King Fahd University Scholarship 2026 — Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded MS & PhD
Complete funding for international students at one of the Arab world's top-ranked universities. Tuition, housing, stipend, and more — all covered.
Quick summary: The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is offering fully funded graduate scholarships for international students in 2026. This is not a partial grant — it covers your full tuition, monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical care, and study materials. The application deadline is June 30, 2026, and there is no separate scholarship application — you simply apply for admission and eligible students are automatically considered for funding.
🔗 Ready to apply? Visit the official application portal and submit before June 30, 2026.
Apply Now →1. About King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — known as KFUPM — is located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and has been a centre of academic excellence since 1963. It is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and holds the position of the highest-ranked university in the Arab region in the QS World University Rankings.
KFUPM is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, petroleum and energy studies, and applied sciences. Its graduate programs are built to match global research trends and directly support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 — the national initiative to diversify the economy through innovation and technology.
💡 Why KFUPM stands out: KFUPM is not just a regional name — it is a globally competitive research university with world-class faculty, advanced laboratories, and an active research culture. Graduate students here work alongside leading researchers on problems that matter in energy, technology, and sustainability.
Fields of Study Available
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Petroleum, and more)
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Information Systems
- Robotics and Automation
- Business Analytics and MBA
- Applied Mathematics and Physics
- Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies
- Finance, Accounting, and Management
2. What the Scholarship Covers — Full Benefits
This is a genuinely comprehensive funding package. It is not a partial tuition waiver — it covers your core living and study costs for the full duration of your program.
Full Tuition Coverage
Complete tuition fees for your MS or PhD program are covered. You study completely free of charge.
Monthly Living Stipend
A monthly allowance is provided to cover your day-to-day living expenses throughout your studies.
Free On-Campus Housing
Fully furnished, air-conditioned on-campus accommodation with utilities and maintenance all included.
Medical Coverage
Health insurance and medical care provided for admitted scholarship students throughout the program.
Free Textbooks & Materials
Required textbooks and study materials for your courses are provided at no cost to students.
World-Class Research Facilities
Access to state-of-the-art labs, libraries, sports complexes, and research infrastructure across campus.
✅ Important note: Exact benefits can vary slightly by program and scholarship category. Always confirm the specific package for your chosen program directly on the official KFUPM website before submitting your application.
3. Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to talented students from all nationalities worldwide. KFUPM welcomes international applicants with strong academic backgrounds regardless of where they are from.
| Requirement | MS Programs | PhD Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Academic degree | Recognized bachelor's degree | Relevant bachelor's or master's degree |
| Minimum GPA | Around 2.5/4.0 or equivalent | Around 2.5/4.0 or equivalent |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum ~68 | Minimum ~79 |
| IELTS | Minimum ~6.0 | Minimum ~6.5 |
| GRE / GMAT | Required for some programs (e.g. MBA) | Required for some programs |
| English waiver | May be waived for graduates of English-medium universities — confirm with your department | |
⚠️ Check your specific program: Requirements differ between departments and between thesis-based, project-based, and coursework programs. Always verify the exact eligibility criteria for your chosen program on the official KFUPM admissions page before you apply.
4. Required Documents
Prepare these documents before you start your application. Having everything ready in advance will make the process faster and reduce the risk of missing the deadline.
Official Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts from your undergraduate degree (and graduate degree if applying for PhD). These must be official — not student copies.
Degree Certificate(s)
Your bachelor's degree certificate and any subsequent degrees. Scanned clear copies of the originals.
Statement of Purpose
A one-page essay describing your research interests, career goals, and why you are applying to KFUPM. This is one of the most important parts of your application — be specific and focused.
Short Introductory Video
Around two minutes long — introduce yourself, your academic background, and why you are applying. Keep it professional, clear, and genuine.
Recommendation Letters
Letters from academic referees who know your work — professors, supervisors, or research advisors. Choose people who can speak specifically to your academic ability and potential.
English Proficiency & Test Scores
TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT scores where required by your program. Check your specific program's requirements before booking any tests.
📘 Statement of Purpose tip: The statement is where many applications succeed or fail. For in-depth guidance on writing a compelling research-focused statement, see this guide: How to Get a Scholarship — A Professor's Honest Guide. The section on Statement of Purpose is directly applicable to KFUPM applications.
5. How to Apply — Step by Step
The application process is straightforward. There is no separate scholarship application — you apply for admission to KFUPM, and eligible applicants are automatically considered for scholarship funding.
Click the official application link
Use the official KFUPM admissions portal. Apply only through the official channel to ensure your application is valid and secure. The official link for this scholarship is: tinyurl.com/37e8sr49
Create an account and start your application
Register on the KFUPM admissions portal with a valid email address you check regularly. You will receive correspondence about your application through this email.
Choose your program carefully
Select the specific MS or PhD program you want to apply for. Check its eligibility requirements, research areas, and faculty profiles before finalising your choice. Applying to the right program for your background significantly improves your chances.
Complete the application form
Fill in all required fields accurately. Double-check every entry before moving on — errors in your academic history or contact details can cause delays.
Upload all required documents
Scan all documents clearly and in the correct format specified by the portal (usually PDF). Make sure transcripts are official, not student-downloaded copies. Upload your introductory video to an accessible link if required.
Submit before June 30, 2026
Do not wait until the final day. Submit at least one to two weeks before the deadline to allow time to resolve any technical issues. Some programs may have earlier internal deadlines — verify with your specific department.
Apply for the KFUPM Scholarship 2026
Fully funded MS and PhD programs for international students. Tuition, housing, stipend, and medical coverage — all included. Apply through the official portal.
Apply Now on the Official Portal → Opens the official KFUPM application page · Credit: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)6. Why This Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
There are thousands of scholarships listed online. What makes KFUPM genuinely worth the effort?
- Complete funding — not just tuition. Many scholarships cover tuition only and leave students struggling with living costs. KFUPM's package includes housing, stipend, medical care, and books — so your financial position is stable for the full duration of your degree.
- Global research output. KFUPM is not just a well-resourced university — it is an active research institution publishing in top international journals. Graduate students participate in real research projects with real impact.
- Vision 2030 alignment. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative is directing enormous investment into technology, energy, and education. KFUPM graduates in AI, engineering, and energy fields are positioned for strong career opportunities in one of the world's most rapidly developing economies.
- Career network in the Gulf. KFUPM has strong industry connections, particularly with Saudi Aramco and other major regional and international energy companies. A KFUPM degree carries weight with employers across the Gulf and beyond.
- Low competition relative to its quality. Because KFUPM is less known to students outside the Arab world and Asia, competition from certain regions is lower than it would be for equivalent scholarships at European or US universities. Strong applicants from any country have a genuine chance.
✅ Opportunity summary: Fully funded · MS and PhD · All nationalities eligible · No separate scholarship application · Deadline June 30, 2026 · One of the Arab world's top-ranked research universities
Frequently Asked Questions
The main application deadline is June 30, 2026. However, some individual programs or departments may have earlier internal deadlines — especially for thesis-based and PhD programs. Apply as early as possible and verify the specific deadline for your chosen program on the official KFUPM website.
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, free furnished on-campus housing with utilities, medical coverage, and textbooks. It is a comprehensive package — not just a tuition waiver. Exact benefits may vary by program, so always confirm your specific package on the official KFUPM admissions page.
The scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor's degree (for MS) or relevant degree (for PhD), a minimum GPA of around 2.5/4.0, and meet English proficiency requirements — typically TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores. Requirements differ between programs, so check your specific program's page.
No. There is no separate scholarship application. You simply apply for admission to KFUPM through the official admissions portal. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for funding as part of the admission process. This keeps the process straightforward — one application covers both admission and scholarship consideration.
Not necessarily. English proficiency requirements are typically waived for graduates of universities where the medium of instruction is English. If your degree was completed in English, you may not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores — but confirm this with your specific department directly through the KFUPM website before assuming a waiver applies.
A strong application for KFUPM combines a good academic record with a specific, well-written Statement of Purpose that names a clear research interest and connects it to KFUPM's programs. Strong recommendation letters from academics who know your work closely also make a significant difference. See this guide for detailed advice: How to Get a Scholarship — A Professor's Honest Guide.
Final Thoughts
The King Fahd University Scholarship 2026 is one of the most complete fully funded opportunities available to international students this year. KFUPM covers your tuition, your housing, your living costs, and your medical care — giving you the financial stability to focus entirely on your studies and research.
The deadline is June 30, 2026. That is close enough that preparation should start today — gather your documents, write your Statement of Purpose, and reach out to your recommenders. The application process is straightforward: one application for admission automatically enters you into scholarship consideration.
If you are a motivated, academically strong student looking for a fully funded graduate opportunity in a globally ranked, research-active university — this is the kind of opportunity that changes careers.
🎯 One action to take right now: Click the apply link below, create your account on the KFUPM admissions portal, and check the requirements for your specific program. The entire process starts with that first step.
🔗 Official application — deadline June 30, 2026
Apply for KFUPM Scholarship →