How to Apply to Universities in Saudi Arabia (2027): Step by Step

Saudi Arabia admits most international degree students on government-funded scholarships: a student visa requires a scholarship from a Saudi university, scholarship holders study without tuition and get a free residence permit, and applications go through the Ministry of Education's Study in Saudi platform, open from 16 September to 6 October 2026. KAUST separately funds every admitted graduate student with its Fellowship.

Verified 15 Sep 2026 Sources

Study in Saudi Arabia on a scholarship

Check eligibility: age limits (25 for undergraduate, 30 master's, 35 doctorate), no criminal record, a medical examination; health and medical fields are excluded from the Ministry's scholarships.
Apply through the Ministry of Education's Study in Saudi platform. The second-semester 2026 window runs 16 September to 6 October 2026.
The chosen university reviews the application, then the university and ministry process it.
The university requests your study visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Ministry of Education's approval letter.
After arrival, obtain a free residence permit through the university's passports department.

KAUST graduate programmes

Apply directly to KAUST; the Fall 2027 deadline is 3 January 2027, and there is no application fee.