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Pursuing graduate studies on a Fully Funded award at one of the top-ranked public research institutions in the Arab world is a career-defining opportunity. Located in the coastal city of Jeddah, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is internationally recognized for scientific research, engineering innovation, and academic excellence.
For the 2027 academic year, King Abdulaziz University is opening its doors to high-achieving International Students from around the world to undertake Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree programs. Administered through government-sponsored external scholarship channels, these awards cover 100% of tuition, housing, health, travel, and monthly living expenses.
This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about the KAU Foreign Graduate Scholarship: financial benefits, eligibility rules, degree offerings, language proficiency policies, and a complete step-by-step Application Process.
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Program Summary: KAU Graduate Scholarship 2027
The foreign scholarship scheme at King Abdulaziz University aims to bring brilliant global minds to Saudi Arabia to collaborate on advanced academic research in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
| Feature | Official Program Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah |
| Host Country | Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 |
| Degree Levels | Master’s Degree (2 Years) & Ph.D. / Doctorate (3 Years) |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded (100% Financial Support) |
| Target Audience | Non-Saudi International Students (Male & Female) |
| Monthly Stipend | Regular monthly bursary + 2-month arrival setup allowance |
| Language Requirements | IELTS (min 5.0) / TOEFL (iBT 61) OR Arabic Proficiency |
| Application Portal | Study in Saudi Portal & KAU External Scholarships Portal |
Financial Coverage & Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates receive a comprehensive support package so they can focus entirely on high-impact research.
1. 100% Tuition Fee Exemption
Full exemption from all educational, lab, and administrative fees for the entire standard duration of your Master’s or Ph.D. program.
2. Generous Monthly Living Stipend & Allowances
- Monthly Stipend: Tax-free Stipend deposited into your local account every month.
- Preparation Allowance: A one-time 2-month stipend payout upon arrival in Jeddah to assist with initial settling expenses.
- Academic Distinction Reward: Cash bonuses awarded to students demonstrating exceptional academic research and GPA scores.
- Thesis Printing Grant: Allowance provided to cover publishing and printing expenses for Master’s theses and Ph.D. dissertations.
- Graduation Book Shipping Allowance: Dedicated grant to ship your research material and books back home upon completion.
3. Housing & Accommodation
Free on-campus residence hall accommodation with complete furnishings, air conditioning, recreation facilities, and 24/7 security services.
4. Healthcare & Travel
- Medical Coverage: Full medical care and health insurance at university hospitals and clinics.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Annual economy-class airfare tickets between your home country and Jeddah.
Available Graduate Programs at King Abdulaziz University
Graduate degrees under the foreign scholarship program span multiple specialized faculties:
- Engineering & Tech: Electrical and Computer, Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, Mining, and Biomedical Engineering.
- Computing & IT: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, and Cyber Security.
- Natural Sciences: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and Environmental Sciences.
- Marine & Earth Sciences: Marine Chemistry, Marine Geology, Meteorology, and Water Resources.
- Business & Economics: Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, and Finance.
- Humanities & Islamic Studies: Sharia and Islamic Law, Arabic Language and Literature, History, and Sociology.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Before applying for the 2027 intake, ensure you satisfy all core requirements:
- Nationality: Non-Saudi candidates applying from outside Saudi Arabia.
- Age Limits:
- Master’s applicants must be under 35 years old.
- Ph.D. applicants must be under 40 years old.
- Academic Standing: Hold a recognized Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for Ph.D.) degree with an overall grade of at least “Very Good” (equivalent to CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher).
- Good Conduct & Health: Clean police clearance record and medical fitness verification.
- No Prior Saudi Dismissal: Must not have been previously dismissed from any higher education institution in Saudi Arabia.
Language Proficiency & Test Requirements
Language criteria depend on the primary instruction language of your target program:
- English-Instructed Programs (Engineering, Science, IT): Applicants must submit valid standardized English test scores:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 61 (PBT 500 / CBT 173).
- Arabic-Instructed Programs (Sharia, Arabic Literature): Applicants applying for Arabic-taught fields do not require IELTS or TOEFL. Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic is verified during departmental file evaluation.
Required Application Documents
Prepare clean, scanned PDF copies of all academic and personal records:
- Valid Passport: Copy of international passport (minimum 12 months validity).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail academic qualifications, research output, and publications. Opportunities Circle
- Degree Certificates & Transcripts: Graduation certificates and transcripts (certified by the Saudi Embassy or relevant authorities).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal statement in English (or Arabic for Arabic programs) outlining research objectives.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two academic reference letters from former university professors.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Official IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
- Medical Fitness Report: Official signed health evaluation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this guided workflow to register for the King Abdulaziz University Graduate Scholarship:
Step 1: Organize Your Documents
Get your academic transcripts and certificates translated (if not originally in English or Arabic) and formatted into clear PDF files.
Step 2: Register on the Study in Saudi Portal
- Navigate to the official centralized platform: Study in Saudi Arabia Platform.
- Register an applicant account using your official legal name as printed on your passport.
Step 3: Choose King Abdulaziz University
Select King Abdulaziz University as your destination university and pick your intended Master’s or Ph.D. degree track.
Step 4: Upload Required Credentials
Attach your CV, SOP, reference letters, language test score report, medical checkup, and transcripts into their respective upload fields.
Step 5: Review & Final Submission
Verify that every document is uploaded correctly before submitting. Save your submission reference code for future profile status checks.
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FAQ’s
Is the King Abdulaziz University Graduate Scholarship open to female applicants?
Yes! King Abdulaziz University welcomes both male and female international students across its Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Female scholars receive identical full scholarship benefits, including free housing, living stipends, and medical care.
Is there an application fee for the KAU Graduate Scholarship?
No, submitting an application for the KAU foreign graduate scholarship through the official portal is 100% free of charge.
What is the minimum IELTS requirement for KAU Master’s and Ph.D. programs?
For programs taught in English, King Abdulaziz University requires a minimum IELTS Academic overall score of 5.0 (or a TOEFL iBT score of 61).
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When applying for the King Abdulaziz University Graduate Scholarship, the strongest component of your file will be your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Research Intent. Because KAU is a high-ranking research university, selection committees look for candidates whose research goals match active laboratories and department faculties at KAU. Review recent research publications from KAU professors in your field, mention their work in your SOP, and present a clear research vision to drastically increase your chances of selection!
Official University Portal:
For program listings and administrative details, visit the official King Abdulaziz University International Student Scholarships Pageor the main King Abdulaziz University Site.
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