"Study in Saudi" Government-Funded Scholarship Program

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its Ministry of Education, has introduced the “Study in Saudi” scholarship platform to streamline applications from international students — including Pakistani citizens — who wish to pursue higher education at Saudi public universities. This initiative forms part of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at fostering global academic collaboration and developing the Kingdom as a higher-education hub. With this portal, you don’t need to apply separately to each university — you simply choose your preferred university and programme through the single online platform.

Fields & Study Programmes Available Under the Scholarship

The “Study in Saudi” scholarship covers a wide spectrum of academic disciplines and degree levels – making it a great choice for students from Pakistan interested in diverse fields. Popular areas of study include:

• Science & Engineering: Computer Science (AI, Data Science), Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Renewable Energy, Petroleum & Chemical Engineering.
• Health & Life Sciences: Medicine, Surgery, Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Psychology.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, International Relations, Media, Education, Law, Business, Economics (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management).
• Other Specialities: Arts, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Design, Home Economics, among others.

The breadth of available subjects makes this scholarship highly flexible and appealing to Pakistani students across many academic interests.

Why Choose a Saudi Government Scholarship? – Full Benefits Explained

Securing a fully funded scholarship through the “Study in Saudi” programme opens the door to an enriching academic experience with major financial support. Key benefits include:

• Full tuition fee waiver, so you pay nothing for the academic fees.
• Monthly living stipend that covers day-to-day costs such as food, transport and personal expenses.
• Accommodation support, often including free on-campus housing or a housing allowance.
• Annual round-trip airfare from Pakistan, allowing you to return home once a year.
• Comprehensive healthcare insurance, ensuring access to medical services while studying.
• Arrival allowance, a one-time sum to help you settle in during your first days in Saudi Arabia.
• Access to university facilities, including libraries, research centres, sports and student-support services.
• Language-training opportunities, where needed: Arabic preparatory courses or support for English-taught programmes.

These benefits mean you can focus on your studies and growth without worrying about financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants – What You Must Know

To apply for the Study in Saudi scholarship, Pakistani students generally must meet the following requirements. Note: specific universities or programmes may have small variations in criteria.

Nationality & Age

• Must be a Pakistani citizen (non-Saudi national).
• Age limits:
  • For Bachelor’s degree → typically 17-25 years.
  • For Master’s degree → up to around 30 years.
  • For PhD level → up to around 35 years.

Academic Qualifications

• For Bachelor’s: A high-school diploma (or equivalent) with a good academic record.
• For Master’s: A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the applicable field.
• For PhD: A Master’s degree in the related discipline is required.

Additional Requirements

• A valid Pakistani passport with at least six months validity beyond your date of entry.
• A medical fitness certificate stating no infectious diseases; you’ll also be covered by health insurance during study.
• Clean legal record; a certificate of good conduct or police clearance may be needed.
• You should not already hold a Saudi university scholarship at the same academic level.
• If under 18, guardian’s written consent is required.
• Language proficiency:
  • For Arabic-taught programmes: Arabic language competence (or enrolment in preparatory Arabic).
  • For English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL score may be required (e.g., IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 500+), though some universities may waive this if your previous education was in English.
• Some programmes may ask for proof of financial means or sponsorship, despite being fully funded.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Scholarship

Follow this guided process to submit your application through the Study in Saudi portal:

• Access the official portal – Visit: moe.gov.sa (From Pakistan you may need a VPN if access is restricted).
• Register and create your profile – Fill in accurate personal and academic information.
• Browse universities & programmes – Use the portal to explore the participating public universities, check available programmes, languages, eligibility and deadlines.
• Prepare required documents, including:
  • Valid passport copy
  • Recent photograph
  • Academic certificates/transcripts (translated into English or Arabic if required)
  • Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Medical certificate
  • English proficiency test results (if required)
  • Pakistani CNIC/birth certificate & parents’ ID
  • Police clearance / good-conduct certificate
  • Guardian’s consent (if under 18)
  • Any programme-specific documents
• Select your university & programme, upload your documents and submit your application via the portal — there is no application fee.
• Submit a copy to the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh, if required, for further tracking (e.g., email: parepriyadh@mofa.gov.pk).
• Wait for selection outcome – You will receive an acceptance letter through the portal or from your chosen university. Then proceed with visa and pre-departure formalities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are the scholarships truly fully funded? 
Yes — these scholarships are designed to cover tuition, accommodation/housing support, monthly allowance, health insurance and annual airfare. 
Q2: Do I need to apply to each university separately? 
No — one application via the Study in Saudi platform is sufficient; you simply select your preferred university and programme through the portal. 
Q3: Is a language test (IELTS/TOEFL) required? 
Usually yes for English-taught programmes. Some universities may waive the requirement if your prior education was in English. If you are applying for an Arabic-taught programme, Arabic language proficiency (or training) is needed. 
Q4: Are there age limits? 
Yes. Typical age limits: 17-25 for Bachelor’s, up to ~30 for Master’s, and up to ~35 for PhD. 
Q5: Can both male and female Pakistani students apply? 
Absolutely. All eligible students can apply. Female students may also choose programmes at institutions dedicated to women (e.g., ‎Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University). 
Q6: What fields are offered? 
A wide range including engineering, computer science, health sciences, business, humanities, Islamic studies and more. 
Q7: What documents are required? 
Passport copy, transcripts, SOP, recommendation letters, CV, medical certificate, test scores (if applicable), CNIC/birth certificate, police clearance, guardian consent (if under 18). 
Q8: How will I know if I’m accepted? 
Successful applicants receive an official acceptance letter via the portal or from the university, followed by visa and arrival instructions. 
Q9: Can I work in Saudi Arabia after graduation? 
Yes — there are job opportunities in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare and finance. However, you will typically need an employer to sponsor a work visa. 
Q10: What about cost of living in Saudi Arabia? 
With the scholarship covering key expenses like tuition, housing/housing allowance, stipend and health insurance, your major expenses are largely taken care of — allowing you to focus on your studies and experience.

Conclusion

For Pakistani students aspiring to study abroad with full financial support, the “Study in Saudi” scholarship is a highly attractive opportunity. With full tuition, housing or housing allowance, monthly stipend, health insurance and yearly airfare included — and a streamlined one-platform application process — your path to global education becomes much easier. If you meet the eligibility criteria, are ready with documentation and have solid motivation, this scholarship could become your bridge to world-class academic exposure and promising career prospects.