King Abdulaziz University Scholarship for International Students

Overview

King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's highest-ranked university and one of the most internationally active institutions in the Gulf region. Founded in 1967, it enrols students from more than 100 countries across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes. The KAU scholarship for international students is among the most comprehensive in the Kingdom, covering tuition, housing, monthly living costs, healthcare, and travel for the full duration of your studies.

The programme has two application pathways: an external track for students applying from outside Saudi Arabia, and an internal track for non-Saudi students who already hold valid legal residency in the Kingdom. Applications go through KAU's Deanship of Student Affairs scholarship portal, which connects to the national Study in Saudi platform. The university announces its intake cycle each year and publishes opening and closing dates on the portal once the window is set.

If you receive an offer, you join a diverse campus community with access to KAU's research facilities, central library, and student support services. The scholarship is structured to cover most of your day-to-day costs so you can focus on your studies. Both new undergraduates and students pursuing advanced degrees are eligible, subject to meeting the level-specific age and academic requirements.

Key Facts at a Glance

Field	Details
Funding Body	King Abdulaziz University
Host Country	Saudi Arabia
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, annual round-trip airfare, two-month arrival allowance, thesis and graduation allowances
Deadline	Annual; window typically runs May to late October — check the portal for confirmed dates each cycle
Eligible Nationalities	All countries (non-Saudi students only)
Official Website	kau.edu.sa/en/page/scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Your previous academic qualification must be graded at least "Very Good" or its equivalent in your country's grading system. You must also provide two academic recommendation letters from professors or supervisors who can speak to your ability and academic character.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is open to all non-Saudi nationalities. Apply through the external track if you are currently based outside Saudi Arabia, or through the internal track if you already reside in the Kingdom with a valid residency permit. You must not hold another Saudi government scholarship at the time you submit your application.

Language Requirements

For English-medium programmes, you need a TOEFL score of at least 61 iBT (173 CBT / 500 PBT) or an IELTS band score of at least 5.0. For Arabic-medium programmes, you must demonstrate Arabic language proficiency, which KAU assesses through the application process.

Age & Other Requirements

The maximum age at the time of application is 25 for bachelor's programmes, 30 for master's programmes, and 35 for PhD programmes. You must be medically fit (confirmed by a certificate), have no prior dismissal from a Saudi educational institution, maintain a good conduct record, and not hold another Saudi government scholarship simultaneously.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for your enrolled programme
• On-campus accommodation or a housing allowance
• Monthly living stipend throughout your studies
• Health insurance coverage
• Annual round-trip airfare to your home country
• Two-month preparation allowance paid on arrival in Saudi Arabia
• Thesis printing allowance for master's and PhD students
• Graduation and book-shipping allowance
• Subsidized meals on campus
• Access to KAU's central library and academic support services

How to Apply

1. Check the requirements: Confirm you meet the age, academic grade, and language score thresholds for your intended level before starting your application.
2. Register on the portal: Create an account on the KAU Deanship of Student Affairs scholarship portal at dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa.
3. Select your pathway: Choose the external track if you are applying from outside Saudi Arabia, or the internal track if you already reside legally in the Kingdom.
4. Complete the application form: Enter your personal information, academic history, and programme preferences accurately and in full.
5. Upload your documents: Attach all required files in the formats specified. Make sure documents are properly attested before you upload them.
6. Submit before the deadline: Send your application within the announced window, save your confirmation number, and check the portal periodically for updates on your status.

Required Documents

• Attested academic transcripts and certificates from all prior qualifications
• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Medical fitness certificate issued within the required period before your application
• Good conduct certificate from your national authority
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Proof of language test results (TOEFL or IELTS for English-medium; Arabic proficiency evidence for Arabic-medium)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Any programme-specific documents listed on the KAU scholarship portal

Key Dates & Deadlines

The application portal typically opens in May and closes in late October, though KAU sets and announces the exact dates each cycle. Check the portal at dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa regularly once you plan to apply, as dates vary from year to year. Start gathering and attesting your documents well before the opening date so you are ready to submit as soon as applications open.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply early in the window; seats are limited and consideration may be rolling in some cycles.
• Have your language test scores ready before the portal opens; booking, sitting, and receiving results takes time.
• Request attestation of your academic documents well in advance, as authentication can take several weeks depending on your country.
• Choose a programme that aligns clearly with your academic background; a logical progression makes your application more readable.
• Ask recommendation letter writers who know your work well, not just people who know your name.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying while holding another Saudi government scholarship, which disqualifies you automatically.
• Uploading unattested or uncertified copies of academic documents.
• Submitting after the closing date; late applications are not considered.
• Applying to a degree level for which you exceed the maximum age limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship for International Students cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, on-campus accommodation or a housing allowance, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, an annual round-trip airfare, a two-month arrival preparation allowance, and additional study allowances including thesis printing and graduation costs.

Who is eligible for the KAU International Scholarship?

Non-Saudi students from any country can apply. You can apply from outside Saudi Arabia through the external pathway, or from within the Kingdom if you hold valid legal residency through the internal pathway. You must meet the academic grade requirement, pass the language threshold, be within the age limit for your level, and not hold another Saudi scholarship.

What language scores do I need for the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship?

For English-medium programmes, you need at least TOEFL 61 iBT (173 CBT / 500 PBT) or IELTS 5.0. For Arabic-medium programmes, you must demonstrate Arabic language proficiency as assessed by KAU during the process.

What is the age limit for the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship?

The maximum age is 25 for bachelor's level, 30 for master's level, and 35 for PhD level. These limits apply at the time you submit your application.

Does the KAU scholarship include airfare?

Yes. You receive an annual round-trip ticket between Saudi Arabia and your home country, plus a two-month preparation allowance when you first arrive in the Kingdom.

Can I hold the KAU scholarship at the same time as another Saudi government scholarship?

No. You cannot hold the KAU scholarship simultaneously with any other Saudi government scholarship. Applying while already holding one will disqualify your application.

What academic grade do I need to qualify for the KAU scholarship?

Your most recent qualification must be graded at least "Very Good" or the equivalent in your country's system. KAU assesses the equivalency during application review.

How do I apply for the King Abdulaziz University International Scholarship?

You apply through the KAU Deanship of Student Affairs scholarship portal at dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa. Register an account, select your pathway, complete the form, upload your documents, and submit before the announced deadline.

When is the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship application deadline?

The window generally runs from May to late October each year, though specific dates are announced annually. Monitor the portal closely once you decide to apply so you do not miss the opening date.

What documents do I need for the KAU scholarship application?

You need attested academic transcripts and certificates, a valid passport, a medical fitness certificate, a good conduct certificate, two academic recommendation letters, and proof of your language test scores. Additional programme-specific documents may also be required.

Is the KAU scholarship available for all degree levels?

Yes. The scholarship is open at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels, each with their own age and academic requirements.

Can non-Saudi students already living in Saudi Arabia apply for the KAU scholarship?

Yes. Non-Saudi students who hold valid legal residency in Saudi Arabia can apply through the internal pathway on the KAU scholarship portal.