"Study in Saudi" Government-Funded Scholarship Program

Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a global hub for higher education, with world-class academic possibilities supported by significant government investment. For Pakistani individuals who want to further their education overseas, the government-funded "Study in Saudi" scholarship program is an excellent option.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its Ministry of Education, has established the "Study in Saudi" platform to consolidate and streamline applications for overseas students intending to study at Saudi public universities. This project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to improve international collaboration and attract top global talent to its higher education institutions. Unlike prior years, when students had to apply to individual colleges, the "Study in Saudi" platform streamlines the process by allowing applicants to select their preferred university and program directly through a single online site. The program provides fully financed scholarships at various academic levels, making quality education available to qualified international students.

Programs Offered

Saudi public universities offer diverse academic programs across all levels (pre-diploma to post-doctoral). Popular fields include:

• Science & Engineering: Computer Science (AI, Data Science), Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, 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: Arts, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Design, Home Economics.

Benefits

The Saudi Government Scholarships are intended to give full financial and academic support, ensuring that international students have a comfortable and enriching experience. Key benefits usually include:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: All academic expenditures, including tuition, are paid for the duration of your program.
• Monthly Stipend: A significant monthly allowance is provided to cover living expenditures such as food, transportation, and personal care.
• Accommodation: Free on-campus housing or a housing allowance is available.
  Annual Travel Tickets: Round-trip airfare to and from your home country (Pakistan) is usually provided annually, subject to rules.
• Healthcare Coverage: We provide comprehensive medical insurance to ensure that you have access to healthcare services throughout your stay.
• Arrival Allowance: A one-time monetary award provided upon arrival to assist with initial settling-in expenses.
• Access to University Facilities: Students have complete access to all university facilities, including libraries, research centers, sports complexes, and other student support services.
• Language Training: If necessary, access to Arabic language training is frequently provided.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Saudi Government Scholarships, Pakistani citizens must normally meet the following requirements. It is important to note that precise criteria may differ slightly per university and program, therefore always refer to the individual university's recommendations.

• Nationality: Must be non-Saudi (Pakistani citizen).
• Age Limits:
  • Bachelor's degrees are typically earned by people aged 17 to 25.
  • Master's Degree: Up to 30 years old.
  • PhD: up to 35 years old.
• Academic qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree requires a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a respectable academic record.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required for the Master's program.
  • Master's degree in a similar specialization is required for a PhD.
• Passport Validity: Must have a valid Pakistani passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled date of entrance into Saudi Arabia.
• Medical Fitness: A medical report that confirms the absence of infectious illnesses is required. You may also require current medical insurance for the duration of your studies.
• Clean Legal Record: Must have a clean record. A certificate of good conduct may be necessary.
• No Other grant: You must not have any other scholarships from a Saudi university at the time of applying for or receiving this grant.
• Guardian Consent (for Under 18): Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain written consent from their legal guardian.
• Language Proficiency:
  • For programs taught in Arabic, proficiency in Arabic is required (some universities may offer preparatory courses).
  • For English-taught programs, an IELTS or TOEFL score may be required (typically IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 500+). However, some universities might waive this requirement if your previous education was in English.
• Financial Capability (Proof/Sponsorship): While the scholarships are fully funded, applicants may need to show proof of financial means or a financial guarantee/sponsorship letter.

How to Apply

The "Study in Saudi" scholarship application for Pakistani citizens is done online through the official Ministry of Education portal.

Application Steps:

• Access the Portal: Visit “studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa” (a VPN might be needed for some users in Pakistan).
• Create Profile: Register and accurately fill out your personal and academic information.
• Find Programs: Browse universities and programs, checking specific eligibility and requirements.
• Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, translated to English or Arabic. This includes:
  • Passport copy
  • Photo
  • Academic certificates/transcripts
  • SOP/Motivation Letter
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Health Certificate
  • English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), if applicable
  • Birth Certificate, Pakistani CNIC, parents' ID
  • Police Clearance Certificate (valid for 6+ months)
  • Guardian consent (if under 18)
  • Any program-specific documents.
• Submit Online: Select your university/program, upload documents, and submit your application (no fee).
• Follow Up: After submission, share a copy with the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh (parepriyadh@mofa.gov.pk) for potential follow-up.

FAQs

1. Are these scholarships fully funded?

Yes, the Study in Saudi government scholarships cover all expenses, including tuition, housing, a monthly allowance, health insurance, and yearly flight costs.

2. Do I need to apply to universities separately?

Nope, you can apply for your scholarships directly through the Study in Saudi platform. Just pick your university and program there; no need to go to each university’s website.

3. Is IELTS or TOEFL required?

For programs in English, you usually need IELTS or TOEFL scores. Some universities might let you skip this if your previous degree was in English. If you're going for an Arabic program, knowing Arabic is a must.

4. Is there an age limit for these scholarships?

Yes, there are age limits: 17-25 for Bachelor's, up to 30 for Master's, and up to 35 for PhD. These can vary a bit by university.

5. Can both male and female Pakistani students apply?

Yes, everyone can apply. There’s a university specifically for female students called Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University.

6. What fields of study are available?

You can choose from many fields like engineering, computer science, health sciences, business, humanities, and Islamic studies, among others.

7. What documents do I need to apply?

You'll need a few important documents, such as your passport, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, a CV, a medical certificate, and sometimes a police clearance certificate.

8. How will I know if I’m selected? 

If you get accepted, you’ll usually get an acceptance letter through the Study in Saudi platform or directly from the university.

9. Can I work in Saudi Arabia after my studies?

Yes, there are job opportunities in Saudi Arabia, especially in high-demand fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Just remember, you’ll need an employer to sponsor your work visa.

10. What’s the cost of living in Saudi Arabia?

The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western countries, and with the fully funded scholarship, most of your basic expenses will be taken care of.