SABIC Scholarship 2026: Requirements, Benefits & How to Apply

Article Summary

● The SABIC Scholarship supports several study stages, including high school graduates, current university students, and postgraduate applicants. The exact tracks and openings can vary according to SABIC’s annual workforce needs.

● Based on previous application cycles, high school applicants have generally needed a high school average of at least 90%, Qudurat and Tahsili scores of at least 85, and the required English-language score. Requirements for 2026 should be confirmed through SABIC’s official channels once announced.

● Program benefits may include tuition support, housing and books, medical insurance, travel support, and a monthly stipend, depending on the scholarship agreement and study destination.

● Available majors commonly focus on engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, law, finance, and other fields linked to SABIC’s business needs. The list is updated according to each application cycle.

The SABIC Scholarship Program is a company-sponsored education and talent-development program for high-performing Saudi students. Depending on the track, it may provide substantial academic support together with a structured career pathway linked to SABIC.

The program covers three main groups: high school graduates, current undergraduate students, and postgraduate applicants.

This 2026 guide explains the main admission requirements, English-language scores, requested majors, approved universities, program benefits, application steps, and frequently asked questions based on the information referenced in SABIC’s official materials.

What Is the SABIC Scholarship Program and What Are Its Goals?

Unlike government scholarship programs, SABIC sponsors the program directly and aligns it with its own workforce needs and career pathways.

This creates a closer connection between study, professional development, and potential employment after graduation.

SABIC Scholarship Goals and Its Role in Saudi Vision 2030

SABIC’s scholarship program comes within the company’s efforts to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and achieve the company’s growth in strategic sectors, through:

• Increasing the percentage of localization in the technical and industrial sectors.
  
• Empowering Saudi talent for specialized higher education globally.
  
• Building a generation of young Saudi talent capable of leading industrial transformation locally and globally.
• Creating young leaders qualified to lead industrial and knowledge transformation.
  
• Supporting women’s participation in STEM fields through eligible scholarship opportunities.
  

The program focuses on priority majors such as engineering, chemistry, technology, and finance, in line with SABIC’s workforce needs.

Types of SABIC Scholarship Programs

The SABIC scholarship program is designed to serve 3 main educational stages, according to the following conditions and standards:

Program type	Target applicants	Key requirements
High School Graduate Scholarship	Recent high school graduates from eligible academic tracks	High school average ≥ 90%; Qudurat and Tahsili ≥ 85; IELTS 4.5
University Follow-Up Program	Current bachelor’s students in Saudi Arabia or abroad	Required completed credits + GPA ≥ 2.75/4; IELTS 6
Postgraduate Scholarship	University graduates applying for master’s or PhD study	Depends on SABIC’s annual needs and requested majors

Each track uses competitive selection and is designed around SABIC’s long-term talent needs and the terms of the relevant scholarship agreement.

For the University Follow-Up Program, the nomination and application process may be coordinated between SABIC and participating universities, depending on the application cycle.

SABIC Scholarship Requirements for High School Graduates

Key requirements for the SABIC High School Graduate Program include:

•  Saudi nationality.
• Age does not exceed 20 years.
• The applicant must be a graduate of one of the tracks: general, computer science and engineering, international or global track, or schools outside Saudi Arabia.
• High school average of at least 90%
• Qudurat and Tahsili scores of at least 85
• Meet the minimum score in one of the approved English-language tests:
  – STEP: a score of at least 65 (for domestic study)
  – IELTS Academic: a score of at least 4.5 (for domestic study), and 5.5 for international study
  – TOEFL iBT: a score of at least 45 (for domestic study), and 60 for study in the United States or China
• High school applicants must also obtain admission to one of the approved Saudi universities listed for the program, including:
  – King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
  – King Saud University (Riyadh)
  – King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Dhahran)
  – Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (Riyadh)

• The university admission must also be in a major approved by SABIC for that application cycle.

SABIC University Follow-Up Program Requirements

If you are already enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, the University Follow-Up Program has its own academic, language, university, and progress requirements. The criteria below reflect the published terms referenced in the source article:

• Saudi nationality
•  Age does not exceed 24 years
• The applicant must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university in Saudi Arabia or abroad.
• The applicant must have completed the minimum study requirements under the relevant academic system:

Academic system	Minimum completed study	Minimum major credits
Semester system	30 credit hours (excluding the preparatory year)	9 major credit hours (excluding the preparatory year)
Quarter system	45 credit hours	12 major credit hours
Annual system (UK)	Two academic years	Average ≥ 46%

• If you exceed 100 hours of study, your graduation date must not be in the same semester
• GPA: No less than 2.75 from 4
• Language test:
  •  STEP test with a score of no less than 80
  •  IELTS test with a score of no less than 6
  • TOEFL iBT test with a score of no less than 70
  • For students sent to China, the HSK test must be passed with a score of no less than 5

The nomination mechanism for this program differs from the usual application: SABIC communicates directly with universities to nominate qualified students during the first semester, and then sends registration invitations via SMS to the selected candidates.

Another option sometimes considered by Saudi students is the Arabian Gulf University scholarship, which has its own eligibility criteria and application process.

SABIC Scholarship Requirements for Postgraduate Study (Master’s and PhD)

SABIC does not publish a fixed table containing the conditions for SABIC admission to graduate programs.

These opportunities depend on SABIC’s annual workforce needs, so the required majors and language criteria may vary from one cycle to another.

It is recommended to follow the SABIC scholarship website or contact the Human Resources Department when the application window opens.

If you want a broader range of academic options beyond SABIC’s approved majors, compare other Saudi scholarship programs. Saudi scholarship options for 2026

Required English Language Scores for the SABIC Scholarship

Language Requirements for High School Graduate Applicants

SABIC scholarship tracks may require a minimum score in an approved English-language test.

The required score can vary by scholarship track and study destination.The thresholds referenced in the source article are:

Study in Saudi Arabia:

• • STEP: a score of at least 65.
  • Academic IELTS: a score of at least 4.5.
  • TOEFL iBT: a score of at least 45.

Study in the United Kingdom:

• • Academic IELTS: a score of at least 5.5.

Study in the United States or China:

• • Academic IELTS: a score of at least 5.5.
  •  TOEFL iBT: a score of at least 60.

• Language scores are used as one of the criteria Competitive selection Among the applicants, in addition to the high school average, ability and achievement scores, and the company’s needs.
• Before you choose between STEP and IELTS, read… The difference between the IELTS and STEP tests It helps you make the right decision for your destination and circumstances.
• Remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. SABIC uses competitive selection, so stronger academic and language scores can improve your chances.

To know the language scores required in various Saudi scholarship programs, see Evidence of the IELTS score required for scholarship.

Language Requirements for the SABIC University Follow-Up Program

This program requires a higher level of English, and one of the following is accepted:

• 80 In the STEP test
  Or equivalent:
  
• IELTS 6.0
  
• TOEFL iBT 70
  

For applicants to Chinese universities, a A score of at least 5 in the HSK Chinese language test (Read more about Chinese language scholarship)

 These terms are explained in detail on page SABIC Official Scholarship Program.

Don’t know your current IELTS score?

Start with our free GoIELTS placement test

Find out if you are close to achieving the IELTS score required for scholarship with SABIC.

After knowing your level, you can directly start getting acquainted How to prepare for IELTS in 7 practical steps To reach the target score.

SABIC Scholarship for Female Students

Female students can apply to SABIC scholarship programs when the relevant track is open to them, subject to the same published academic, language, and age requirements for that cycle.

Princess Noura bint Abdul Rahman University In Riyadh, it is the accredited university for high school graduates in the SABIC internal program.

SABIC Majors for Female Students The high school graduate program includes:

• Business Administration.
• Information technology.
• the law.
•  Management information systems.

Available majors can change according to SABIC’s annual needs and the programs offered by approved universities.

For university follow-up and postgraduate tracks, eligibility depends on the published program requirements, the approved university, and the majors requested by SABIC for that cycle.

Also read: What is the IELTS mock test? Its importance in preparing for IELTS

Majors Required for the SABIC Scholarship

Understanding the majors requested by SABIC is an important part of preparing your application and planning your career path.

Available majors differ between the High School Graduate Program and the University Follow-Up Program. Some business and management majors may be available only through the high school track, while the university track is generally narrower. SABIC majors by track:

High School Graduate Program Majors (19 Majors)

The list of SABIC scholarship majors for the high school program is broader than many students expect, and extends to include, in addition to engineering, administrative, technical, and legal fields:

• Engineering majors: Chemical Engineering — Electrical Engineering — Environmental Engineering — Industrial Engineering — Control Systems Engineering — Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (HSE)
  — Software Engineering — Mechanical Engineering.
• Technical majors: Information systems – computer science – information technology – artificial intelligence.
• Administrative majors: Accounting – Finance – Marketing – Supply Chain Management – Business Administration – Law – Management Information Systems.

SABIC University Follow-Up Program Majors (11 Majors)

The University Follow-Up Program usually covers a narrower set of majors than the High School Graduate Program:

• Engineering majors: Chemical Engineering — Electrical Engineering — Environmental Engineering — Industrial Engineering — Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (HSE)
  — Software Engineering — Mechanical Engineering.
• Technical majors: Artificial intelligence – computer science – information technology.
• In addition to specializing in law.

Important note: The list of majors is updated annually according to the company’s need.

Universities Approved by SABIC (Domestic and International)

Choosing the appropriate university is a prerequisite for admission SABIC Scholarship Program Whether you are a high school student or a college student. Here are the details:

Approved Saudi Universities

For recent high school graduates, university admission must come from one of the Saudi universities approved by SABIC for that application cycle.

University	City	Example majors referenced in the article
King Abdulaziz University	Jeddah	Engineering – Accounting – Law – Artificial Intelligence
King Saud University	Riyadh	Computer Science – Finance – Information Systems
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals	Dhahran	Engineering – Control Systems – Occupational Safety
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University	Riyadh	Management – Technology – Law

University admission from outside this list is not accepted, and must be in Specialization officially required by SABIC.

Read all the details about Scholarship to the University of Jeddah

Leading International Universities Used by SABIC

SABIC does not publish one permanent list of international scholarship destinations. Depending on the track, accepted students may study at leading international universities subject to SABIC’s approval, the required major, and the program’s current academic and language criteria.

• The major must be one currently requested by SABIC.
  
• The university must be academically recognized and approved for the relevant application cycle.
  
• The student must meet all academic and language requirements.
  

If accepted into the University Follow-Up Program, SABIC coordinates with the university according to the procedures for that cycle.

If you are thinking about studying in the United States specifically,… Guide to the best universities in America for scholarships It helps you evaluate the available options before making your decision.

Changing Universities: Rules and Conditions

 Movement between universities is not permitted after the program begins, except in exceptional cases approved by SABIC.

 For the University Follow-Up Program, the student’s university, academic progress, and expected graduation date must meet SABIC’s requirements for that application cycle.

 If you are looking for a corporate alternative with similar competitive standards,… Elite Scholarship Program 2026 It’s worth checking out before you make your final decision.

From High School to Employment: The SABIC Scholarship Path

The SABIC scholarship is more than study funding; it is designed as a structured path that can connect education, training, and career development.

The process begins with application and selection, continues through study and training, and may include an employment or service commitment defined in the scholarship agreement.

This broader view matters because the student’s obligations begin when the scholarship agreement is signed, not only after graduation.

Where the scholarship agreement includes a post-graduation service or employment commitment, the relevant years of service and obligations are defined contractually.

Read the agreement carefully before signing, and make sure that these obligations are consistent with your future plans.

Academic and Financial Benefits of the SABIC Scholarship

The benefits of a SABIC scholarship can include academic, financial, and professional support designed to help students focus on their studies and prepare for a future career.

1. Comprehensive Financial Coverage During the Scholarship

Depending on the track and scholarship agreement, financial support may cover:

• University tuition costs as specified in the scholarship agreement.
  
• Housing allowance according to the study destination and program terms.
  
• University textbooks allowance To cover educational materials.
  
• Annual travel tickets For the student.
  
• Medical insurance Comprehensive during the scholarship period.

All of these benefits are officially documented within SABIC Scholarship Program page.

2. Excellence Awards and Incentives

SABIC also provides Additional performance bonuses for high-performing students, where applicable under the program’s current policies.

3. Academic Support and Career Guidance

Support is not limited to the financial aspect only, but SABIC also provides:

• Academic and professional guidance with support from academic or career advisers.
  
• Future guidance to connect academic study with future workforce needs.
• Summer training Through the Co-op program and early career development opportunities within the company during the student years.

4. Employment with SABIC After Graduation

A major advantage of company-sponsored scholarships is the close link between education and career opportunities after graduation, subject to the terms of the scholarship agreement and SABIC’s current workforce needs.

When Does SABIC Scholarship Registration Open?

SABIC application dates vary by year and track. High school applications have often opened during the summer after secondary-school results are released. Always check the official SABIC website for the confirmed 2026 dates. SABIC websiteThe application process normally starts with preparing your documents and ends with competitive selection, interviews, medical checks, and final acceptance where applicable. 

 

 

In previous cycles, the registration window has sometimes been short, so preparing your documents and test scores in advance is important.SABIC’s official careers and early-career pages

How to Apply for the SABIC Scholarship 2026

This guide helps you step by step to know what is required and how to prepare yourself professionally.

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Before you start the application, make sure you have the required documents ready:

• A copy of your high school diploma or university academic record.
  
• Relevant test results, such as Qudurat, Tahsili, STEP, IELTS, or other scores required for your track.
  
• National identity.
  
• University admission (if available).
  
• A letter or confirmation from your university, if required for the University Follow-Up Program.
  
• A copy of your academic CV.
  
• Any certificates of excellence or supporting courses.
  

Preparing these documents in advance will help you Expedite registration and avoid errors or delays.

2. Apply Online Through the Official SABIC Website

Applications should be submitted through SABIC’s official website according to the instructions published for the relevant application cycle.

Steps to register in SABIC:

1. Enter the scholarship page on the SABIC website.
   
2. Create a new account or log in.
   
3. Fill out the electronic form accurately.
   
4. Upload all required documents in the appropriate format and size.
   
5. Ensure that the data is correct and send the request.
   

Tip: Review the application more than once before submitting, and do not wait for the last day to submit to avoid stress or system problems.

3. Competitive Selection and Personal Interview

After the application window closes, SABIC may coordinate with universities and invite eligible students to continue the process. Candidates are then assessed competitively using academic results, standardized tests, and other published criteria.

• Academic average or GPA.
  
• Qudurat and Tahsili scores, where required.
  
• English-language score.
  
• Requested major and SABIC’s annual workforce needs.

Candidates are assessed competitively using the published academic, testing, language, and program-specific criteria. Shortlisted applicants are then contacted for the next stage. Official communication from SABIC by SMS, email, or the application portal.

The interview may include:

• Questions about motivation, communication, and personal fit.
  
• Questions related to the applicant’s academic major or basic technical knowledge.
  
• Confirmation of readiness for the study and scholarship commitments.
  

4. Medical Examination and Final Acceptance

After the interview, medical examinations are conducted for accepted students, which include:

• General and health examination.
  
• Physical condition reports.
  
• Vaccinations or special travel requirements (if applicable).
  

The final acceptance is then announced, and the scholarship agreement is signed.

5. Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

 To boost your chances of admission:

• Start early to prepare for language scores and tests.
  
• Focus on Majors required at SABIC Check SABIC’s current official list for the application cycle.
  
• Prepare a strong academic CV that clearly presents your courses, achievements, projects, and relevant skills.
  
• Check your email and phone regularly During the nomination period.
  
• Student experiences: Some former applicants and students share their experiences in the SSP_SABIC community on Telegram. This is an unofficial community, so always verify requirements through SABIC’s official website.

If you are looking to know how to apply to scholarship programs other than SABIC, you can read the guide Saudi Foreign Scholarships: A Comprehensive Comparison of Available Programs 2026

SABIC vs Other Scholarship Programs: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Aramco

Criterion	SABIC	Aramco	Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
Sponsor	SABIC	Saudi Aramco	Ministry of Education
Post-graduation career pathway	Structured under program terms	Structured under program terms	Employment is not guaranteed by the scholarship itself
Majors	Engineering, technology, finance, law, and related fields	Engineering, science, medical and related fields	Broad range of majors
Study locations	Saudi Arabia and/or abroad	Mostly abroad	Mostly abroad
Scholarship model	Company-sponsored and linked to workforce needs	Company-sponsored and industry-focused	General government scholarship

SABIC vs the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program

The SABIC program is entirely managed by the company itself, and focuses on majors that support its industry and its future needs, while the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program is supervised by the Ministry of Education and offers a wider range of majors and countries. Both are aimed at Saudi students, but the fundamental difference lies in the nature of commitment and employment.

Criterion	SABIC Scholarship	Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship
Sponsor	SABIC	Ministry of Education
Post-graduation career pathway	Structured under program terms	Employment is not guaranteed by the scholarship itself
Available majors	Engineering, business, law, technology, and related fields	Broad range of majors
Study location	Saudi Arabia and/or abroad	Mostly abroad
Admission criteria	Company-defined, track-specific criteria	Varies by scholarship track

In summary, SABIC Scholarship Program It is more specialized and is designed around SABIC’s workforce needs, making it attractive to students seeking a structured path from study into an industrial career.

Want a broader comparison?

Check out Your complete guide to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ foreign scholarship program 2026 To know the conditions and majors available in this academic track.

SABIC vs Aramco Scholarship: Which Offers the Stronger Career Path?

Both programs are linked to major Saudi industrial companies and offer strong academic and career benefits, but they differ in admission requirements, available majors, training models, and study destinations.

Criterion	SABIC Scholarship	Aramco Scholarship
Sponsor	SABIC	Saudi Aramco
Main majors	Engineering, business, technology, and related fields	Engineering, geosciences, medical and related fields
Study language	Mostly English	Mostly English
Connection between study and employment	Direct and structured	Direct and intensive
Professional development support	Academic guidance + training	Aramco development programs + cooperative training

If you are targeting a career in chemicals, manufacturing, or related industrial fields, SABIC may be a strong fit. If your interests are closer to energy, oil, or geosciences, Aramco may be more relevant.

Want to compare the two programs? Read our Aramco scholarship guide for 2026 requirements, majors, and career benefits.

When Should You Choose SABIC Instead of Another Scholarship Program?

Choosing the SABIC Scholarship depends on your career goals, major, and willingness to commit to a company-sponsored pathway. Consider the following:

 Choose the SABIC Scholarship if:

• • you want a structured route from study into an industrial career.
    
  • you are interested in engineering, technology, business, or other majors linked to SABIC’s operations.
    
  • you value academic support and a scholarship model connected to workforce needs.

Review the scholarship agreement carefully to understand any employment commitment after graduation and the conditions attached to it.

 Choose the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program if:

• • you want broader flexibility in choosing your major and university.
    
  • you are interested in studying across a wider range of international destinations.
    
  • you are comfortable planning your career independently after graduation.

 Choose Aramco scholarship if:

• • You have an interest in energy, oil and geology.
    
  • You would like a strong practical training experience within a work environment before graduation.
    

Conclusion: If your goal is to combine funded study with an early career path connected to a major industrial employer, the SABIC scholarship can be a strong option.

If you have broader academic aspirations or majors outside the industrial scope, then… Path of excellence for scholarship It is a valuable option to review before making your final decision.

Conclusion

The SABIC scholarship program combines funded education with a structured career pathway linked to SABIC’s workforce needs.

If you meet the academic requirements and your major is included in the current cycle, make sure your required language score is ready before applications open.

Preparing early for the STEP or IELTS test gives you enough time to improve your score and submit a strong portfolio.

Remember that reading the scholarship agreement carefully – especially the terms of years of service and financial obligations – will avoid unexpected surprises.

Register now for GoIELTS for free To evaluate your language level and improve your chances of scholarship.