Saudi Arabia Offers Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students 2025

Saudi Arabia has announced 700 fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students to pursue diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in 25 top universities for the 2025-2026 academic year. These scholarships, increased from 600 last year, aim to strengthen educational ties and support talented students.

Benefits

The scholarships provide comprehensive support to ensure students focus on their studies:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of academic fees.
• Monthly Stipend: 900 Saudi Riyal (SR) for science students, 850 SR for humanities students (approx. PKR 67,000–71,000).
• Accommodation: Free lodging on campus.
• Healthcare: Free medical coverage for students and, if married, their families.
• Travel: Return air tickets annually and a 3-month furnishing allowance for married scholars (approx. PKR 200,000).
• Graduation Allowance: 3-month stipend for book shipment (approx. PKR 200,000).
• Additional Perks: Subsidized campus meals, sports and recreational activities, and support for dependents.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, Pakistani students must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a Pakistani or Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) national. 75% of scholarships are for students in Pakistan, 25% for those legally residing in Saudi Arabia.
• Age: 17–25 years for bachelor’s, under 30 for master’s, and under 35 for PhD by the university’s application deadline.
• Academic Record: Minimum “very good” grade (e.g., 2.5–3.0 CGPA) in previous qualifications. Secondary school certificates must be less than 3 years old for bachelor’s applicants.
• Language: IELTS (5.5–7.0 band, depending on university) for English-taught programs. Arabic proficiency required for Arabic, Islamic Studies, or Sociology programs.
• Other: No other scholarships, no criminal record, and no prior suspension from educational institutions. Female applicants for bachelor’s need a male relative (mahram) residing in Saudi Arabia.

Application Process

The application is straightforward and entirely online:

1. Choose a University: Visit the university’s official website or the Saudi Ministry of Education’s portal (studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa) to select a program.
2. Check Eligibility: Review specific requirements for your chosen discipline and university (e.g., CGPA, IELTS, or research experience).
3. Submit Documents: Upload:
   • Completed application form.
   • Passport copy (valid for at least one year).
   • Previous degree certificates and transcripts (certified by the Saudi Embassy).
   • Two recommendation letters from former professors.
   • Statement of purpose (in English, except for Islamic Studies/Arabic programs).
   • IELTS certificate (if required).
   • White-background passport photos.
4. Share with Embassy: Email a copy of your submitted application to [email protected] for the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh to follow up with the Saudi Ministry of Education.
5. Await Decision: Universities forward applications to the Saudi Ministry of Education for final approval. Successful applicants start in September/October 2025.
6. Deadlines: Vary by university, typically June to October 2025. Check each university’s website for exact dates.

Universities

The scholarships are offered by 25 prestigious Saudi universities, covering disciplines like Engineering, Computer Science, Political Science, Law, Education, Agriculture, Arabic/Islamic Studies, and Media Sciences. Notable institutions include:

• King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah): Offers Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, and Humanities. Fully funded for all levels.
• King Saud University (Riyadh): Top-ranked globally, with programs in Civil Engineering, Zoology, and Mathematics.
• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Dhahran): No. 1 in Saudi Arabia, specializing in Engineering and Sciences (3.2 CGPA required).
• Islamic University of Madinah: Focuses on Islamic Studies, with 85% scholarship seats for international students.
• Princess Nourah Binte Abdulrahman University (Riyadh): Women-only, with 8% international scholarship seats, offering Medicine, Education, and Sciences.
• King Faisal University: Covers Agriculture, Medicine, and Law with merit and need-based scholarships.
• King Khalid University: Offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in various fields.
• Effat University: Provides full scholarships for postgraduate and partial for undergraduate students, with need-based options.

For a complete list, visit the Saudi Ministry of Education’s portal or contact the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh.

Additional Notes

• Disciplines: Scholarships cover nearly all fields except Medicine/Health at some universities. Check specific programs on university websites.
• Application Tips: Apply early, ensure documents are certified, and verify language requirements. No physical documents need to be sent to Saudi Arabia.
• Support: The Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh assists with follow-ups. Contact them at [email protected] for guidance.
• Work Opportunities: Some universities offer part-time jobs or internships, and graduates can apply for work visas in Saudi Arabia’s tax-free job market.

This scholarship program is a golden opportunity for Pakistani students to study at world-class institutions with full financial support. For the latest updates, visit studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa or honda.com.pk, and confirm details with universities or banks before applying.