work-experience certificate.
  • Employer approval if you are employed.

For Fellowship and Subspecialty Applicants

  • Medical bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcript.
  • Professional licence from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
  • Internship completion certificate.
  • Professional experience certificate.

Learn about scholarship requirements in the UAE.

Application Dates and When Overseas Health Specialties Scholarship Results Are Announced

Application dates are officially announced on the Ministry of Education and Safeer websites one month before applications open.

The application window generally lasts between two weeks and one month. Applicants are advised to apply during the first few days to avoid technical congestion.

After applications close, the review stage begins, lasting from one to three months.

There is no fixed date for announcing overseas health-specialties scholarship results. Instead, results appear gradually through the platform, with notifications by SMS and email.

If approved, you will receive an official scholarship decision setting out the Ministry’s obligations and your responsibilities after graduation.

Conclusion

Health Specialties Scholarships provide an exceptional opportunity to build a distinguished medical career with full government support.

Securing this opportunity requires early planning and good preparation.

Excelling in IELTS is an essential step. Invest time in proper preparation to achieve a competitive score that opens the doors to leading universities.

Choose your university carefully using the official accredited lists, and obtain final admission before the application deadline. Remember that a scholarship is not merely an opportunity to study; it is also an investment in serving your country.

If you are currently preparing for IELTS, you can use GoIELTS.ai for immediate assessment of your performance and personalised guidance to improve your score.

The platform offers intelligent scoring accurate to ±0.5 band and Cambridge-based material to help you achieve your goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme offers four main healthcare pathways:

  • The human medicine pathway covers all medical specialties at bachelor's, fellowship and subspecialty levels.
  • The dentistry and pharmacy pathway covers fellowships and subspecialties only.
  • The nursing pathway offers bachelor's and master's degrees.
  • The applied medical sciences pathway includes physical therapy, diagnostic radiology, laboratory technology and clinical nutrition.

Specialties available under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme are updated annually according to the needs of the Saudi healthcare sector.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties announces its programme dates separately from the 2026 scholarship programme. Board scholarships and domestic training programmes usually open in the first quarter of each year, while the overseas scholarship programme is announced during the first half of the year.

 

For exact 2026 scholarship dates, follow the Commission's official website (scfhs.org.sa) and its social media accounts. Announcements are generally published at least one month before applications open.

The required grades for the healthcare pathway vary by academic degree and specialty.

 

For a bachelor's degree in human medicine, the minimum secondary-school average is 90%, rising to 95% in highly competitive years.

 

Master's health-specialties scholarships require at least Very Good (3.75 out of 5), while fellowships and subspecialties are assessed by comparing applicants rather than by a fixed percentage.

Yes. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme offers fully funded medical-study scholarships at three levels. Bachelor's scholarships are for high-achieving secondary-school graduates with grades of 90% or above, while fellowships and subspecialties are for doctors holding a medical bachelor's degree. You can also read the comprehensive guide to human medicine scholarships.

Yes. Healthcare quality specialisation is available under the applied medical sciences track.

 

Healthcare specialties sought for Ministry of Health scholarships include healthcare management, quality and safety for applicants holding medical bachelor's degrees.

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Nirmeen Hosny

✍️ Nirmeen Hosny

Content writer and researcher with six years of experience in scientific and academic fields. I create Arabic academic content in a clear and accessible style. I have extensive experience in IELTS preparation and currently work with GoIELTS to develop in-depth educational content that helps students improve their skills across all sections of the test. By providing advanced strategies and IELTS-focused guidance, I help students work toward higher band scores and stronger overall performance on the exam.

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GoIELTS is an independent training platform specializing in IELTS preparation and is not affiliated with any official organization that owns or administers the IELTS test. The content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our team’s experience and the latest information available at the time of publication. Information may change without notice. Any use of the information is at the reader’s own responsibility, and results vary depending on each learner’s level and effort. For the latest official requirements, we recommend checking the official IELTS website and the relevant scholarship or sponsoring authority. — Full Disclaimer

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