Saudi Overseas Scholarship Requirements 2026: Programs, Eligibility and How to Apply

Saudi overseas scholarship requirements vary significantly between programs. That can make it difficult to know where to begin.

Scholarship eligibility criteria vary according to the program and the study stage, but there are general scholarship conditions that apply to all applicants according to the updated scholarship requirements for 2026, in addition to the special scholarship requirements for each category.

1. General eligibility requirements

The requirements described for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program apply to the relevant tracks under that program(not automatically every employer-sponsored scholarship)  subject to each track’s published requirements. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in your application being rejected before it is even read.

• The applicant must be of Saudi nationality and of good character and conduct.
• Obtaining direct, unconditional university admission from an accredited educational institution according to the track’s requirements.
• An accredited English language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) is provided as per the program requirements.
•  Full-time enrollment and residence in the country of study.

Note: Each program has its own specific requirements (grades, majors, age). See the details of the program you are interested in.

2. Age limits by degree level

Check the latest Ministry of Education scholarship conditions and the requirements for your chosen route; age policies may be updated.

3. Requirements for different applicant groups

Scholarship requirements for government employees

For civil servants:

• Direct Manager’s Approval
• Bring your performance evaluation for the last two years.
• Bring a brief overview of the government service.
• Complete the scholarship application form on the Civil Service website.

For military personnel (according to the procedures for sending military personnel abroad ):

• Direct Manager’s Approval
• Approval from the Health Centers Administration or Hospital Program (for military health personnel)
• A military overview from the Department of Officers and Personnel Affairs, specifying the sector.
• Apply at least 6 months before the start of the study.
• Two passport-size photos (4×6 cm) in civilian clothes

Common conditions:

• The specialization is included in the annual scholarship plan.
• Approval of the Scholarship and Training Committee
• Scholarship in the same field or specialization

Scholarship requirements for teachers

The same conditions apply to government employees, in addition to:

• Approval from the education department to which the teacher belongs
• Full-time study
• Priority will be given to educational specializations required by the Ministry of Education.

Learn about the teacher scholarship programs and the detailed application requirements .

Conditions for scholarships in health specialties

In addition to the general conditions, the King Abdullah Scholarship Program includes health specialties:

• For fellowship: Passing the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties’ professional classification and registration exam.
• For specialized training: Obtaining a specialist certificate from the Saudi Commission
• For Bachelor’s degrees: Passing the aptitude and achievement tests or CBT with specific scores.
• The requirements for undergraduate scholarships in health specialties must include clinical training.

In addition to the health specialties track, there is the Health Agreements track, which is offered under special agreements between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. To check its availability in the current session, refer to the guidance document directly on the Admissions platform.

To learn about the required grades and classification tests in detail, refer to the Health Specialties Scholarship Guide 2026 .

– Conditions for postgraduate scholarships

Scholarship requirements for Master’s degree:

Scholarships for Master’s studies abroad require a specific undergraduate GPA depending on the program, and an English language proficiency test as required by the program. In most programs, students may study a different major than their undergraduate degree.

Scholarship requirements for Master’s and PhD programs:

• Meeting the requirements for the 2026 Master’s scholarship
• A research plan or approval from an academic supervisor may be required depending on the program.

To learn more about postgraduate studies, you can find the full requirements and required grades in the Master’s Scholarship Requirements Guide .

Documents needed for an overseas scholarship application

Documents required from all applicants:

• A copy of a valid passport
• Registered National Address
• A certified copy of the previous qualification certificate
• A copy of the certificate equivalency document (if it is from outside the Kingdom)
• Official unconditional acceptance letter
• Image of the academic transcript
• Copies of accompanying persons’ documents (family record and passports), if available

What is an overseas scholarship, and who is eligible?

The overseas scholarship program is a national program that aims to raise the level of academic qualification of Saudi male and female students by providing the opportunity to study in accredited international educational institutions with full funding that includes tuition fees, monthly salary and health insurance.

Scholarship programs are divided into two categories: government programs run by the Ministry of Education that provide freedom to choose the university, and institutional programs run by leading Saudi companies that link scholarships to direct employment.

Who can apply for overseas scholarship programs?

All Saudi citizens can apply for the various scholarship programs, provided they meet the general requirements and the specific requirements for each track or program individually:

For detailed requirements and required grades for high school graduates, refer to the comprehensive post-secondary scholarship requirements guide .

 How do government and employer-sponsored scholarship programs differ?

Government and institutional programs share full funding for study, but they differ radically in what comes after graduation and the academic freedom they offer. Both are under the direct supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education, which sets the standards and approved lists for each track.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is the Kingdom’s premier and largest government scholarship program, comprising four tracks (Pioneers, Supply, Research and Development, and Promising) aimed at sending students to the world’s best educational institutions. For complete details on the program’s requirements, benefits, and tracks, please refer to the comprehensive guide to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program for Overseas Studies .

Government programs:

•  It is run by the Ministry of Education and provides you with a list of hundreds of accredited universities in more than 16 countries to choose from that suits you and your specialization.
• You will not be committed to a specific employer after graduation, but you will be committed to meeting the post-study commitments set out in your official scholarship decision.

Institutional programs:

• These programs are run by leading Saudi companies such as Aramco, SABIC, and Riyadh Air. They restrict your academic freedom; the company determines the university and sometimes the major based on its needs.
• In return, you receive employment terms that may be specified in an individual sponsorship contract. This arrangement may appeal to applicants seeking a clearer route into employment, but obligations and outcomes vary between employers.

Also read a comprehensive guide about studying abroad in South Korea

Saudi overseas scholarship programs explained

Scholarship programs in Saudi Arabia vary to include governmental and institutional tracks that meet the needs of different sectors and specializations, including cultural scholarships specializing in creative fields, according to the Scholarship Guide (2026) issued by the Ministry of Education.

Part One: Government-funded overseas scholarship programs

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program ,  with its four tracks (Pioneers, Supply, Promising, Research and Development) , is the main government program.  Two other tracks are also offered by the Saudi Ministry of Education: the Health Specialties Track and the Excellence Track. Each track differs in universities, conditions, and specializations.
This diversity of tracks makes choosing between them an independent decision. The following comparison table will help you make the decision that suits you:

Standard	Al-Rowad Track	Imdad Track	Research and Development Track	Wa’ed Track	Health Specialties Track	Path of Excellence
Target stage	Bachelor’s	Bachelor’s + Master’s	PhD	Bachelor’s	Bachelor’s + Master’s + Fellowship	Bachelor’s + Master’s
Required qualification	General Secondary Education	High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree	Master’s	General Secondary Education	According to specialization	High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree
Number of accredited universities	Top 30 universities worldwide	More than 200 universities	Specialized research universities	Custom list	According to health specialty	Custom list
Academic GPA	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	85–95% depending on the specialization	Not required
Aptitude and Achievement Test	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	70% in both	Not required
Professional registration	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is required (in fellowship programs)	Not required
Changing major from Bachelor’s	According to specialization	Approved in most cases	According to the research plan	The same field is required	The same health field is required	Permitted within the humanities
The most prominent feature	elite universities	Widest range of university options	For the advanced research track	For outstanding talents and skills	The only program for health specialties	The only program for humanities and administrative disciplines

1. Al-Rowad Track (Leading Universities)

The Al-Rowad Track is designed for high school graduates aspiring to attend the top 30 universities globally. Its unique feature is its limited selection of elite institutions, but gaining admission to these universities is the most challenging.
If your goal is Oxford, MIT, or other top-tier universities, this track is ideal for you.

2. Imdad Track (A broader range of eligible universities)

The Imdad Track is the ideal choice for those seeking true flexibility.
With over 200 accredited universities across multiple countries, bachelor’s degree holders pursuing master’s degrees can often change their specialization within this pathway with a flexibility not available in other pathways.
This makes it the perfect option for those looking to transition between fields, such as moving from education to management or from science to information technology.

3. Research and Development Track

The Research and Development track is designed for those who have completed a Master’s degree and are pursuing a PhD in an advanced research environment.
A research proposal or approval from an academic supervisor may be required before admission.
It is suitable for those seeking a long-term academic or research career.

4. Wa’ed Track (Targeted employer partnerships)

5. Healthcare Specialties Track

The Health Specialties Track is a strategic track dedicated to qualifying national cadres in the medical and paramedical fields to meet the needs of the public and private health sector.

If you are in the healthcare sector, read this table before taking any further steps:

6. Excellence Track (Humanities and Management)

The Excellence Track is the only track in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program specifically designed for the humanities, social sciences and management disciplines, which do not find a place in the other tracks.

It covers law, media, public administration, education, social sciences, economics, and other humanities disciplines.

It doesn’t require a specific GPA, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants. If your major doesn’t appear on other track lists, the Excellence Track is your starting point.

Learn about the scholarship requirements in the UAE

Examples of eligible universities by track

Knowing the names of accredited universities before applying is not a luxury; it’s the step that determines whether you’re even eligible for admission. Many applicants receive offers from universities not on the list and only discover this during the application review process.

The complete lists can be found on the admissions platform via the scholarship guide, but the following table gives you a realistic picture of the quality of universities in each track:

Three things to check before securing admission:

First, make sure that the university is on the official list for the track you will be applying for — because the list is updated annually and some institutions may change.

Secondly, check that your specific major is available at the university on the list, because some universities are accredited for majors but not others.

Third, in the Pioneers track specifically, admission must be from the university itself, not from its continuing education colleges or executive programs.

The complete and updated list of each track and its specializations is available in the official guide on the Saudi Ministry of Education website .

Part Two: Employer-sponsored overseas scholarship programs

Institutional programs offer something that government programs cannot: complete certainty about your career path after graduation. This certainty comes at a price—a reduction in your academic freedom—an exchange worth considering carefully.

1. Saudi Aramco Program

Aramco’s program features a unique component: a full year of university-level preparation at the Dhahran campus before departure.
No prior university admission is required; the company handles that.
Specializations are limited to engineering and technical fields, based on Aramco’s needs, and post-graduation commitments are outlined in the contract signed before commencement.

For full details, see Aramco’s scholarship program and its phases .

2. SABIC’s four programs

Specializations include: Engineering (chemical, electrical, mechanical, industrial, environmental, safety), information technology and artificial intelligence, accounting, finance and marketing, and law.
Applications are typically accepted from January to February each year.

For full details, see SABIC’s scholarship terms and programs .

3. Riyadh Air scholarship and employment programs

Riyadh Air offers a scholarship program that begins with employment at Riyadh Air, followed by studies in aircraft maintenance engineering or commercial aviation.
This program is suitable for those seeking a specific career path in the aviation sector and who are prepared to commit to it long-term.

4. Cybersecurity Scholarships

The National Cybersecurity Authority offers scholarship programs for Master’s and PhD degrees in network security, cybercrime, and secure cloud computing.
These programs are designed for technically gifted students seeking specialized training.

To learn all the details about studying abroad in cybersecurity, read everything related to cybersecurity scholarships.

5. Elite Overseas Scholarship Program

The Elite Scholarship Program targets outstanding students in rare and high-demand fields within the Saudi labor market, employing selective criteria and standards that prioritize exceptional talent. Its aim is to send specific individuals to top international universities in fields directly needed by the national economy. 

For full details on the conditions and available specializations, refer to the Elite Overseas Scholarship Program Guide .

6. Cultural scholarships (for talented individuals in creative fields)

The cultural scholarship program targets talented individuals in cultural and creative disciplines such as arts, film, music, design, and theater.
Its list of participating universities is quite unique and includes specialized creative institutions not found in other scholarship programs.

Which overseas scholarship program suits your circumstances?

Choosing the wrong program could mean years of commitment to terms that don’t align with your goals.

If your priority is flexibility in choosing a university and major, and not being tied to a specific institution, then government programs are a better fit.
However, if your priority is a direct transition from graduation to a job at a prestigious company without a job search, then corporate programs are the right choice for you.

The following table narrows down your options in two minutes:

Financial benefits of overseas scholarships

The scholarship recipient receives a comprehensive set of financial benefits and services covering all aspects of academic and living life.

Government programs:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living allowance
• Annual travel tickets
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Additional allowances as per the program

Institutional programs:

• Salary specified in the contract
• Job guarantee after graduation
• Additional benefits depending on the company

For full details on financial allocations, please refer to the Safir platform after acceptance into the program.

How much is the monthly scholarship allowance?

Scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend that varies depending on their academic level and country of residence. The following figures are for reference only and based on available data—refer to the Safir platform after acceptance for the most up-to-date official stipends.

Note: These figures are based on publicly available data. Official allocations can be found on the Safir platform after acceptance.

Test your IELTS level before applying for an overseas scholarship.

One of the biggest obstacles that delays applicants for scholarship programs is discovering at the last minute that their English language score does not meet the minimum required standard.

The GoIELTS platform allows you to take a free mock IELTS test  that fully simulates the real exam, and gives you a detailed report on your performance in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking within minutes.

Register today for GoIELTS for free and find out exactly how much time you need to reach the required score for your target scholarship program.

Most government scholarship programs are applied for electronically through the official admissions platform (uap.sa), and then procedures are followed through the Safir platform after initial acceptance.

Two important exceptions: the Promising Pathway and Medical Agreements are still being applied for directly through the Safir platform and not the Qubool platform.

Stage One: Qabool Admissions Platform (uap.sa)

Step 1: Create an account and update your information:

Create your account via the National Unified Access, and complete your personal and academic data completely, but remember that any empty field, especially (the national address), will stop the application at a later stage without clear notice.

Step 2: Select your track and submit university admission documents

Choose the track that matches your qualifications, then attach your final official university acceptance letter.
Please note that conditional acceptance contingent upon completion of a language course is automatically rejected in all tracks subject to each track’s published requirements.

Step 3: Upload all documents

Attach your language certificate, certified academic qualification, academic transcript, and supporting documents for any accompanying family members.
Uncertified or expired documents will result in your application being rejected during the review process.

Step 4: Submit the application and follow up on the status daily

After uploading all the required documents, submit the application and regularly monitor its status.
Failure to respond to platform feedback may result in the application being permanently closed and unable to be reactivated.

Stage Two: Safir Platform (after initial approval)

Step 5: Confirm your nomination and obtain the official scholarship decision

After obtaining initial acceptance, you move to the Safir platform to complete the nomination confirmation procedures and wait for the official scholarship decision to be issued.

Step 6: Arrange travel and register with the Saudi cultural mission

After the scholarship decision is issued, travel and registration are coordinated at the cultural attaché office in the country of study, and the attaché office is considered your supervisory body throughout the scholarship period.

The requirements for bridging, diploma, and medical fellowship are fully explained in the bridging and medical fellowship scholarship guide .

Post-graduation obligations and consequences of withdrawal

This section answers questions that no one asks until the wrong moment: “What if I wanted to work outside the Kingdom?” and “What happens if I withdraw from the scholarship?”

Three potential obligations scholarship recipients should review

First: Returning and working in the Kingdom if required by the terms of your specific award and the applicable rules. Do not assume a universal return-to-work period; check your current scholarship decision and the applicable program regulations.

Second: Not working outside the Kingdom during the commitment period after returning. This condition applies even to international jobs within the Kingdom; it refers to actual residence and work outside its borders.

Third: Inform the sponsoring organization of any changes to your university, major, or country of study. Any change requires prior approval; making it without approval may result in penalties or suspension of your stipend.

What happens in case of withdrawal?

Unjustified withdrawal entails:

• Refund all amounts spent in full: tuition fees, monthly allowances, travel tickets, and health insurance.
• Interest is calculated on the amounts in some cases.
• Applications for government scholarship programs will be banned in the future.

Acceptable reasons for withdrawal without penalty: Documented health reasons and exceptional circumstances are subject to the discretion of the scholarship committee.

If you are thinking of withdrawing, contact the cultural attaché first before making any decision. You may find alternative solutions such as postponement or transfer to another university without ending the scholarship completely.

What is self-funded study abroad, and how does it differ from a government scholarship?

Self-funding means financing your studies abroad yourself or with the help of your family without waiting for approval from a government or institutional program. You apply directly to the university, receive admission, and travel using your own funds.

This option differs radically from fully funded scholarships in one crucial aspect: there is no obligation to return, no government funding, and no job guarantee. However, it grants complete academic freedom in choosing the university, major, country, and timing.

Self-funded study abroad vs. government-funded scholarships

Can self-funded students apply to transfer to a government scholarship?

This is a question that no one seems to have a clear answer to. The truth is that a direct transfer from self-funded scholarships to government scholarships is not automatic, but there is a practical alternative:

If you are studying at a university at your own expense included in the program, and your university and major are eligible, you can apply for a government scholarship from within the university, provided you meet all the requirements of the targeted track. If accepted, your scholarship will officially become government-funded starting from the year the scholarship is approved, not from the beginning of your studies.

This path is not guaranteed and is subject to the conditions of the application year and selection, but it is a real option for those who started their studies with self-funding at a university within the approved lists.

When might self-funded study abroad be a better choice?

Three scenarios in which self-funded study abroad is a rational option:

Scenario 1: Your specialization is not listed in any of the government tracks, which applies to some literary, artistic and media specializations outside the excellence track.

The second scenario: The university you want only accepts students during a specific period that does not coincide with the government scholarship cycle, and you prefer to start without waiting for the next cycle.

Scenario three: You have sufficient funding and do not want to commit to the condition of returning and working in the Kingdom for twice the duration of the scholarship.

Important note: Self-study abroad does not automatically count towards government experience. Government employees wishing to pursue self-funded study must obtain official study leave from their employer, and full-time commitment is a prerequisite in both cases.

To learn more about self-funded scholarships, you can read our article on self-funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia 2026.

Practical ways to strengthen your overseas scholarship application

Applying these tips serves as a guide to scholarships in 2026 that enhances your chances of being nominated.

1. Start preparing early

12 months ago:

• Identify the target program
• Review the requirements and specializations
• Start preparing for the language test

9 months ago:

• Take the language test
• Prepare your academic documents
• Start your search for suitable universities

Six months before the deadline:

• Submit university applications
• Register on the Qabool admissions platform
• Update your personal information

Three months before the deadline:

• Receive university acceptances
• Submit a scholarship application
• Prepare the final documents

2. Choose your university and major carefully.

• Make sure the university is on the approved lists.
• Check the university’s global rankings in your field of study.
• Check the ease and time frame of the admission procedures.
• Look for experiences of previous scholarship recipients at the same university

3. Prepare a strong academic portfolio

Curriculum vitae (CV):

• Organize your resume professionally
• Highlight your academic and professional achievements
• List any research or volunteer experience

Statement of purpose:

• Write your letter of intent in clear and direct language.
• Explain your motivations for studying this major.
• Explain how you will serve the Kingdom after graduation.

Letters of recommendation:

• Obtain letters of recommendation from former professors or supervisors.
• Make sure it is written professionally.
• Order it early

4. Check official scholarship updates regularly

Follow these sources:

• Safir platform daily
• Ministry of Education website for new announcements
• Cultural attachés provide information specific to each country.

Contact us via:

• Beneficiary Care Center: 19996
• Inquiry service on the Safir portal

Conclusion

Studying abroad is an exceptional opportunity to complete your studies at top international universities with full funding. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia invests in its citizens through diverse programs that cater to various disciplines and demographics.

Successfully obtaining a scholarship requires early preparation, accurate fulfillment of the conditions, and continuous follow-up of the procedures.

Start today by choosing the right program for you, preparing for the language test, and researching accredited universities.

If your specialization is in sports fields, you will find the full details in the Sports Scholarship Program Guide .

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GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.

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