King Abdulaziz University Postgraduate Scholarships

For international students seeking to pursue advanced studies in Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz University Postgraduate Scholarships (KAU) present an exceptional opportunity. These fully funded scholarships support Master’s and PhD programs across a range of disciplines, offering access to top-tier academic resources and research facilities. The application deadline for the upcoming academic year is 31 October 2025, providing ample time to submit a strong and well-prepared application.

Situated in the dynamic coastal city of Jeddah, King Abdulaziz University is recognized for its commitment to research excellence and innovation, making it a leading destination for scholars from around the world.

Overview of King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

Established in 1967, King Abdulaziz University has evolved into a prestigious institution recognized both regionally and globally. Known for its cutting-edge research facilities, diverse student community, and dedication to academic excellence, KAU consistently ranks among the leading universities in the Arab world.

The university provides a wide range of graduate programs across multiple disciplines, supported by modern infrastructure, highly qualified faculty, and a diverse, multicultural environment.

Introduction to the Saudi Government Postgraduate Scholarship

This scholarship, fully funded by the Government of Saudi Arabia and managed by King Abdulaziz University (KAU), is designed for international (non-Saudi) students aspiring to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in specific academic fields.

📌 Key Details:

Programs Offered: Master’s and PhD
Host Institution: King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah
Eligibility: Open to international (non-Saudi) applicants
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Expected Start Date: Fall semester 2026

What Is Included in the Scholarship Benefits?

The scholarship is fully funded and provides extensive benefits to support a comfortable and enriching academic journey.

Benefit	Description
Tuition	Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly Stipend	SAR 1,900 (~USD 510)
Accommodation	Free furnished housing or allowance
Book Allowance	Provided each academic year
Travel Tickets	Return airfare at the beginning and end of studies
Medical Insurance	Full health coverage
Research Support	Financial aid for thesis printing and conferences
Arrival Allowance	One-time SAR 1,800 (~USD 480)
Family Support	Available under specific conditions

Available Academic Disciplines

King Abdulaziz University provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, all delivered in English, across various faculties and departments to cater to different academic interests.

Available Fields of Study:

Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
Engineering: Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Aerospace
Computing & Information Technology: Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology
Business & Management: Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Public Administration
Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Islamic Studies, Linguistics
Marine Sciences: Marine Chemistry, Marine Biology, Marine Geology, Marine Physics
Architecture & Planning: Architecture, Urban Design
Law & Sharia: Comparative Law, Sharia Studies

Note: Admission requirements may vary by program. Please refer to KAU’s official program directory for complete and up-to-date details.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

General Requirements:

Must hold a nationality other than Saudi Arabia
Should be medically fit and have no criminal history
Must not have previously received a Saudi government scholarship
Age limits:
- Master’s candidates: must be under 30 years old
- PhD candidates: must be under 35 years old

Academic Qualifications:

A recognized Bachelor’s degree is required for Master’s programs, and a Master’s degree for PhD programs
A minimum GPA of “Very Good” is expected (commonly 3.75 out of 5 or 2.8 out of 4)
Applicants should have a strong academic foundation in their intended field of study

English Language Requirements:

TOEFL iBT: At least 500 for Science fields / 550 for Humanities
IELTS: Minimum 5.0 for Science programs / 6.0 for Humanities
Applicants are exempt from these requirements if they are native English speakers or have completed previous studies in English

Submission Checklist

Please ensure all documents are translated into English and submitted in PDF format:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A comprehensive and current resume detailing academic background, work experience, and relevant achievements.
Statement of Purpose
A clear and concise essay outlining your academic goals, research interests, and reasons for applying.
Academic Certificates
Official degree certificates from your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s programs.
Official Academic Transcripts
Certified transcripts reflecting all completed coursework and grades.
Two Academic Letters of Recommendation
Letters from faculty members or academic supervisors who can assess your qualifications and potential.
Passport Copy
A valid and clearly legible copy of your passport’s identification page.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Valid TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test results (as per program requirements).
Research Proposal (PhD Applicants Only)
A detailed and well-structured proposal outlining your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance.
Police Clearance Certificate
An official certificate confirming a clean legal record, issued by the appropriate authority.
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
A recent color photo meeting standard passport photo requirements.

Application Procedure

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

Visit the portal: https://graduatestudies.kau.edu.sa
Create a new user account
Select your desired program (Master’s or PhD)
Complete the online application form
Upload all required documents in PDF format
Submit your application no later than 31 October 2025
Monitor your application status through your account dashboard

To explore available scholarships, visit the official Saudi Arabian Scholarship Portal.

Application Timeline

Milestone	Date
Application Opens	April 2025 (expected)
Deadline for Submission	31 October 2025
Interview/Review Phase	November–December 2025
Final Decisions	January–February 2026
Program Start	August–September 2026

Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process

The application undergoes multiple stages of evaluation:

Eligibility Screening
Initial verification to ensure all minimum requirements are met.
Departmental Review
Academic departments assess qualifications, documents, and research alignment.
Interview (if required)
Selected applicants may be invited for an interview to further assess fit and potential.
Final Approval
Endorsement by the university and relevant government authorities.
Visa Processing & Admission Letter
Issuance of a student visa and the official admission offer.

Note: Admission is highly competitive. A strong academic background and a well-defined research proposal significantly enhance your chances of selection.

Student Life at KAU

KAU fosters an engaging and supportive environment for academic and personal growth:

Advanced research labs and extensive library resources
Dynamic international student clubs and networks
Diverse cultural, spiritual, and leisure programs
Comfortable on-campus residences with modern conveniences

Living in Jeddah

Jeddah is a vibrant Red Sea city that provides students with:

A rich mix of historical charm and modern culture
A cosmopolitan atmosphere with people from around the world
A safe, welcoming setting ideal for international students
Cost-effective living and student-oriented facilities

Contact Details

For more information, please contact us at:
📧 Email: dgs.scholarship@kau.edu.sa
🌍 Website: https://graduatestudies.kau.edu.sa

Conclusion

The Saudi Government Postgraduate Scholarships at King Abdulaziz University present an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scholars from around the globe. With comprehensive financial support, world-class faculty, and advanced research infrastructure, KAU provides the ideal environment for academic and personal growth.

If you’re considering studying abroad in 2026, now is the time to act. Begin preparing your documents and ensure your application is submitted before the 31 October 2025 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Am I allowed to apply for multiple programs?
A: No, applicants are permitted to apply to only one program per admission cycle.

Q: What is the language of instruction?
A: All postgraduate courses for international students are delivered in English.

Q: What if I haven’t received my English proficiency results yet?
A: A valid TOEFL or IELTS score must be submitted before the application deadline, unless you qualify for an exemption.

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, submitting an online application is entirely free.

Q: Can I bring my family with me?
A: Yes, you may bring your spouse and/or children, but you must follow visa guidelines and meet sponsorship criteria.

Q: Is it possible to work while studying?
A: Part-time employment may be permitted, depending on university policies and visa conditions.