Article Summary
● Wa'ed is one of the pathways of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme. It prepares Saudi professionals in majors needed by promising industries and national projects.
● Admission conditions, majors and universities differ by programme and sponsoring organisation.
● Joining Wa'ed does not guarantee employment; only some programmes explicitly include employment from the outset.
● Applications are submitted through the Safeer portal when registration opens, provided the applicant meets both programme and sponsor requirements.
● Majors may include engineering, aviation, technology, tourism, logistics and health sciences, depending on the sponsors' needs.
● Early IELTS preparation and an organised application file can improve your readiness to apply for Wa'ed programmes.
If you are looking for an opportunity to study abroad through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme, you have probably come across the Wa’ed Scholarship Path. Although this pathway attracts considerable interest, many students are unsure how it works, how it differs from other scholarship pathways, and whether it guarantees a job after graduation.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Wa’ed scholarship pathway: its purpose, application requirements, sponsoring organisations, available majors, application steps, and the most important ways to prepare before registration opens.
What Is the Wa’ed Scholarship Path, and Who Can Apply?
Wa’ed is one of the four pathways within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme. Its goal is to develop qualified Saudi professionals for priority national industries and projects.
Unlike certain other scholarship pathways that concentrate on study at designated universities, Wa’ed is organised around scholarships linked to promising sectors and fields, reflecting national needs, major projects, and initiatives in the Kingdom.
The Core Idea Behind the Wa’ed Path
Wa’ed operates through cooperation between the Ministry of Education and sponsoring bodies, such as companies, ministries and institutions that need Saudi professionals trained in particular fields.
When applications open, each sponsor announces its available programmes and specifies the admission criteria, required qualifications and universities where scholarship recipients will study.
In other words, candidates apply for a specific sponsor-backed programme, not to Wa’ed as one general application. Requirements can therefore differ from one announcement to another, even though the programmes belong to the same pathway.
Government bodies that have offered or participated in Wa’ed programmes include:
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Energy.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Industry.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Sport.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Media.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Transport.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Investment.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Health.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Tourism.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Communications.
- Wa’ed — Ministry of Education.
Some of these opportunities have previously been announced under names such as “Ministry of Energy Wa’ed Path,” “Ministry of Media Wa’ed Path,” or “Wa’ed Scholarship — Ministry of Energy.” Each organisation independently sets its majors, eligibility requirements and application dates.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Wa’ed Scholarships?
Wa’ed targets Saudi students who want to study fields connected to labour-market needs and national projects.
The qualifications required depend on the specific programme. Some announcements target secondary-school graduates, while others require a diploma, bachelor’s degree or other specific academic qualifications.
There is therefore no single applicant category that always qualifies. Eligibility depends on the conditions published by the sponsor when applications open.
If you want to compare government scholarship programmes, their requirements and benefits, read our complete guide to Saudi overseas scholarships and programme requirements.
What Are the Requirements for Applying to the Wa’ed Path?
The Ministry of Education has established general requirements for applying to Wa’ed, but meeting them does not automatically guarantee admission.
Each sponsor also has its own requirements, depending on the programme, major and academic stage.
Wa’ed’s eligibility conditions are therefore divided into two types: general requirements for all applicants and specific requirements set by each sponsoring organisation.
First: General Application Requirements
All applicants must meet the following basic conditions:
- Be a Saudi citizen.
- Be of good conduct and character.
- Study full-time in the scholarship destination country.
- Comply with the rules and regulations of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme.
- Not be currently enrolled in an ongoing scholarship; however, applicants may apply after their existing scholarship has ended.
These conditions are the minimum eligibility requirements. The final selection depends on the additional criteria set by the sponsor.
For further details, explore the requirements for scholarships after secondary school. If you are considering postgraduate study, read our guide to master’s scholarships and the requirements for doctoral scholarships.
Second: Wa’ed Requirements Set by Each Sponsoring Organisation
Admission criteria vary between sponsors, so there is no single list of requirements that applies to every Wa’ed programme.
When announcing a programme, a sponsoring organisation may require additional qualifications, including:
- A minimum academic average.
- A specified academic qualification (secondary-school certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree or another qualification).
- In some programmes, a GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4 or 3.5 out of 5.
- A particular score in an English-language test such as IELTS, TOEFL or STEP.
- Passing a personal interview.
- Passing admission examinations or professional assessments, when the programme requires them.
It is therefore important to read the official announcement carefully: conditions may differ even between programmes within the same Wa’ed pathway.
Learn about the difference between IELTS and TOEFL and which one to choose, and compare IELTS and STEP.
Do English-Language Requirements Differ Between Wa’ed Scholarship Programmes?
Yes. English-language requirements vary from one programme to another because each sponsoring organisation determines the test type and minimum score based on the major and programme.
Some programmes may require IELTS Academic 5.5 or an equivalent TOEFL iBT score of 46–59. Others accept different tests, such as TOEFL PBT or STEP, and the scores required may be higher or lower depending on the major, university and sponsor.
Do not rely on scores shared by other students or the criteria from previous announcements. Always check the official announcement for the accepted English test and minimum score for the programme you want to join.
For an overview of how IELTS requirements vary by university and major, consult our guide to IELTS scores required for Saudi scholarships.
How Can You Prepare for the IELTS Score Required by Wa’ed?
If you plan to apply to Wa’ed, assess your English proficiency early so you have enough time to raise your score before the application period opens.
You can try a free IELTS mock test on GoIELTS. Its questions are based on official Cambridge books, and the test experience is designed to resemble the real IELTS exam.
This will give you a clearer picture of your current level, helping you identify the skills to improve and create a suitable study plan instead of studying without direction or booking the real test before you are ready.
Read more about how to take an IELTS level assessment test.
Does the Wa’ed Scholarship Path Guarantee Employment?
Many students think that joining Wa’ed means receiving a guaranteed job after graduation. In reality, this depends on the specific programme and the announcement you apply under.
Some Wa’ed programmes are employment-linked from the outset: a sponsoring organisation commits to employing successful graduates in accordance with the conditions set out in the scholarship agreement.
Other programmes aim to prepare students in fields needed by the labour market without explicitly guaranteeing employment after graduation.
Therefore, do not assume that every Wa’ed scholarship begins with guaranteed employment. Consult the official announcement to understand the exact terms of your chosen programme.
What Is the Difference Between an Employment-Linked Scholarship and a Sponsor-Backed Scholarship?
There is an important difference between these terms, which many applicants confuse.
- An employment-linked scholarship explicitly states in its announcement that a job opportunity with the sponsor will be available after graduation, provided all programme requirements are met.
- A sponsor-backed scholarship means that an organisation oversees the programme and sets the majors and conditions. It does not necessarily mean automatic employment when studies end, unless the announcement explicitly promises that.
Do not rely on the pathway’s name alone. Read the announcement carefully: it explains the relationship between the sponsor and student and whether the programme includes post-graduation employment or only scholarships and academic training.
What Determines Your Employment Prospects After a Wa’ed Scholarship?
Employment prospects depend on several factors, particularly:
- The type of programme you joined (employment-linked or simply sponsor-backed).
- The requirements imposed by the sponsor.
- Successfully completing your studies and meeting the academic requirements.
- Complying with any conditions or contracts signed with the sponsoring organisation.
The most reliable way to determine whether a programme offers employment after graduation is to read the official announcement, which specifies the rights and obligations for that particular programme.
If you are looking for employment-related scholarships, it is also useful to review the requirements of the Your Job, Your Scholarship programme before applying.
What Majors and Universities Are Available Through Wa’ed?
Wa’ed does not operate with a fixed list of universities or majors. Available options vary according to the sponsoring organisation and the programme announced in each intake.
This variety is intended to meet the needs of national sectors. Universities and academic programmes are therefore selected to align with each project’s nature and the skills it requires.
What Are the Main Wa’ed Scholarship Majors?
The Wa’ed programme includes fields that support vital industries and national projects in Saudi Arabia, ranging from technology and engineering to administration according to each sponsor’s needs.
Notable majors currently offered under Wa’ed include:
- Aviation and air navigation.
- Tourism, hospitality and destination management.
- Entertainment, sports and event management.
- Logistics and supply-chain management.
- Engineering specialisations, including electrical, mechanical, industrial and civil engineering.
- Computer science and information technology, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science.
- Healthcare specialties, in selected programmes offered by sponsoring organisations.
Wa’ed may also offer other majors depending on the needs of participating organisations, so the list can change with every new announcement.
How Are Universities Selected for the Wa’ed Path?
Wa’ed does not have one permanently fixed university list. Instead, each sponsoring organisation specifies the universities and educational institutions where students will study, taking into account the programme, major and targeted needs.
When applications open, the official announcement generally includes:
- The approved universities or educational institutions.
- The destination country.
- The target academic degree.
- The programme duration.
- Specific admission requirements.
If you are searching for Wa’ed universities or programmes, the most reliable reference is the latest announcement issued by the Ministry of Education or the sponsoring organisation. It lists the approved universities and majors for each programme.
Learn about scholarship requirements in the United Arab Emirates.
What Is the Difference Between Wa’ed and the Emdad Scholarship Path?
| Criterion | Wa’ed Path | Emdad Path |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Develop professionals for national industries and projects | Meet labour-market needs in priority majors |
| Supervising body | Ministry of Education in partnership with sponsors | Ministry of Education |
| Majors | Vary by sponsoring organisation | Specified by the Ministry within the programme |
| Universities | Vary with each announcement | Approved universities on the programme list |
| Admission requirements | Vary by programme | Set by the Ministry of Education for each programme |
The fundamental difference between Wa’ed and the Emdad Path is where the application process begins.
Emdad starts with the university: you must first gain admission to an institution ranked among the programme’s top 200 universities worldwide, according to its approved list.
Wa’ed starts with the sponsoring organisation: the company or ministry determines the major and requirements and then directs accepted students to an academic programme that serves that purpose.
This reversed sequence is a major source of confusion among students looking for government scholarships.
Here is a closer comparison of the two pathways:
First: The Wa’ed Scholarship Path
Wa’ed focuses on meeting the needs of national industries and projects through partnerships between the Ministry of Education and sponsors in the public and private sectors.
Each sponsor determines:
- The required majors.
- Admission conditions.
- Academic qualifications.
- Universities or educational institutions.
- English-language requirements.
As a result, programme details differ between announcements according to the sponsor’s needs.
Second: The Emdad Scholarship Path
The Emdad Path targets majors needed by Saudi Arabia’s labour market. It provides scholarships to approved universities and educational institutions on the programme’s list (the world’s top 200), subject to conditions announced by the Ministry of Education.
Applicants must meet the Ministry’s and programme’s requirements, which may differ by major and academic level.
Which Scholarship Path Is Right for You?
If you want to join a scholarship linked to a particular employment sector without having received university admission in advance, Wa’ed may be the better option.
If you have already obtained admission, or intend to study a major that addresses Saudi labour-market priorities at an approved university, Emdad may be more suitable.
In either case, carefully review the conditions before applying, because eligibility criteria and available majors can change with each new intake.
You can also review the Excellence Path Scholarship as a third government scholarship option if neither of these is suitable.
What Are the Benefits of the Wa’ed Scholarship Programme?
Wa’ed connects overseas scholarships to labour-market needs and national projects, allowing students to study majors aligned with fast-growing sectors in Saudi Arabia.
The pathway also relies on partnerships between the Ministry of Education and public- and private-sector sponsors, with programmes designed around each organisation’s need for Saudi talent.
Key advantages of Wa’ed include:
- A focus on priority majors supporting the Kingdom’s strategic sectors and projects.
- Collaboration with sponsors that help determine majors and study programmes according to their future needs.
- A variety of programmes and qualifications, which may offer opportunities for secondary-school, diploma or bachelor’s graduates depending on the announcement.
- Scholarships to approved universities and educational institutions selected according to sponsor requirements and academic quality.
- Opportunities to enter employment-linked programmes in some announcements when the sponsor explicitly states that employment is included.
Also read: the comprehensive guide to KAUST scholarships.
How Do You Apply for the Wa’ed Scholarship Path?
Applications for Wa’ed are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Education’s Safeer portal when registration opens for a programme offered by a sponsoring organisation.
Here are the main application steps:
1. Follow Official Announcements
Start by checking the official Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme page for Wa’ed or the Safeer portal to find available majors, sponsors, application dates and specific programme requirements.
2. Check That You Meet the Programme Requirements
Before registering, review all eligibility criteria, such as:
- The required academic qualification.
- The minimum GPA.
- English-language requirements.
- Any examinations or personal interviews required by the programme.
Meeting these requirements improves your application prospects and can prevent your application from being excluded during the initial review.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare all documents before applications open because the registration period may be limited.
Documents commonly required include:
- National identity card.
- Academic certificates.
- Academic transcript.
- English-language test score (if required).
- Any additional documents specified in the announcement.
Tip: Do not wait for the announcement to prepare your application. Obtain official documents, renew your identity card or passport if necessary, and secure your English-language certificate when required.
4. Submit Your Application Through Safeer
Once your documents are ready, sign in to the Safeer portal, select the programme you wish to join, enter the required information, upload your documents and submit the application before registration closes.
5. Track Your Application Status
After applications close, you can track your submission through the portal. It will show nomination results and any additional stages, such as interviews or examinations, if these form part of the admission process.
Learn about the Elite Scholarship Programme.
Where Are Wa’ed Scholarship Application Dates Announced?
The Ministry of Education announces the opening of applications on the official Wa’ed Path page of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme. Details of individual programmes are also published on the Safeer portal when applications open.
Official sources are therefore the best way to find out:
- When applications open and close.
- Which sponsoring organisations are participating.
- Which majors and universities are available.
- Admission requirements and selection procedures.
Following these announcements regularly will help you apply as soon as a programme that matches your major and qualifications opens.
Conclusion
Wa’ed is one of the key pathways within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme. Through partnerships with public- and private-sector sponsors, it aims to prepare Saudi professionals in fields needed by promising sectors and national projects.
Some announcements may offer specialised fields such as aviation engineering or marine engineering, alongside many other majors. Follow official announcements regularly to stay informed about the newest programmes and specialisations.
To improve your chances of acceptance, prepare your documents early, ensure you meet all programme requirements and work on your English proficiency if required. The more complete your application is before registration opens, the better positioned you will be to take advantage of Wa’ed opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wa'ed is one of four pathways within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme. It aims to prepare Saudi professionals to meet labour-market demand in promising industries, such as technology, manufacturing, mining and tourism, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The pathway is offered in collaboration with public- and private-sector sponsors. Each sponsor determines the required majors, admissions criteria and universities based on its needs.
Some Wa'ed programmes include employment from the outset; others focus on scholarships and academic preparation without guaranteeing a job. You must therefore check each announcement to understand the programme and its benefits.
No. The target group varies by programme. Some announcements are intended for secondary-school graduates, while others require a diploma, bachelor's degree or academic qualification in a specific field.
Many Wa'ed programmes do not require prior university admission. In some programmes, the sponsor nominates successful applicants to its approved universities or educational institutions after they pass the selection stages. Requirements nevertheless vary, so always read the official announcement before applying.
Wa'ed application dates vary according to the organisations and companies collaborating with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme.
The Ministry of Education announces available programmes and their application periods, including employment-linked opportunities, as they become available. You can follow opportunities through the official Ministry of Education Wa'ed Path page or the Safeer portal.
Wa'ed does not provide a separate fixed financial allowance that differs from all other pathways of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme.
Once you receive an official scholarship award, you are entitled to the financial benefits and allowances available to scholarship students under the applicable regulations. Sponsors may also offer additional benefits when these are stated in their announcements.
There is no single amount for all Wa'ed programmes: allowances may vary by destination country and the current financial rules, and sponsors may offer extra programme-specific benefits. Consult the official announcement and Ministry of Education regulations for exact allowances.
Yes. You may reapply when new programmes open, provided you meet the published requirements at that time. If you are not accepted in one intake, use the time to strengthen your application—for example, by raising your English test score or meeting additional sponsor requirements—to improve your prospects next time.
Yes. Duration depends on the programme, academic level and sponsor. Some programmes are relatively short, while others take several years.
The sponsor specifies the duration of study or training in the official announcement for each programme.
Not in every case. Some Wa'ed programmes include employment after graduation, while others focus on preparing students without a contractual commitment to employ them.
Read the official announcement carefully to determine whether the programme includes a job opportunity with the sponsor after your studies are complete.
King Abdulaziz University's Wa'ed Advanced Placement Path (also called the Advanced Placement Programme)
The Wa'ed Advanced Placement Programme at King Abdulaziz University is an initiative designed to attract outstanding and talented male and female secondary-school graduates.
It offers direct admission to the university's colleges and exempts eligible students from the first (preparatory) year through course equivalency, which can shorten the length of study.
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