KFUPM Graduate Scholarship (MS and PhD)

Overview

The KFUPM Graduate Scholarship is a fully funded award built into graduate admission at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It supports international students of all nationalities admitted to KFUPM master's and PhD programs, covering tuition, a living stipend, on-campus housing, healthcare, meals, textbooks and air tickets, so there is no separate scholarship form to complete.

KFUPM is one of the region's leading universities for engineering, science, business and the geosciences, with strong links to the energy sector. The scholarship reflects its research mission: it offers free study with no tuition fee, a monthly living stipend that varies by category, free furnished air-conditioned on-campus housing with utilities and maintenance, medical and dental care, subsidised meals, free textbooks, and air tickets for international students.

Eligibility centres on admission to a full-time graduate program. The scholarship covers all PhD programs and selected thesis-based MS programs, and applicants typically need a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, with awards going to the most distinguished applicants who show strong research potential. For Direct-PhD entry, the program runs five years with full scholarship support for the first four. Consideration is integrated into the annual KFUPM graduate admission cycle through the graduate admissions portal.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need to be admitted full time to a KFUPM graduate program, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. The scholarship covers all PhD programs and selected thesis-based MS programs, and is awarded to the most distinguished applicants with strong research potential.

Nationality Requirements

It is open to international students of all nationalities. International awardees specifically receive air tickets as part of the package.

Program Requirements

You must be a full-time graduate student. For Direct-PhD entry, the program runs five years, with full scholarship support provided for the first four years.

Language Requirements

KFUPM teaches and conducts research in English, so you must meet its English proficiency standard for admission.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Free study with no tuition fee
• A monthly living stipend that varies by category
• Free furnished, air-conditioned on-campus housing with utilities and maintenance
• Medical and dental care
• Subsidised meals and free textbooks
• Air tickets for international students
• Support for conference participation and research projects

How to Apply

1. Choose your program Select a KFUPM PhD program or an eligible thesis-based MS program that matches your background.
2. Apply through the portal Submit your application via the KFUPM graduate admissions portal; scholarship consideration is built into admission.
3. Meet the GPA bar Ensure your record meets the minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 and shows research potential.
4. Submit your documents Provide transcripts, references, your statement and English scores.
5. Receive funding with admission If admitted as a funded student, the scholarship applies automatically; no separate form is needed.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose or research interests
• CV outlining academic and research background
• Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS)
• Passport for visa and travel

Key Dates & Deadlines

Scholarship consideration is integrated into the annual KFUPM graduate admission cycle through the graduate admissions portal, so there is no separate scholarship deadline. You apply once, for admission, and funded students are selected from the admitted pool. Confirm the current application window and term dates on the KFUPM graduate admissions site, since cycles vary, and contact the deanship (d-cgs@kfupm.edu.sa) for specifics.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show clear research potential, since funding goes to the most distinguished applicants.
• Apply on time through the graduate admissions portal.
• Line up strong references who can speak to your research ability.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Looking for a separate scholarship form; funding is part of admission.
• Applying below the 3.00/4.00 GPA minimum.
• Submitting a vague statement that does not show research direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship?

International students of all nationalities admitted full-time to KFUPM graduate programs (all PhD programs and selected thesis-based MS programs), with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 and strong research potential.

Is the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers tuition, a stipend, furnished on-campus housing, medical and dental care, meals, textbooks and air tickets for international students.

Do I need a separate application for the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship?

No. Consideration is integrated into the annual graduate admission cycle through the admissions portal.

What GPA do I need for the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship?

A minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Does the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship cover housing?

Yes. It provides free furnished, air-conditioned on-campus housing with utilities and maintenance.

Does the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship include air tickets?

Yes, air tickets are provided for international students.

How long does the KFUPM Direct-PhD scholarship last?

The Direct-PhD program runs five years, with full scholarship support for the first four years.

What is the deadline for the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship?

It follows the annual KFUPM graduate admission cycle; check the admissions portal for current dates.

What documents do I need for the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship?

Transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, a CV, English proof and a passport, submitted with your admission application.

Can international students get the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship?

Yes. It is open to international students of all nationalities admitted full time.