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Located in Dhahran, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is a premier public university in Saudi Arabia, renowned globally for engineering, computer science, physical sciences, and energy research. Recognized for its top-tier research output and strong ties to global industrial leaders, KFUPM attracts high-achieving graduate scholars from across the globe.
The KFUPM Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship Program offers comprehensive financial packages to admitted full-time Master of Science (M.S. thesis-based) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students. Scholarship evaluation is automatically integrated into the regular graduate admissions process—eliminating the need for a separate scholarship application portal.
With online application windows opening for the 2027 intake cycle, understanding the admission metrics, language thresholds, and Direct Ph.D. pathways is vital for securing a fully funded award.
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1. Full Funding Spectrum & Scholar Benefits
Full-time scholarship recipients at KFUPM receive an expansive financial package funded by the university’s Deanship of Graduate Studies:
- 100% Tuition Fee Exemption: Full waiver of all registration, course credit, and laboratory fees for the entire duration of the degree.
- Monthly Living Allowance: A regular monthly stipend paid to scholars to cover personal living expenses throughout the academic year.
- On-Campus Housing: Free, fully furnished, air-conditioned single bachelor accommodation including utilities and maintenance services.
- Airfare Coverage: Round-trip airfare tickets for international scholars from their home country to Dammam/Dhahran upon initial enrollment and annual return trips during official breaks.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Full medical and dental coverage at the university health center and affiliated regional medical facilities.
- Textbook Support & Academic Resources: Complimentary course textbooks provided every semester alongside full access to university libraries, departmental labs, and computing centers.
- Research Assistantship Bonuses: Opportunities to secure paid Research Assistantship roles (RA-MS or RA-PhD) tied to industry-sponsored research projects.
2. Academic Disciplines & Program Tracks
KFUPM offers graduate degrees across cutting-edge fields aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and global technology shifts:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ KFUPM GRADUATE TRACKS │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ 1. Engineering & Technology │ 2. Sciences & Computing │
│ • Petroleum & Geosciences │ • Computer Science & AI │
│ • Electrical & Mechanical │ • Applied Statistics & Math │
│ • Aerospace & Chemical │ • Materials Science & Chem │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ 3. Interdisciplinary Fields │ 4. Direct PhD Pathway │
│ • Systems & Control │ • 5-Year Track for Top BSc │
│ • Architectural Engineering │ Graduates │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘
The Direct Ph.D. Track: Highly qualified holders of a four-year Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.Sc.) can apply directly to a 5-year Ph.D. program. KFUPM provides full scholarship funding for the first four years of the Direct Ph.D. trajectory.
3. Eligibility Criteria & Language Baselines
To enter the scholarship selection pool, candidates must satisfy both the general university admission criteria and minimum GPA thresholds:
| Metric | Master of Science (M.S.) Thesis Track | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Track |
| Prerequisite Degree | 4-Year Bachelor’s in engineering, science, or business. | Relevant M.S. degree (or B.S. for Direct Ph.D. track). |
| Minimum Academic GPA | 3.00 out of 4.00 (or equivalent). | 3.00 out of 4.00 in both B.S. and M.S. degrees. |
| IELTS Academic | Minimum overall score of 6.0. | Minimum overall score of 6.5. |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum score of 70. | Minimum score of 80. |
| Duolingo English Test | Minimum score of 105. | Minimum score of 120. |
| GRE General Test | Recommended (min. Quant 156 / AW 4.0 strengthens selection). | Strongly recommended for competitive engineering/CS departments. |
Note: The English language requirement is waived for applicants who completed their prior degrees in native English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
4. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
1.Review Departmental Focus & Research Units:Step 1.
Visit the KFUPM Deanship of Graduate Studies portal. Explore academic departments, faculty profiles, and current research projects to align your academic statement.
2.Prepare Official Standardized Scores:Step 2.
Complete your IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English exams. If taking the TOEFL, request official ETS delivery to KFUPM using Institutional Code 0868.
3.Assemble Required Supporting Documents:Step 3.
Scan high-resolution PDFs of your official transcripts, graduation certificates, Statement of Purpose (SOP), updated CV, passport copy, and research publications (if applicable).
4.Execute Online Portal Application:Step 4.
Register on the KFUPM Online Graduate Portal. Select your target degree program and submit referee contact details. Recommenders must upload their reference letters through the automated link before the deadline.
5.Track Selection & Departmental Review:Step 5.
Monitor your applicant dashboard. Academic departments review files dynamically; shortlisted applicants may be called for virtual technical interviews prior to official funding decisions.
OFFICIAL LINK:
KFUPM Graduate Admissions Portal: KFUPM Graduate Programs Portal
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5. Key Timeline ( 2027 Academic Intake)
| Application Window | Opening Date | Closing Cutoff | Intake Term |
| M.S. (Thesis) & Ph.D. Cycle | Late May 2026 | June 30, 2026 | Spring / Fall 2027 Entry |
| M.S. (Project-Based) Cycle | Mid June 2026 | Mid July 2026 | Spring / Fall 2027 Entry |
| Document Evaluation & Review | July – August 2026 | 2–3 Months Processing | Departmental Selection |
| Visa & Onboarding Issuance | November 2026– January 2027 | Pre-arrival Processing | Enrollment Phase |
FAQ’s
Do I need to submit a separate application for the KFUPM scholarship?
No. All full-time international and national applicants admitted to thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. programs are automatically considered for the full scholarship based on academic merit and research potential.
Is the Direct Ph.D. track available to international students?
Yes. International candidates holding an outstanding 4-year Bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00) can apply directly to the 5-year Ph.D. track. Scholarship support covers the initial four years of the program.
Are Duolingo English Test scores accepted for admission?
Yes. KFUPM accepts official Duolingo English Test results. M.S. programs require a minimum score of 105, while Ph.D. programs require a minimum score of 120.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When drafting your Statement of Purpose for KFUPM, explicitly link your background to specific research centers at the university—such as the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Advanced Materials, or Artificial Intelligence. Demonstrating clear research alignment with faculty projects drastically elevates your file during departmental scholarship rankings.
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