The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 is an international study opportunity at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. KAU has officially announced that applications for non-Saudi students living inside and outside Saudi Arabia will open on September 16, 2026, and close on October 6, 2026 through the official Study in Saudi platform.
The important point for applicants is that KAU does not have one identical funding package for every program. The Study in Saudi platform currently lists KAU programs under different funding categories, including Full Scholarship, Partial Scholarship, and Paid Study. Some international Master’s and PhD programs are currently listed as full scholarships, where the sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs.
In this guide, we explain the latest King Abdul Aziz University Scholarshipapplication dates, eligibility, funding, programs, documents, language requirements, application process, and important points to check before applying.
Current status: Applications are not open yet. The official KAU application window begins September 16, 2026.
King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 — Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | King Abdulaziz University Scholarship |
| University | King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Location | Jeddah |
| Academic year | 2026–27 |
| Applicants | Non-Saudi students |
| Study levels | Undergraduate and postgraduate programs |
| Application opens | September 16, 2026 |
| Application deadline | October 6, 2026 |
| Application platform | Study in Saudi |
| Funding | Depends on the selected program |
| Full scholarships | Available for eligible programs |
| Application fee | Check the selected program and application portal |
| Official university | King Abdulaziz University |
KAU’s official announcement confirms the September 16–October 6, 2026 application period for non-Saudi undergraduate and postgraduate applicants applying from inside or outside Saudi Arabia.
What Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?
The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship, commonly referred to as the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship, is an international scholarship opportunity connected with study at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.
KAU maintains an international student scholarship program for non-Saudi students. Its official scholarship information describes international scholarship opportunities as funded educational scholarships and lists benefits such as a monthly stipend, healthcare, accommodation subject to availability, subsidized meals, annual round-trip airfare, and certain academic allowances.
However, applicants should distinguish between KAU’s international scholarship framework and the individual programs currently displayed on Study in Saudi. The platform shows the funding category attached to each program, and those categories can differ.
This distinction is important because not every KAU program should automatically be described as fully funded.
Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Fully Funded?
Some KAU programs are offered as full scholarships, but funding is program-specific.
The official Study in Saudi platform currently lists KAU programs with different funding categories.
For programs marked Full Scholarship, the platform states that:
The sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs and the student bears no financial burden.
For other programs, the platform can show Partial Scholarship, where the sponsoring entity covers part of the tuition and the student pays the remaining amount. Some programs are also listed as Paid Study.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every KAU degree is fully funded.
Full Scholarship
For eligible programs marked Full Scholarship, the Study in Saudi platform states that the sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs. Current KAU listings include full-scholarship Master’s and PhD programs in areas such as engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, physics, business, and other fields.
Partial Scholarship
A partial scholarship covers only part of the applicable costs. The student may still be responsible for the remaining tuition or other expenses.
Paid Study
Paid-study programs require the student to cover the applicable tuition and living costs. The Study in Saudi KAU listings currently include paid-study options alongside scholarship programs.
Always check the funding type attached to your exact program before submitting an application.
King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Benefits
Benefits depend on the scholarship category and the final award.
KAU’s official international student scholarship information lists the following benefits for its international scholarship program:
- Monthly stipend
- Arrival allowance for scholarship students
- Healthcare services
- Accommodation, subject to availability
- Academic, social, cultural and training support
- Access to the central library
- Subsidized meals
- Thesis printing allowance for Master’s and PhD students
- Graduation allowance for shipping books
- Annual round-trip airfare to the student’s home country
The exact package available to an applicant should be confirmed through the selected program’s Study in Saudi listing and final scholarship/admission decision.
Who Can Apply for the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?
The 2026–27 KAU announcement specifically targets non-Saudi students residing both inside and outside Saudi Arabia and covers undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Potential applicants include:
- International students living outside Saudi Arabia
- Non-Saudi students legally residing in Saudi Arabia
- Students applying for Bachelor’s programs
- Students applying for Master’s programs
- Students applying for PhD programs
- Applicants who meet the requirements of an eligible KAU program
The exact requirements depend on the degree, program, applicant category, and funding type.
King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Because KAU offers many different academic programs, applicants should treat the following as a general eligibility framework, not as one universal checklist for every program.
General Requirements
Applicants should generally:
- Be a non-Saudi applicant for the relevant international admission route.
- Hold the academic qualification required for the selected program.
- Meet the program’s academic requirements.
- Submit authentic academic documents.
- Meet the applicable language requirements.
- Meet any age requirement specified for the selected degree or program.
- Satisfy medical and health requirements where applicable.
- Comply with Saudi educational and immigration regulations.
For postgraduate international scholarships, KAU’s official scholarship information currently specifies additional requirements, including academic qualifications recognized in the applicant’s home country, a minimum Very Good grade where grading applies, good conduct, medical fitness, and two academic recommendations.
Important: Requirements Are Program-Specific
Do not rely on a generic scholarship checklist alone.
Before applying, open the specific KAU program on Study in Saudi and check:
- Degree level
- Program name
- Gender eligibility where applicable
- Language of instruction
- Academic qualification
- Scholarship type
- Required documents
- Program duration
- Additional admission requirements
The Study in Saudi platform itself notes that programs are being added and updated continuously.
Age Requirements for King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship
Age requirements can differ by degree and admission route.
For KAU’s international postgraduate scholarship information, the current published requirements state:
- Master’s: Applicant must not exceed 30 years
- PhD: Applicant must not exceed 35 years
The same KAU page also specifies academic, recommendation, conduct and medical requirements for these international scholarship applicants.
For Bachelor’s applicants, do not rely on older online scholarship lists that quote a universal age limit. Instead, verify the requirement shown for the specific 2026–27 program in Study in Saudi.
Academic Requirements of King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship
Academic requirements depend on the degree and program.
Bachelor’s
Bachelor’s applicants need the secondary/high-school qualification required by their selected KAU program and must satisfy any additional academic conditions shown in the Study in Saudi listing.
Master’s
Master’s applicants generally need a recognized Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field.
KAU’s international scholarship information specifies a minimum Very Good academic grade where the grading system applies.
PhD
PhD applicants generally need a recognized previous qualification appropriate for the doctoral program.
The selected department may also impose additional academic, research or language requirements.
English Language Requirements for King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship
English requirements depend on the selected program and language of instruction.
For KAU’s international postgraduate scholarship requirements, the university currently lists:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61 |
| TOEFL CBT | 173 |
| TOEFL PBT | 500 |
| IELTS | 5.0 |
These scores are published by KAU for its international student scholarship requirements. Program-specific requirements should still be checked before applying.
Do not assume that IELTS 5.0 applies to every KAU program. Some programs may have different language requirements or use Arabic as the language of instruction.
If you’re specifically searching for opportunities where IELTS may not be required, you can also see our guide to fully funded scholarships without IELTS.
Available King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Programs
KAU offers a broad range of academic disciplines.
Current Study in Saudi listings show international scholarship programs in areas including:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Physics
- Nuclear Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Education
- Family Sciences
- Other academic fields
For example, current KAU listings include Computer Science Master’s and PhD programs under the Full Scholarship category, as well as Information Technology and engineering programs.
Program availability can change
Study in Saudi states that programs are being added and updated continuously, so applicants should check the platform again when applications open.
Required Documents
The exact document requirements depend on the selected program.
Applicants should prepare the following where applicable:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- High-school certificate for Bachelor’s admission
- Bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission
- Master’s degree or relevant qualification for PhD admission
- Academic transcripts
- English-language certificate, if required
- Arabic-language evidence, if required
- Curriculum vitae for programs that request it
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter, if required
- Research proposal for applicable postgraduate programs
- Academic recommendation letters where required
- Medical documents where requested
- Proof of legal residence for applicants applying from inside Saudi Arabia, where required
- Certified translations where applicable
- Any additional documents specified by KAU or the selected program
Important
Do not assume that every applicant needs every document above.
For example, a Bachelor’s applicant should not automatically prepare a PhD research proposal simply because it appears on a general scholarship checklist.
Follow the document requirements displayed for your specific KAU program.
How to Apply for the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?
Applications for the 2026–27 cycle will be submitted through the Study in Saudi platform. KAU’s official announcement confirms the application window of September 16 to October 6, 2026.
Step 1: Visit Study in Saudi
Start from the official:
Study in Saudi — Official Application Platform
Avoid unofficial agents or third-party application websites.
Step 2: Create or access your account
Register using your real personal information and make sure your details match your passport and academic documents.
Step 3: Complete your profile
Enter your:
- Personal information
- Nationality
- Passport information
- Education history
- Contact information
- Other requested details
Step 4: Search for King Abdulaziz University
Search for King Abdulaziz University within the Study in Saudi platform.
You can also browse KAU’s current program listings:
King Abdulaziz University programs on Study in Saudi
Step 5: Select your program
Check the specific:
- Degree
- Field
- Language
- Eligibility
- Scholarship type
- Duration
- Required documents
This step is particularly important because KAU’s programs can have different funding categories.
Step 6: Upload your documents
Upload clear and valid documents in the formats requested by the platform.
Make sure your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Academic information
are consistent across your application.
Step 7: Review the application
Before submitting, carefully check every section.
Pay particular attention to:
- Program selection
- Scholarship/funding category
- Academic history
- Uploaded documents
- Contact information
Step 8: Submit before October 6
Submit your application before the official closing date.
Application deadline: October 6, 2026.
Step 9: Track your application
Continue checking your Study in Saudi account and the email address associated with your application for updates.
King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 Deadline
The official KAU announcement gives the following dates:
Application opens: September 16, 2026
Application closes: October 6, 2026
The announcement was published by KAU on September 8, 2026.
Important Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Official announcement | September 8, 2026 |
| Applications open | September 16, 2026 |
| Application deadline | October 6, 2026 |
There is currently no reason to describe the application as open before September 16.
Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Open Now?
Applications will open on:
September 16, 2026
and close on:
October 6, 2026.
This makes the current status:
Opening soon
Applicants should use the time before September 16 to prepare their documents and identify eligible KAU programs.
Is King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Available for Bachelor’s Students?
Yes, KAU’s current Study in Saudi listings include Bachelor’s programs.
However, the funding category and eligibility can differ between programs.
The current KAU program database includes Bachelor’s listings under different categories, including international and resident routes. For example, some listings show partial scholarship or paid-study arrangements, while other KAU programs are listed as full scholarships.
Therefore, Bachelor’s applicants should not assume that every Bachelor’s program is fully funded.
Is King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Available for Master’s Students?
Yes.
The current Study in Saudi database contains numerous KAU Master’s programs marked Full Scholarship for international applicants.
Examples include programs in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Computer-related fields
- Mining Engineering
- Physics
- Communications and Media
- Education
- Other disciplines
The database is dynamic, so applicants should check the program listing when the application window opens.
Is King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Available for PhD Students?
Yes.
KAU’s current Study in Saudi listings include international PhD programs under the Full Scholarship category.
Examples include:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Structural Geology and Remote Sensing
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communications and Media
- Other fields
The KAU international scholarship page also specifically publishes postgraduate requirements for Master’s and PhD applicants.
Can Pakistani Students Apply?
Pakistani applicants should check the specific KAU program and nationality eligibility shown in Study in Saudi when applications open.
The current KAU announcement is specifically for non-Saudi students inside and outside Saudi Arabia, rather than listing individual nationalities.
Therefore, Pakistani applicants should verify the nationality and program requirements directly in the application system instead of relying on third-party lists.
Does the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Require IELTS?
There is no single IELTS rule that applies to every KAU program.
For KAU’s international postgraduate scholarship requirements, the university currently lists IELTS 5.0 as one accepted English-language benchmark, alongside specified TOEFL scores.
However, the language requirement depends on the selected program.
Therefore:
Do not assume that IELTS is universally required or universally waived. Check the language requirement of your selected KAU program.
What Is the Difference Between Full and Partial KAU Scholarships?
This is one of the most important things applicants should understand.
| Funding type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full Scholarship | The sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs |
| Partial Scholarship | The sponsoring entity covers part of the tuition; the student pays the remaining amount |
| Paid Study | Student bears the applicable tuition and living costs |
These categories are currently visible in KAU’s Study in Saudi program listings.
This is why applicants should always check the funding category attached to their specific program.
How Competitive Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?
KAU does not guarantee admission simply because an applicant meets the minimum requirements.
Selection can depend on:
- Academic qualifications
- Program capacity
- Program-specific requirements
- Document verification
- Language requirements
- Applicant competition
- University and relevant authority review
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements therefore does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.
For applicants comparing different funding routes, our guide on government vs university scholarships explains how university-based funding differs from government scholarship programs.
Tips for a Strong KAU Application
1. Choose the funding category carefully
Do not select a program simply because it says “scholarship.”
Check whether it is:
- Full Scholarship
- Partial Scholarship
- Paid Study
2. Check the program requirements
KAU has many programs, and requirements can differ.
3. Prepare documents early
Have your passport, transcripts, certificates and required language documents ready before September 16.
4. Keep your information consistent
Your name and personal details should match your passport and academic documents.
5. Don’t rely on old scholarship lists
The Study in Saudi database is dynamic and programs can be added or updated.
6. Avoid agents promising guaranteed admission
No third party can guarantee that KAU will select your application.
7. Apply through the official platform
Use Study in Saudi rather than an unofficial application website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Assuming every KAU program is fully funded
- Applying without checking the program-specific requirements
- Using outdated age requirements
- Assuming IELTS rules are identical for every program
- Uploading incomplete documents
- Using unofficial application websites
- Waiting until the final day to submit
- Choosing the wrong degree level
- Confusing partial scholarships with full scholarships
- Assuming that meeting the minimum requirements guarantees selection
Frequently Asked Questions about King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship
What is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?
The King Abdul Aziz Scholarship refers to international scholarship opportunities associated with King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. KAU offers international scholarship opportunities across different academic programs and levels.
When does the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 open?
The application period opens on September 16, 2026.
What is the King Abdul Aziz Scholarship deadline?
The official deadline is October 6, 2026.
Is the King Abdul Aziz Scholarship fully funded?
Some KAU programs are fully funded, but not all programs have the same funding type. Study in Saudi currently lists KAU programs as Full Scholarship, Partial Scholarship and Paid Study.
What does a KAU full scholarship cover?
For programs listed as Full Scholarship, Study in Saudi states that the sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs. KAU’s international scholarship information also lists benefits such as stipends, healthcare, accommodation subject to availability and airfare for eligible scholarship students.
Can Bachelor’s students apply?
Yes. KAU has Bachelor’s programs listed on Study in Saudi, but the funding category and requirements depend on the specific program.
Can Master’s students apply?
Yes. KAU currently lists numerous Master’s programs for international applicants under the Full Scholarship category.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. KAU currently lists international PhD programs under the Full Scholarship category.
Is IELTS required?
It depends on the program. KAU’s published international postgraduate scholarship requirements list IELTS 5.0 or specified TOEFL scores, but applicants should check the language requirements of their selected program.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Study in Saudi platform during the announced application window.
Can I apply before September 16?
The 2026–27 KAU application window begins on September 16, 2026. Before then, applicants can prepare their documents and review available programs.
Does applying guarantee a scholarship?
No. Applicants must meet the requirements of their selected program, and final admission/scholarship decisions depend on the relevant selection process and available places.
Final Thoughts | King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship
The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 is a significant opportunity for international students interested in studying at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.
The most important update for applicants is that KAU has officially announced the September 16–October 6, 2026 application window for non-Saudi students applying from inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship should not be treated as one universal funding package. KAU’s current Study in Saudi listings show full scholarships, partial scholarships and paid-study programs. Applicants should therefore select their degree and program first, then verify the exact funding category and requirements before submitting an application.
If you’re comparing this opportunity with other funded options, you can also explore our fully funded scholarships, scholarships by country, and scholarships without IELTS.
Official Links
- King Abdulaziz University — Official Announcement
- King Abdulaziz University — International Student Scholarships
- King Abdulaziz University — Official Website
- Study in Saudi — Official Application Platform
- KAU Programs on Study in Saudi
More Here