Article Summary
• NEOM's scholarship programme is designed for eligible Saudi secondary-school graduates from the NEOM and Tabuk communities, with undergraduate study in Saudi Arabia or abroad and career opportunities aligned with NEOM's workforce needs.
• The scholarship is different from NEOM's GrOW graduate development programme, which targets university graduates and has separate employment and training criteria.
• Earlier cohorts included a foundation stage with English and academic preparation. Exact universities, fields and IELTS thresholds must be checked against the latest intake announcement.
• Historical requirements included a secondary-school average of 90% and General Aptitude Test score of 80; these are not verified as universal 2026 requirements.
• NEOM's official scholarship registration page was showing registration closed when checked in October 2026. There is no confirmed annual opening date.
If you have recently finished secondary school in the NEOM or Tabuk area and want an undergraduate pathway connected to emerging industries, the NEOM Scholarship Program is worth understanding. NEOM has supported eligible students from its local communities in pursuing degree programmes at Saudi and international universities, with a view to future careers aligned with its projects and partner organisations.
This guide covers who the scholarship is designed for, how it differs from NEOM’s GrOW programme, the academic fields and eligibility criteria seen in previous cohorts, English-language preparation, the application process, and mistakes to avoid. Requirements vary by intake; older criteria are not a confirmed 2026 application announcement.
What Is the NEOM Scholarship Program?
The NEOM Scholarship Program’s official portal covers study opportunities developed to prepare young Saudi talent for the skills needed by NEOM and its partners. NEOM’s published social responsibility reports describe scholarships for local secondary-school graduates from the NEOM and Tabuk areas, including placements at universities in Saudi Arabia and internationally. The programme combines academic preparation with a pathway towards relevant professional opportunities after graduation.
Earlier programme descriptions include a preparatory or foundation year at Fahd Bin Sultan University in Tabuk before students move to their degree institutions. The structure and assigned university for any new group must be confirmed in the relevant intake notice.
Is the NEOM Scholarship Program accepting applications now?
The Arabic source article reported that the official NEOM scholarship registration portal had shown registration closed at its last recorded check. We could not independently verify the current live portal status during this update. There is no verified fixed annual reopening date. Check the portal regularly instead of relying on deadlines from earlier cohorts. Registration status, requirements and funded fields may change whenever a new round is announced.
NEOM Scholarships vs GrOW: Are They the Same?
No. NEOM runs different development pathways for students and university graduates. The scholarship is an academic route for eligible school leavers; GrOW (Graduates Opportunities in Work) is a professional employment and development programme for qualifying Saudi university graduates.
| Feature | NEOM Scholarship Program | NEOM GrOW |
|---|---|---|
| Typical applicant | Eligible secondary-school graduate connected to NEOM and Tabuk | Saudi bachelor’s or master’s graduate meeting GrOW conditions |
| Main purpose | Preparation and undergraduate studies | Full-time employment with structured professional development |
| Development focus | Academic foundation, higher education, future workforce skills | Practical work, mentoring, professional capability and leadership |
| Are they one programme? | No | No |
Short courses, specialist training programmes and other NEOM initiatives should likewise not be automatically described as part of the main scholarship scheme.
Route One: NEOM Scholarships Linked to Future Employment
The core scholarship pathway was developed to help eligible members of the local community gain the education and skills needed in NEOM’s expanding sectors. NEOM’s published reporting describes employment opportunities for successful scholarship graduates in NEOM businesses or partner organisations, aligned with their skills and the fields required. Individual job terms must still be established through the official offer or contract.
How the scholarship pathway works
Stage 1: Preparatory or foundation year
Earlier cohorts began with an academic foundation stage at Fahd Bin Sultan University in Tabuk. This preparation was designed to strengthen:
- Academic English and readiness for study in English.
- Core mathematics and science knowledge.
- Study, research and independent-learning skills.
- Awareness of NEOM’s working environment and ambitions.
The Arabic source describes an IELTS 6.0 objective within the preparatory stage. That should not be treated as a universally verified IELTS admission requirement for every cohort. The applicable progression standard depends on the current programme and host university.
Stage 2: Undergraduate studies in Saudi Arabia or abroad
After meeting the foundation-stage conditions, students may pursue approved degrees at universities within Saudi Arabia or overseas. Prior programme material points to both domestic and international routes; previously documented overseas destinations include the United States and United Kingdom.
Do not assume a particular named university is automatically available to every applicant. Placement depends on the institutions, degree programmes and requirements approved for the relevant round.
Examples of career-related fields
| Area | Examples discussed in programme-related material |
|---|---|
| Tourism and hospitality | Hospitality management, sustainable tourism, events |
| Engineering | Civil, electrical, mechanical and architectural engineering |
| Digital technology | Data science, computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and connected systems |
These examples illustrate the types of skills NEOM may need. They are not a confirmed, exhaustive list of places available in 2026.
Route Two: NEOM GrOW Graduate Development Programme
NEOM’s English-language GrOW page presents a separate programme for Saudi graduates. Rather than sending secondary-school students to university, GrOW offers successful candidates full-time employment with mentoring and structured learning at NEOM.
Who can apply for GrOW?
The official GrOW page lists criteria including Saudi nationality; a bachelor’s or master’s degree; 0–2 years of experience; a maximum age of 28; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4 or 4.5/5; English proficiency; relevant professional skills; and willingness to relocate to NEOM. Always check the live GrOW page for the eligibility criteria applying when you apply.
What does GrOW provide?
- Hands-on experience: work on NEOM projects and responsibilities in a professional setting.
- Learning and mentorship: personalised development, coaching and exposure to experienced colleagues.
- Professional and leadership development: opportunities to build communication, project-management, critical-thinking and collaboration skills.
Unlike the scholarship, GrOW recruits graduates into employment as part of the programme. Do not describe GrOW as another overseas undergraduate scholarship, or assume promises made about one route apply to the other.
Are There Other Specialist NEOM Scholarships or Training Programmes?
NEOM and its partners may announce focused training, workforce development or education initiatives alongside the main scholarships. These can have different entry requirements, age groups, durations and outcomes.
To identify genuine opportunities, monitor the official NEOM scholarship portal, the official GrOW programme page and NEOM’s official careers and communication channels. Confirm the specific programme name before comparing requirements.
NEOM Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Requirements for domestic and overseas scholarship routes can overlap, but the exact conditions depend on the intake. Figures below reflect historical conditions discussed in the Arabic source, not verified universal eligibility requirements for 2026.
Nationality, residence and school-leaving status
- Saudi nationality.
- A connection to the NEOM or Tabuk local community as defined by the intake.
- Medical fitness where required.
- Recent secondary-school graduation; an older source refers to a six-month graduation window, which may not apply to a future round.
Academic criteria used in earlier cohorts
- A secondary-school cumulative average of at least 90% was listed in historical conditions.
- A General Aptitude Test score of at least 80 was also cited in earlier cohorts.
- Applicants may need to pass assessments and attend an interview where required.
None of these historical figures should replace the actual official application requirements when a new scholarship opens.
Employment and prior qualification conditions
Earlier eligibility information also discusses availability for full-time study, employment or social-insurance status, whether the applicant already holds the intended degree, and whether they have previously received funding for the same level of study. Review the new round’s terms, as these points may vary.
What Documents Do You Need for a NEOM Scholarship Application?
The online form for a specific intake is the final checklist. It may ask for:
- National ID: a clear copy, including both sides if requested.
- Secondary-school certificate: or an acceptable provisional graduation statement.
- General Aptitude Test result: showing the score required by the intake.
- Achievement Test result: if specified in that round.
- Additional supporting evidence: according to the student’s educational and personal situation.
Prepare clear electronic copies and ensure names, dates and scores match the application. Avoid assuming that documents from an older checklist are required for every new cohort.
Domestic vs International NEOM Scholarships
| Comparison | Study in Saudi Arabia | Study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Study location | Approved Saudi university or institution | Approved international university or institution |
| Documented past destinations | Saudi Arabia | Examples include the United States and United Kingdom |
| Main stage | Undergraduate degree | Undergraduate degree |
| English requirement | Depends on intake and university | Depends on intake, university and country |
| Field of study | Aligned with the intake’s approved NEOM skills needs | Aligned with the intake’s approved NEOM skills needs |
For either route, follow the approved study plan. A historical list of universities, courses or scores cannot determine what a new cohort will offer.
Which Majors Are Available Under the NEOM Scholarship Program?
NEOM scholarships are intended to develop skills that can contribute to the project’s long-term needs. Fields mentioned in earlier programme reporting and the source article include the following broad groups. Only the list issued for the applicable intake should be treated as the actual set of eligible majors.
1. Engineering
- Civil and construction engineering: planning and developing infrastructure, transport systems and major projects.
- Electrical and electronic engineering: energy systems, smart grids, controls and automation.
- Mechanical engineering: equipment, operating systems and maintenance.
- Environmental engineering: sustainability, resource management and environmental protection.
- Transport engineering: smart mobility and transport-network planning.
2. Computer Science and Digital Learning
- Software development, computer systems and networks.
- Data science, analytics and AI applications.
- Digital-learning technology and educational platforms.
3. Aviation and Aerospace
- Aviation technology, aircraft operations and safety.
- Aerospace systems and satellite-related technology where relevant.
4. Health Technology and Applied Health Sciences
- Genetics and laboratory sciences.
- Biomedical and medical engineering.
- Other applied health-technology fields, where approved by the intake.
5. Business, Management and Law
- Supply-chain management and logistics.
- Human resources and organisational development.
- Law, governance and compliance.
- Healthcare administration, digital media and design where included.
6. Hospitality Management
Hospitality and tourism development may be supported through the main programme or separate sector-specific initiatives. Applicants should not assume that every hospitality pathway is an ordinary place within the main undergraduate scholarship.
How to Apply for a NEOM Scholarship: Step by Step
- Open the official portal. Visit NEOM’s scholarship registration page and confirm that an application window is active.
- Create or access your account. Use accurate contact information and complete any required verification process.
- Select the correct programme. NEOM may offer more than one educational or training initiative. Ensure you are applying to the scholarship route for which you qualify.
- Enter personal and academic information. Match your school, graduation year, grade and assessment results to the documents you hold.
- Upload the required evidence. Use the file types and document checklist displayed in the active portal.
- Review and submit the application. Check names, identification numbers and contact details, and keep your submission confirmation.
- Monitor the application status. Watch for requests for documents, interviews and assessment appointments.
- Prepare for selection assessments. Depending on the intake, these may include English, mathematics or other academic and aptitude evaluations.
Application instructions are illustrative until a new intake is open. Do not submit information through unofficial lookalike websites.
Is IELTS Required for the NEOM Scholarship?
The published entry criteria for earlier 2023 and 2024 scholarship intakes did not consistently list IELTS alongside the core school-grade and aptitude requirements discussed in the source article. NEOM scholarship students may nevertheless complete English preparation and must satisfy any language conditions set for their host institution or study route.
Therefore, there is no reliably verified single IELTS band score that can be presented as mandatory for every NEOM scholarship applicant in 2026. The source article’s reference to IELTS 6.0 relates to preparation and progression, not necessarily the initial application. Check the current intake and university requirements for any official threshold.
How GoIELTS Can Help You Prepare for English-Language Study
Before entering a foundation programme or applying to an English-language university, it helps to know your present strengths and weaknesses in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Assess your current level: try the free IELTS mock test to get practice feedback. Its estimated bands are not official IELTS scores.
- Identify skill gaps: review question types, mistakes and the skills needing extra attention.
- Build a targeted plan: devote additional time to difficult skills and monitor your progress with new practice attempts.
GoIELTS can help with preparation, but scholarship selection and university acceptance depend on the current official requirements.
Does the NEOM Scholarship Lead to Employment?
NEOM’s published social responsibility materials describe a programme designed to match scholarship graduates with job opportunities in its sectors or partner organisations after successful completion of studies. The aim is to align the skills developed at university with workforce requirements.
However, salary, job title, service obligations, allowances, repayment clauses and contractual guarantees must be confirmed from the individual’s official award documents and employment offer. Do not infer these conditions from previous students’ experiences or unauthorised websites.
Common NEOM Scholarship Application Mistakes
1. Choosing a major that is not on the approved list
Do not assume every subject is funded. Check the field list in the official intake notice and ask the programme administrators if a course is unclear.
2. Relying on an old IELTS result
Language-test results are commonly accepted within a limited validity window, often two years for IELTS. Check the accepting organisation’s rules and the dates stated in the relevant scholarship or university requirements before paying for a new test.
3. Assuming a conditional university offer is always mandatory
Some scholarship routes require admission evidence, whereas others organise placements through the programme. Check your intake’s document checklist instead of assuming a conditional offer is required for every NEOM applicant.
4. Submitting a generic motivation statement
If a personal statement is requested, explain your choice of field, how it relates to NEOM’s needs, and what makes your background relevant. Give specific evidence rather than copying stock phrases.
5. Uploading unclear or incorrectly prepared documents
Use readable files and follow any translation, certification and file-format instructions actually stated in the application. Do not automatically assume every certificate needs separate attestation or a certified translation unless the programme specifies it.
Conclusion
The NEOM Scholarship Program provides a route for eligible local school leavers to build academic skills for careers connected to NEOM’s future industries. Domestic and international study placements, majors, assessments and support depend on the particular cohort. It is also important to distinguish this academic route from GrOW, which supports qualified Saudi university graduates entering professional employment.
Check the official registration portal for the next opening, prepare your documents carefully, and assess your English before any language-based progression requirement becomes urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements depend on the intake. Historically published conditions include Saudi nationality, a connection to NEOM or Tabuk, medical fitness, recent secondary-school graduation and academic testing. Earlier cohorts mentioned a 90% school average and 80 on the General Aptitude Test. Verify the specific new intake before applying.
NEOM's scholarship programme has been aimed at eligible male and female applicants from the local community. There is no permanently verified, gender-specific list of majors. Review the latest intake's approved specialisations.
There is no verified fixed annual application date. The official registration portal was showing registration closed when checked in October 2026. Check the official NEOM scholarship portal for a new announcement.
Requirements vary. A recent intake may ask for national identification, school results, assessment scores and further eligibility documentation. Use the official application form as the final document checklist.
Fields discussed in earlier programme materials include engineering, computing and digital disciplines, aviation-related studies and health technology. The exact list of funded majors and universities may differ by intake.
NEOM links scholarship study to its future workforce needs and describes employment opportunities after successful completion. The individual offer or contract determines the exact job, obligations and terms; do not assume a guaranteed position without reviewing those documents.
There is no reliable fixed salary that applies to every NEOM scholarship graduate. Pay depends on the actual role, specialisation and employment offer.
Qualifications depend on the role and business area. The scholarship programme matches studies to anticipated skills needs, but individual jobs have their own selection criteria.
The publicly reviewed information does not establish one current, universal monthly allowance for all scholarship students. Check the official scholarship offer or contract for financial terms.
About the Content Team at GoIELTS
GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.
We follow clear editorial standards for accuracy and quality — read our Editorial Policy
Related Posts
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