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Application Process

Admission to Saudi Universities for International Students

Most international students join Saudi universities on a scholarship. You apply on Study in Saudi (the Ministry of Education's website for applying) or on the university's own site. Here is how admission works for 2026-27.

Saudi Arabia University Applications

Language Proficiency
English test score
Documents
Statement of Purpose

Your application on Study in Saudi

Admissions Journey

Your Path to a Saudi University

Six steps from choosing a course to your visa.

1

Choose

Pick a university, course and route: full scholarship, partial scholarship or self-funded (you pay your own fees).

2

Check the rules

Marks, tests, age and English scores.

3

Prepare

Mark sheets, test scores and, for graduate courses, a personal essay (Statement of Purpose) and letters from referees (teachers or bosses).

4

Apply

On Study in Saudi or the university's site, in the open window.

5

Decision

The university reviews your file. On Study in Saudi, the Ministry of Education also takes part.

6

Visa

Your university starts your student visa.

Key Application Deadlines

Graduate dates for 2027 entry
  • KAUST Fall 2027: apply by 3 January 2027.
  • KFUPM thesis master's and PhD: 1 November to 15 December 2026.
Study in Saudi
  • The second semester 2026 window ran from 16 September to 6 October 2026.
  • Watch the platform for the next window.

At KAUST, the whole process from admission to arrival takes about 8 to 12 weeks on average. Stamping papers takes up to 60 days and the visa step takes 2 to 8 weeks.

Key Components

Comprehensive Admissions Guide

Explore every aspect of the Saudi Arabia university application process through our detailed guides on eligibility, documents, and submission procedures.

Eligibility
Who can apply.

Key Information

KSU scholarships: age 17 to 25, SAT (a school test) 1010.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) bachelor's: SAT (a school test) 1350.
KAUST and KFUPM master's: GPA 3.0 on a scale of 4. If your marks use another scale, the same level counts.
3 key points
Documents
Papers to prepare.

Key Information

Mark sheets with the grading scale.
English translations.
2 key points
English Tests
Scores universities ask for.

Key Information

KAUST: IELTS 7.
KFUPM master's: IELTS 6.0.
2 key points
Statement of Purpose and Referees
For graduate courses.

Key Information

KAUST: about 750 words and 3 referees (people who write letters for you).
1 key points
Deadlines
Dates for 2026-27.

Key Information

KAUST: 3 January 2027.
1 key points
How to Apply
Step by step.

Key Information

Study in Saudi or the university's site.
1 key points
Application Tips

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even qualified applicants can face rejection due to application errors. Be aware of these common mistakes to increase your chances.

Applying with an old passport

On Study in Saudi you cannot change your passport number after you send an application.

Breaking an age or school-year rule

King Saud University (KSU) scholarships for students from other countries are for ages 17 to 25, with school finished in the last 5 years.

Two scholarships

You cannot hold two Saudi scholarships for the same degree.

Papers not in English

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) wants every paper in English or with a certified translation.

Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia

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Admissions - Detailed Guides

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