Can foreigners study for free in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Saudi public universities offer full scholarships to international students, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend starting from $220.

Which Saudi universities offer scholarships to international students?

KAUST, King Abdulaziz University, King Saud University, Islamic University of Madinah, Umm Al-Qura University, and Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University all provide scholarships for foreign students.

How can I apply to study in Saudi Arabia?

Through the official portal of the Saudi Ministry of Education — https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa. You can choose a university, upload your documents, and track your application online.

Do I need to know Arabic to study in Saudi Arabia?

No. Most scientific and technical universities offer programs in English, while Islamic universities teach primarily in Arabic.

When does the application period open?

Generally, the application period runs from November to March each year, depending on the university.

TOP 15 UNIVERSITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA: FREE EDUCATION, ACCOMMODATION & SCHOLARSHIP FROM $220

November 4, 2025

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been actively inviting students from around the world for over a decade. Studying at Saudi universities is an opportunity to receive a quality education, free housing, and a monthly scholarship — while living in the spiritual and cultural heart of the Islamic world.

Why You Should Study in Saudi Arabia

According to government policy, at least 5% of university seats in KSA are allocated to international students. The Kingdom offers impressive benefits:

🎓 Completely free tuition.
🏠 Free dormitory or campus accommodation.
🍽 Free meals.
✈ Reimbursement for flight tickets.
💵 Monthly stipend (starting from $220).
🕋 Opportunity to perform Umrah and Hajj during your studies.
🏥 Free medical insurance.

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA

1. World-Class Universities (with Major Scholarships)

University	City	Highlights
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)	Jeddah	Scholarship up to $38,000 per year, full financial coverage, English-taught programs.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)	Dhahran	Engineering, petroleum, and technical majors. Free education for top-performing students.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	Jeddah	One of the most popular universities among international students. English-taught programs available.
King Saud University (KSU)	Riyadh	The oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia.

2. Islamic and Public Universities (Full Scholarship Programs)

Islamic University of Madinah — priority for Muslim students, full expense coverage.
Umm Al-Qura University (Makkah) — located near the Haram, offers humanities and Islamic studies.
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University — the largest religious university in Riyadh.
King Khalid University (Abha)
Al-Qassim University (Qassim)
Taibah University (Madinah)

3. Other Public Universities Open to Foreign Students

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University — the largest women’s university in the world (Riyadh).
University of Tabuk
University of Taif
Jazan University
Najran University

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly through the official portal of the Saudi Ministry of Education:

https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa

On the website, you can choose a university, upload your documents, and track your application status.

Tips Before Applying

Prepare translated copies of your diploma or certificate (in English or Arabic).
Get them notarized.
Check language requirements (IELTS / TOEFL).
Keep track of admission deadlines — usually from November to March.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is becoming a new hub for higher education in the Islamic and Arab world. Free education, a safe environment, an international community, and the opportunity to live near the holy cities make KSA one of the best destinations for international students.