It’s not impossible to get a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia. In fact, many scholarships are available for students in this country. The kingdom has a comprehensive scholarship system which is described by many as the best in the world.
If you are hoping to study in Saudi Arabia under the Saudi Arabia Scholarship 2023 scheme, then read this detailed guide to the Best Study in Saudi Arabia Scholarships scheme as provided by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission.
About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country consisting of the Arabian Peninsula and some of the surrounding islands. The country is bordered by the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east.
It has a population of 27 million people, making it the third most populous country in the Middle East, but the most populous Arab country, and the second most populous country in the world to have no coastline.
Saudi Arabia is home to the two holiest mosques in Islam, the Masjid al-Haram as-Sharif in Makkah and the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madina. The country has historically been an important center of Islamic education, where the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence were refined.
The Kingdom located on the Persian Gulf and is the largest country in the Middle East, occupying 80 percent of the Arabian Peninsula. The country has borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Yemen and Oman.
The Saudi Climate
Saudi Arabia has mostly a desert climate, with high temperatures during the day and lower temperatures at night. In Riyadh, the average high is 43 degrees C and the average low is 29 degrees C in July, while the average high is 19 degrees C in January, with an average low of 11 degrees C. The record low in Riyadh is -1 degrees C and the record high is 53 degrees C.
Saudi Culture
Music and dance both have strong traditions in Saudi Arabia. The country’s national dance is Al Ardha which is a sword dance based on Bedouin traditions. Belly dancing for women is also very popular. Sports are also very popular, especially soccer and basketball.
Cost of living in Saudi Arabia
The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is fairly high. Even on a tight budget, a student will likely require at least $US 1,500 per month. Student visas do not grant employment rights.
Saudi Visa Requirements
Students who are citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council nations do not need a visa to study in Saudi Arabia; however, all other students must have a visa. To apply for a visa, a student must have a recent police report and a medical report certifying the student has no contagious diseases.
Students with families must also provide marriage and birth certificates for family members. Students can apply for visas with the Saudi embassy or consulate in their home country. Once students have a visa, they should pay particular attention to expiration dates, as the Saudi system uses the lunar calendar instead of the Western solar calendar.
The Saudi Arabia Scholarship Scheme
The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers scholarships every year to outstanding students from various countries of the world.
This comes in line with the growing attention and support given by the kingdom to the dissemination of knowledge and scientific research, as part of its multiple contributions to scientific and cultural communication world widely, in fostering of the advancement of human civilization.
Why study in Saudi Arabia?
There are so many reasons why distinguished and outstanding students like to study in Saudi Arabia. The reasons include:
- Saudi Arabia universities are renowned for their scientific excellence. Some of the Saudi universities are ranked among the top universities in the world in terms of research centers.
- Saudi universities provide excellent environments for academic research, through their well-equipped research centers.
- Diverse educational and cultural environments at Saudi universities. There are international students from more than 165 countries currently studying at Saudi universities. In addition to multinational academics and staff members who work at these universities.
- Saudi universities provide full and quality care for scholarship students.
Entry Requirements for Saudi Arabia Scholarship 2023
The same admission requirements for Saudi students also apply to scholarship students at higher education institutions.
The candidate’s age must neither be less than 17 years nor more than 25 years for the undergraduate level and the Arabic Teaching Institute or its equivalent; 30 years for the Master’s and 35 years for the doctoral levels, respectively.
Non-Saudi candidates must obtain approval of competent authorities in their countries if required there, for them to travel for study in Saud Arabia.
The candidate must have not been granted a scholarship by another educational institution in Saudi Arabia.
Certificates and credentials must be attested by the competent authorities determined by the educational institution.
The candidate must have not been expelled from an educational institution in Saudi Arabia.
Benefits of Saudi Arabia scholarship scheme
- Health care for you and your family members living with you in Saudi Arabia.
- Accommodation.
- Annual travel tickets.
- Financial stipends when you come to study and upon graduation.
- All benefits enjoyed by Saudi students at the same institution.
- A supervised unit at the educational institution, which provides services to scholarship students.
- Scientific, cultural, social, and media programs.
- Support from academic staff to obtain appropriate academic guidance and counseling.
- Incorporeal and material incentives for outstanding students.
How to apply for Saudi Arabia scholarship 2023
You can apply for the Saudi Arabia scholarship 2021 by applying directly to the university of your choice via its website (a list of Saudi government universities is provided hereunder).
Courses to study in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi scholarship allows you to study any discipline offered by the university you choose except medicine and health-related disciplines.
How to get more information about Saudi Arabia Scholarship 2021
Because each university has its own regulations and conditions, the best way to gain more information is by visiting the website of the university you choose. Please search for contact info for the Office of Grants or Scholarships. At SACM-Canberra, we can help you with general inquiries and main questions.
Links to government universities in Saudi Arabia:
Higher Education in Saudi Arabia
Higher education in Saudi Arabia is consistent with the US higher education system but modified to accommodate Islamic traditions and customs. The first university, King Saud University, was founded in Riyadh in 1957.
The Ministry of Higher Education oversees all higher education in the country, with a particular focus on scientific research at the government universities. More than 200,000 students are currently enrolled at Saudi universities and colleges; about half of the students are women.
The higher education system includes 21 government universities, 19 teacher’s colleges for men, 80 teacher’s colleges for women, 37 colleges and institutes for health, 12 technical colleges and 24 private universities and colleges.
Universities and colleges offer graduate programs that include both masters and doctoral degrees. Private universities and institutions are non-profit organizations that complement government universities. Most government universities are general universities, but some specialize in certain areas such as petroleum and health.
Academic Year
The first semester classes generally begin in early September and run through early December, followed by final exams. The second semester begins in early February and runs through early May, followed by final exams.
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