[NEW UPDATES] Fully Funded Scholarships in Arab Countries 🎓 | Apply Now, For Foreigners

You want a world-class degree without student debt. Top Arab universities will help you get there. Across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and more, fully funded scholarships are open to international students for the 2026/2027 intake.

These awards often cover full tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance. Many programs are taught in English and welcome applicants from all countries. If you are serious about studying abroad in 2026 or 2027, shortlist the options below and apply early. Competition is strong, but the funding is generous and the application systems are built for international candidates.

Why these scholarships stand out in 2026/2027

Fully Funded: Most listed awards cover tuition plus living costs. Several include accommodation and health insurance. Some also provide airfare where offered.
Foreigners Welcome: Open to students from any country. English-taught tracks are widely available, especially at the master’s and PhD levels.
High-impact research: Access cutting-edge labs and supervisors, especially in engineering, data science, energy, health, and Islamic studies.
No application fee at many universities: Several programs allow you to apply online at no cost.
Multiple intakes: Most institutions recruit for 2026 and 2027. Apply as early as you can to secure funding.

What the awards typically cover

Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend for living costs
On-campus housing or housing allowance
Basic health insurance
Student services and lab access
Airfare support where explicitly offered by the program

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Exact benefits vary by university and program. Always confirm details on the official website before you submit your application.

Eligibility at a glance

Level	Eligible nationalities	Academic requirements	Language	Other
Undergraduate	All countries	High school completion with strong grades	English or Arabic, depending on program; proof of proficiency required	Program prerequisites as stated by each university
Master’s	All countries	Accredited bachelor’s degree with a competitive GPA	IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent accepted; some programs waive with prior English-medium study	References, statement of purpose, CV; research proposal if required
PhD	All countries	Relevant master’s or exceptional bachelor’s entry, strong research background	English proficiency proof if program is in English	Publications or research experience strengthen your case

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Arab Countries (2026/2027)

1) King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship, Saudi Arabia

Overview: KAU offers fully funded places for international students across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Large discipline coverage and strong research support make it a top target.

Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, and other student services. Airfare may be provided where specified.
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Competitive academics, language proficiency, and program prerequisites required.
How to apply:
1. Create an online application for the 2026/2027 intake.
2. Upload transcripts, passport, language test scores, CV, and statement of purpose.
3. Provide references and any program-specific documents.
4. Submit and monitor your application portal for updates.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

2) King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarship, Saudi Arabia

Overview: KFUPM funds high-potential master’s and PhD students in engineering, sciences, and business. Known for strong industry links and research labs.

Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, and access to research facilities.
Eligibility: All nationalities. Strong GPA, relevant degree, GRE and English scores may be required for select programs.
How to apply:
1. Select your graduate program for 2026 or 2027.
2. Complete the online form and upload academic and language records.
3. Arrange recommendation letters.
4. Submit and await departmental review.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

3) King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Fellowship, Saudi Arabia

Overview: Often referred to as the King Abdullah Scholarship at KAUST, this is a fully funded fellowship for master’s and PhD students in STEM. World-class facilities and high stipends are the draw.

Covers: Tuition, generous monthly stipend, on-campus housing, health insurance. Travel support is available as specified.
Eligibility: Global applicants with strong academic records in relevant STEM fields and English proficiency.
How to apply:
1. Choose your program and intake year 2026/2027.
2. Submit online application with transcripts, test scores, SOP, and references.
3. Interview or additional materials may be requested.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

4) Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship, Saudi Arabia

Overview: Fully funded scholarships for international students, primarily at the undergraduate level in Islamic studies and selected scientific fields.

Covers: Tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, health care. Travel benefits may be available per policy.
Eligibility: Non-Saudi applicants with strong secondary school results and program-specific requirements.
How to apply:
1. Open an online profile for the 2026/2027 cycle.
2. Upload academic certificates, ID, recommendations, and language documents if required.
3. Submit and track application status.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

5) Bahrain Ministry of Education Scholarships, Bahrain

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Overview: The Ministry administers scholarships and fee support. International opportunities can be limited and may focus on specific partnerships or programs.

Covers: Varies by scheme. Can include tuition support and allowances.
Eligibility: Criteria differ by award. International applicants should check current calls and any nationality restrictions.
How to apply:
1. Review active scholarship calls for 2026/2027.
2. Prepare required academic records and language proof.
3. Apply through the official portal or partner university.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

6) Kuwait Government Scholarships, Kuwait

Overview: Government and public universities in Kuwait offer scholarships to international students in selected programs. Benefits and availability vary.

Covers: Usually tuition waiver and monthly stipend. Some awards include accommodation and health cover.
Eligibility: Open to foreigners for designated programs with competitive academic records.
How to apply:
1. Identify eligible programs for 2026/2027.
2. Apply via the Ministry or directly to the university as instructed.
3. Upload verified transcripts, passport, and language results.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

7) Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Scholarships, Qatar

Overview: HBKU provides fully funded scholarships for graduate programs across public policy, law, health, science, engineering, and Islamic studies. International students are encouraged to apply.

Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance. Travel support may be available as stated.
Eligibility: All nationalities. Bachelor’s degree for master’s, master’s for PhD, with English proficiency.
How to apply:
1. Select a program and year 2026 or 2027.
2. Complete the online form with transcripts, CV, SOP, and referees.
3. Submit standardized tests if required by the program.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

8) Qatar University Scholarships, Qatar

Overview: Qatar University offers competitive scholarships for international students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Several awards are fully funded.

Covers: Tuition exemption, accommodation, and other allowances depending on the specific scholarship.
Eligibility: Open to non-Qataris meeting academic thresholds and language requirements.
How to apply:
1. Create an admission application for 2026/2027.
2. Apply for eligible scholarship categories within your portal.
3. Provide required documents and references.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

9) Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships, Qatar

Overview: The Doha Institute funds international master’s students in social sciences, humanities, public administration, and development fields.

Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, and travel as specified by the scholarship type.
Eligibility: International bachelor’s graduates with strong academic records. English or Arabic proficiency based on program.
How to apply:
1. Submit an online admission application for 2026/2027.
2. Indicate scholarship interest and upload all requested documents.
3. Complete any interviews or tests if invited.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

10) Qatar Government Scholarships, Qatar

Overview: Government-backed opportunities may be available through national initiatives and partner universities. Availability and coverage can change each cycle.

Covers: Often includes tuition and stipends. Specifics vary by scheme and host institution.
Eligibility: Open to foreign students where stated. Check current calls and fields of study.
How to apply:
1. Monitor government scholarship announcements for 2026/2027.
2. Apply through the designated portal or the host university.
3. Submit proof of academics, language, and identification.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

11) United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships, UAE

Overview: UAEU provides scholarships and graduate assistantships for high-achieving international students. Strong options at master’s and PhD levels.

Covers: Tuition waivers, monthly stipends for assistantships, health insurance. Additional benefits depend on award type.
Eligibility: All nationalities. Academic excellence, English proficiency, and departmental fit are key.
How to apply:
1. Apply for admission in 2026 or 2027.
2. Indicate scholarship or assistantship interest in your application.
3. Provide references, CV, and research plan if required.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

12) Khalifa University Scholarships, United Arab Emirates

Overview: Khalifa University funds international master’s and PhD students in engineering, science, and technology. Known for strong industry partnerships.

Covers: Full tuition, competitive stipends for graduate students, health insurance, and other benefits as specified. Travel support may be available per policy.
Eligibility: Open to international applicants with solid academic backgrounds and English proficiency. GRE and other tests may be required for select programs.
How to apply:
1. Select your graduate program for 2026/2027.
2. Submit online application with transcripts, test scores, SOP, and recommendations.
3. Respond to any interview requests.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

How to apply smart and win funding

Shortlist 3 to 5 programs that match your background and language profile.
Prepare core documents early: passports, transcripts, degree certificates, grading scale, CV, statement of purpose, research proposal for research degrees, and valid IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent.
Line up referees: ask professors or employers who know your work. Give them your CV and SOP so they can write targeted letters.
Customize your SOP for each university. Show fit with labs, faculty, and national research priorities.
Submit before priority windows for the 2026/2027 intake to maximize scholarship chances.
Track your portals and respond fast to requests for interviews or extra documents.

Deadlines for 2026/2027

Timelines differ by university and program. Many open in 2026 and accept applications into 2027. Visit the official website for the current deadline for each scholarship listed above.

FAQ

Do I need to speak Arabic to win these scholarships?

No. Many programs are taught in English, especially at master’s and PhD levels. You will need valid English proficiency scores unless waived.

Can I apply without IELTS or TOEFL?

Sometimes. Some universities accept alternative tests or waive English requirements if your previous degree was taught in English. Always check each program’s policy.

Are these awards truly fully funded?

Many are fully funded and cover tuition plus living costs. The exact package varies. Confirm the stipend amount, housing, health insurance, and any travel support on the official page for your chosen program.

Can I apply while finishing my current degree?

Yes, most universities allow applications with in-progress transcripts. You must submit final, attested documents before enrollment.

Can I bring my spouse or children?

Family policies differ by institution and visa category. Some universities assist with dependent visas while others do not. Check the international office for current rules.

Final tips

Apply early in 2026 for priority consideration and visa processing time.
Target programs where your profile clearly fits faculty interests.
Keep your documents clean, complete, and in the requested format to avoid rejection.

Ready to study in the Arab world on a fully funded scholarship? Shortlist your top picks from this list and apply now for the 2026/2027 intake. The sooner you start, the stronger your application will be.