King Saud University Internal Scholarship (Non-Saudi Residents)

Overview

The King Saud University internal scholarship is designed for non-Saudi students who already hold valid legal residency in Saudi Arabia and want to pursue a degree at KSU in Riyadh. Unlike the external scholarship, which targets applicants from abroad, this programme recognises that many non-Saudi residents in the Kingdom want access to funded university education without having to apply from outside the country.

KSU is the largest university in Saudi Arabia, with a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across engineering, science, humanities, medicine, and business. Internal scholars study alongside external scholars and Saudi students on the same campus and have access to the same academic facilities. The scholarship benefits for internal students are set by university regulations, so the exact coverage is best confirmed directly with KSU or on the portal at the time you apply.

Applications are submitted through the national Study in Saudi platform operated by the Ministry of Education. KSU updated its internal scholarship information in November 2025, which indicates the programme remains active. If you have valid residency in Saudi Arabia and meet KSU's academic entry criteria, this pathway allows you to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree with institutional support.

Key Facts at a Glance

Field	Details
Funding Body	King Saud University
Host Country	Saudi Arabia
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Benefits per university regulations; typically include tuition support and housing assistance — confirm specifics on the portal
Deadline	Annual; submitted via studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa; timeline announced on the portal each cycle
Eligible Nationalities	Non-Saudi students with valid legal residency in Saudi Arabia
Official Website	isd.ksu.edu.sa/en/node/3093

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Academic requirements follow KSU's standard admissions criteria for each programme level. For undergraduate programmes, a strong high-school academic record is expected. For postgraduate programmes, review the specific requirements for your intended programme on the KSU portal before applying.

Nationality Requirements

The internal scholarship is open to all non-Saudi nationalities, but the defining requirement is that you must hold valid legal residency in Saudi Arabia (a valid iqama) at the time of application. Students who reside outside the Kingdom should apply through the external scholarship track instead.

Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on your chosen programme. English-medium and Arabic-medium programmes have different expectations. Confirm the language entry criteria for your specific programme on the KSU International Students Deanship page or through the Study in Saudi platform.

Age & Other Requirements

You must meet KSU's general age and conduct requirements for your degree level. You must be medically fit, not already enrolled in an equivalent programme at another Saudi institution on a separate scholarship, and hold a valid residency permit (iqama) throughout the application process.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Tuition fees, as set by KSU's internal scholarship regulations
• Housing support or accommodation, as determined by university policy
• Additional benefits as specified by KSU for internal scholars — confirm the current benefit package on the portal or directly with the International Students Deanship before applying

How to Apply

1. Confirm your residency status: Verify that you hold a valid Saudi residency permit (iqama). This is a hard prerequisite for the internal track.
2. Review available programmes: Check which KSU programmes are open to internal scholarship applicants for the current cycle and confirm academic entry requirements for your level.
3. Register on the Study in Saudi platform: Create an account at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa in advance of the application window opening.
4. Complete the application form: Enter your personal information, residency details, and academic history accurately.
5. Upload required documents: Attach all supporting files, including proof of your legal residency status, in the formats specified by the portal.
6. Submit within the announced window: Send your application before the closing date and keep a record of your application reference.

Required Documents

• Valid Saudi residency permit (iqama) or official proof of legal residency status
• Academic transcripts and certificates for prior qualifications
• Valid passport
• Medical fitness certificate
• Good conduct certificate or equivalent
• Any additional documents specified by KSU for internal scholarship applicants in the current intake

Key Dates & Deadlines

The application cycle is announced annually on the Study in Saudi platform and the KSU International Students Deanship page. KSU updated its internal scholarship page in November 2025, confirming the programme is active. Monitor studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa for opening and closing date announcements each cycle.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Keep your iqama valid and current before applying; expired residency disqualifies you from the internal track.
• Confirm the specific benefits for internal scholars with KSU directly, since the publicly available information states "per university regulations" without listing exact amounts.
• Check the portal regularly after the announcement of a new intake cycle, as application windows may be short.
• Choose your programme early and confirm it is available in the internal scholarship intake for that year.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying through the internal track without a current, valid residency permit.
• Assuming the internal scholarship benefits mirror the external package exactly; the two tracks may differ.
• Missing the announcement of the application window by not monitoring the portal regularly.
• Submitting academic documents that are not properly attested or certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the King Saud University Internal Scholarship for non-Saudi residents?

It is a scholarship for non-Saudi students who already hold valid legal residency in Saudi Arabia and want to study at KSU in Riyadh at bachelor's, master's, or PhD level. Benefits are set by university regulations and should be confirmed on the portal or directly with KSU.

Who qualifies for the KSU Internal Scholarship?

Non-Saudi students with a valid Saudi residency permit (iqama) who meet KSU's academic and conduct requirements for their chosen programme.

How is the KSU Internal Scholarship different from the External Scholarship?

The internal scholarship is for non-Saudis already legally residing in Saudi Arabia. The external scholarship is for those applying from outside the Kingdom. The two tracks have separate processes and may have different benefit levels.

How do I apply for the King Saud University Internal Scholarship?

Apply through the Study in Saudi platform at studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa during the period announced by the Ministry of Education and KSU.

What does the KSU Internal Scholarship cover?

Benefits are determined by KSU's internal regulations and may include tuition support and housing assistance. Check the KSU International Students Deanship page or contact the university directly for the current benefit details before applying.

Do I need a valid iqama to apply for the KSU Internal Scholarship?

Yes. A valid Saudi residency permit (iqama) is a prerequisite. If your iqama has expired, renew it before applying.

What programmes are available under the KSU Internal Scholarship?

KSU offers programmes at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels across a wide range of disciplines. Check the KSU portal for the specific programmes available to internal scholarship students in the current intake cycle.

When does the KSU Internal Scholarship application open?

The annual cycle is announced on the Study in Saudi platform. The KSU page was updated in November 2025, confirming the programme is active. Monitor studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa for the current-year opening dates.

Can I hold the KSU Internal Scholarship alongside another Saudi scholarship?

Saudi scholarship regulations generally prohibit holding two Saudi government scholarships at the same time. Confirm this restriction with KSU's International Students Deanship before submitting your application.